Photo by Lillie Sherry
Student Name: Charlotte
Pathway Programme: Pathways to Arts, Culture & Heritage (2025 Cohort)
Internship Role: Artist Development Assistant
Internship Employer: Exeter Northcott and Barnfield Theatres
Summary of Organisation: Elevate is our programme here at the Exeter Northcott and Barnfield Theatres that is geared towards helping South West based artists take their next steps, whatever their level of experience. We began in August 2025, and have over 250 members already, and the work includes writer/dramaturgical support, producing mentorship, writing funding bids, curating bespoke support plans for artists of a range of disciplines, and a lot more. I work within the creative engagement team, which also includes our youth development producer and our community producer. It’s an exciting time to be at the Northcott, we’re back to producing our own shows and our work is receiving national attention and acclaim.
Introduction of the internship:
“This summer, I had the unique privilege of joining Exeter Northcott and Barnfield Theatres as an Artist Development Assistant through the University of Exeterās Professional Pathways programme. The scheme connects students with competitive internships in the cultural sector, offering valuable work experience and tailored training, and Iām so grateful to have been selected.
Following a rigorous application and training process, I was thrilled to be placed with the Northcottās Artist Development programme, where I worked from June to July 2025. The internship was part-time and hybrid, with some evening commitments (watching brilliant shows ā not a bad way to spend a workday!).”
Please briefly outline the project/tasks/responsibilities you worked on during your Professional Pathways internship:
“Throughout the placement, I worked closely with Sam Parker, Artist Development Producer, on Elevate, the theatreās flagship programme for supporting South West-based artists at all stages of their careers.
Elevate is home to a vibrant community of over 250 members. During my time, I was fully immersed in a range of activities. From engaging with individual artists in workshop settings to providing dramaturgical feedback, I was able to apply my skills in a real-world context. I also had the opportunity to spend time within the wider Creative Engagement team, whose work spans youth development and community outreach.
Some standout moments for me included:
– Reading and feeding back on scripts submitted through the 2024 writer support scheme, and meeting the cohort of writers selected to receive ongoing development.
– Sitting in on rehearsals for the Northcottās Romeo and Juliet and attending its Press Night ā an unforgettable experience.
– Assisting with script work on Exe Men, a new show by Ashley Pharoah, which premieres this autumn.
– Visiting Bristol Old Vic Theatre School for their New Writing Festival, spotlighting exciting new work from MA Writing students.
– Gaining insight into the practical side of running a creative organisation through artist assemblies and team meetings, including an introduction to funding applications and Arts Council strategy.”
How has the Professional Pathways programme helped you in taking the next steps in your career?
“The practical skills I gained in the programme (dramaturgy, communication, time management, and relationship-building) are already proving invaluable. I have since realised my own ambitions and, following my manager’s advice, have been able to understand the job market in the industry, tailoring my post-graduation job search to roles in script development and editorial work.”
How do you think this experience will impact on your employability as you enter the job market as a recent graduate?
“I felt trusted and encouraged to contribute meaningfully from the outset. I had the chance to meet a range of local artists, build relationships, and support the development of some genuinely exciting new work. It was gratifying to apply my knowledge and passion for theatre and writing in a real-world setting, including taking on high-profile script-reading responsibilities. I also developed essential professional skills, including time management, communication, and the ability to provide clear and constructive dramaturgical feedback. Iāll carry these tools with me into my future career.”
What achievement(s) were you particularly proud of during your Pathways internship?
“Knowing my passion for writing and new work, my manager invited me to assist with the development of Exe Men, a new show by Emmy Award-winning writer Ashley Pharoah. I was able to read drafts and gain direct insight into the professional writing process, providing feedback that was praised for its clarity and narrative integrity, both by my manager and one of the theatre’s CEOs. Similarly, my manager facilitated opportunities for me to engage with regional industry networks, including a visit to the New Writing Festival at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. During this visit, there was a period when I was left alone to represent the Northcott. I successfully enabled connections between South-West writers and the Northcott Theatre for future partnerships. This trust boosted my professional credibility and helped me to network with other emerging artists in the sector successfully.”
To conclude:
“Above all, I am deeply grateful to Sam Parker, who not only provided me with a wealth of knowledge and guidance but also created a supportive and welcoming environment, allowing me to learn, grow, and represent the theatre. I always felt that my skills were seen and valued, and thatās an incredible thing for someone just starting in the industry.
This internship has not only been a rewarding experience but also a significant milestone in my journey. It has helped me take the leap from university into the professional world, with more confidence, clarity, and connections than I could have hoped for. Thank you again to the Professional Pathways team and to everyone at the Northcott who made this possible!”
