Jamie

Jamie - Work Placement at The Marlowe Theatre

Age: 18-25

Career Journey:
Jamie began his journey at The Marlowe Theatre through a work placement programme with Lily’s Social Kitchen, an organisation dedicated to providing employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work. From the very beginning, Jamie was welcomed into a dynamic and inclusive environment where he was encouraged to develop his confidence and professional skills in a real-world setting. The staff at The Marlowe, experienced in supporting neurodiverse employees, ensured that Jamie felt part of the team and was given the opportunity to shine.

Career Highlights:
Jamie quickly became a valued member of The Marlowe Theatre team. His enthusiasm to learn and assist in any situation made a lasting impact on his colleagues. From welcoming guests as part of the Front of House team to assisting the Building Services department with unexpected tasks-including rescuing a seagull from the roof-Jamie proved himself to be adaptable, resourceful, and dedicated. His proactive approach and willingness to take on any challenge made him a standout team member.

Jamie’s contributions did not go unnoticed. Tom Benfield, Box Office Manager, praised his hard work and commitment, saying, “I’m sure we’ll hear from you when work opportunities arise here at The Marlowe, but wherever you go, any employer would be lucky to have you on board”.

What He Enjoyed Most:
Jamie thrived in the engaging and supportive atmosphere at The Marlowe Theatre. He particularly enjoyed the variety of experiences he was exposed to, as well as the opportunity to meet and work with a diverse range of people. The sense of camaraderie and teamwork made his placement a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

Impact of His Placement:
Jamie’s time at The Marlowe Theatre was instrumental in preparing him for future employment. His experience not only built essential workplace skills but also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the performing arts and hospitality sectors. His placement reinforced how a supportive and welcoming environment can have a profound impact on career development.

Beyond Jamie’s personal growth, The Marlowe Theatre also benefited from working with Lily’s Social Kitchen. The experience encouraged the theatre to further embrace inclusivity and diversity in their workplace, providing meaningful opportunities for neurodiverse individuals.

Jamie’s journey serves as a testament to the value of work placements in helping young people build confidence, develop key skills, and take meaningful steps toward future employment.

Key Skills & Expertise:
During his placement, Jamie gained hands-on experience across multiple operational departments within The Marlowe Theatre. He developed key skills in teamwork, adaptability, and customer service, proving his ability to handle a variety of roles with enthusiasm and efficiency. His reliability and punctuality stood out, demonstrating his understanding of the importance of commitment and responsibility in the workplace. Jamie also showcased impressive versatility, seamlessly integrating into different teams and taking on a variety of tasks with a positive attitude.