Leah Baker, a third-year student at the University of Bedfordshire, has been offered an internship at the 1,400 seater Theatre, where she will fill the role of Assistant Stage Manager for a fortnight in July and August.

Leah’s post will include supporting the Creative Learning Team with the running of rehearsals and performances of the Stage Experience production of The Wiz – an adaption of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Stage Experience is an annual event run by the Theatre, which enables up to 130 local young performers aged 10-21 years to produce a full-scale musical theatre production within two weeks, led by a team of industry professionals, on an annual basis.

As the production’s main partner, the University is sponsoring four local performers in The Wiz.

And the agreement has led to the internship for Leah, who has her own ambitions of working in the theatre.

“I was really excited when I was given the news of the internship and I can’t wait to get started,” said Leah, who is set to graduate from the University next month.

“To be given the opportunity of gaining some valuable experience with a theatre is just what I wanted.

“I would like to teach younger children the art of theatre-making, so to work with so many young performers on The Wiz will be great preparation for such a career.”

In addition to Leah’s position, further internship roles include two students from the University’s Business School and Performing Arts course; each working on The Wiz as a Wardrobe Assistant and Social Media Assistant.

Sarah Waller, Interim Sponsorship Manager at Bedfordshire, added: “It’s great to work with partners who become part of our students’ journey.

“Seeing students acquiring high level industry experiences as part of the Stage Experience initiative is a real boost to their employability prospects.”