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Internship Graphic Novel. Kaylyn Syvret. The Donmar Warehouse is a 250-seat subsidised theatre located in Covent Garden, London’s West End, with a reputation as one of the UK’s leading producing theatres. .
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Internship Graphic Novel Kaylyn Syvret
The Donmar Warehouse is a 250-seat subsidisedtheatre located in Covent Garden, London’s West End, with a reputation as one of the UK’s leading producing theatres. The theatre has a diverse artistic policy that includes new writing, contemporary reappraisals of European classics, British and American drama and small scale musical theatre.
Theatrical producer, Donald Albery, founded the Donmar Company in 1953. The Royal Shakespeare Company acquired it as a theatre and renamed it the Warehouse in 1977. In 1990, Roger Wingate became responsible for the theatre’s acquisition and re-opened it in 1992.
Sam Mendes became the Artistic Director from 1992-2002. Michael Grandage is the current Artistic Director, but is celebrating his last season with the Donmar. Josie Rourke will succeed Michael in January 2012.
Presents at least six productions a year in Covent Garden, as well as working nationally and internationally. Donmar productions have received 40 Olivier Awards, 23 Critics’ Circle Awards, 21 Evening Standard Awards, two South Bank Awards and 20 Tony Awards from ten Broadway productions.
OrganizationalChart Executive Producer Artistic Director Associate Director Marketing Production Manager Casting/ Creative Office Admin Development Finance Education
Office Environment All of the administrative employees work in one average sized office space with divided sections for each department. Overall, the office is fun but still centers around serious work. Sometimes things can feel a bit cramped, but for the most part having the other departments close by is extremely ideal for good communication.
Covent Garden Eastern fringe of the West End Includes the Royal Opera House, Seven Dials shopping area and various indoor/outdoor markets Covent Garden is my favorite place in London! Great for shopping and eating before or after work. It makes my whole experience that much more enjoyable.
Projects One of the largest projects I worked on was the Michael Grandage: Decade at the Donmar Gala event. I helped plan the Dryden Street Drinks event, along with many Director’s Forum evenings and special guest speaker events.
Other Projects • Headed two major research projects: • New membership scheme • Fundraising and donor event ideas surrounding the new 2012 season • Work with membership renewals • Troubleshoot patron issues • Extensive work with Tessitura • Mailing initiatives for new and renewing memberships
Cultural Differences Most of the cultural differences I experienced were with British slang and their use of different words for certain things. I never found these differences to be an issue, but rather, simply a learning curve. And I very much appreciate their love of tea! I also found it funny that everyone in the office abbreviates everything! Ex: brilliant is “brill”, fabulous is “fab”, etc.
Reflection My experience at the Donmar has been extremely enriching. I have always been interested in Development and my semester with the Donmar has solidified my passion for this field. I plan to try and pursue a career in Development upon graduation. It offers a great balance of event planning, finance and one-on-one contact with the patrons. I’ve learned how to troubleshoot patron problems and I’ve gained a better understanding of all that encompasses event planning and fundraising. I also understand how to use a new ticketing/patron system; Tessitura. Culturally, I’ve appreciated the deep love that Britain has for theatre and the arts. It has re-energized my love for theatre.