Arcadia England

We have heard some great internship stories in the past but this has got to be one of my favourite. Dominique. C. a Drama and Theatre major at Emerson College was interning at a theatre here in London. With her natural drive and tenacity she ended up writing, directing and starring in a play. Rather than me explaining how this came about, Dominique has kindly composed the events.

I climbed the steps to the theatre and entered another world. I saw the artistic director, Leonie Scott­ Matthews for the first time and knew exactly who she was. A brilliant poet, lovely and passionate about the theatre and its history. She chatted with me asking me questions about my craft, what I like to do and what I want to do at the theatre.

One evening I overheard her express concern that the theatre did not have a show coming up for another 3 weeks. I loved the theatre already and I could feel the space was accessible to me, this situation was only as unfortunate as I made it.

When I came to the UK I had no idea what was in store for me.

I decided I would ask Leonie personally if she could allow me to direct a show of my own, a contemporary one act. Not knowing much about me, or my capabilities she agreed to the offer anyway and was curious to see what I could do.

I began to search for the perfect one act play. Though I had no luck with finding one that would not require royalties and it became obvious to me that if I was going to put on a play at all, I needed to write it. I talked to two fellow interns at the theatre. I asked them what they thought about an original show.

Little did I know during this time I would also be introduced to Michael Dickinson, a playwright/actor and friend of Leonie’s. All the pieces came together as more young interns found their way to the theatre. A production team was forming before my eyes and the success of this idea became real.

We are endlessly grateful to Leonie and her trust in us, the kind of exposure we received was unlike anything we could have ever imagined.

Michael and I decided to both direct and star in the play which took 2 weeks to write and
3 weeks of rehearsal. What came of this situation was our show, “Moving Clouds” which is the very first play I have ever written. The show focuses on power dynamics and relationships, highlighting the similarities between people society deems crazy and sane. We were solely in charge with the success of this project.The show was performed 10th and 12th July and was extremely well received.

In a foreign city I built a home from doing what I love. When I came to the UK I had no idea what was in store for me. I am blessed for the opportunities that have unravelled before my eyes as well as the ones I have made for myself.