Mahlia Theismann: Assistant Director
Mahlia Theismann
BA Theatre and Performance Studies, 2017
Based in: Switzerland
Formerly from: Luxembourg
First job: Receptionist
Ambitions for the future:
Find a better work-life balance!
Assistant Director at Schauspielhaus Zurich (the biggest theatre institution in Switzerland), and freelance Artistic Director in Luxemburg.
Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.
In my job as an assistant director, I hold a whole production together. It's more than just assisting, it's also a bit of stage management, it's a lot of organisation, communication, and awareness of what each production and each person involved needs. I was attracted by the fact that I'm always right in the middle of the theatre production from the first rehearsal on to the very last show.
When I direct, I let my creativity flow and make my own decisions. I get to put into actions the images I had in my head and create them with talented and passionate people.
What’s your favourite part of the role?
I love being part of a group of people working towards the same goal!
What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?
General knowledge about theatre and performance.
What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?
Get more practical experience before graduating. Know what you want and how to use your energy. Find what drives you, find the people who push you up, and stay away from those who pull you down. Don't give up – know and believe in what you're good at and just always do your best.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I don't have a typical day. My days can be so varied, it always depends at what point of a production I'm at. If it's the rehearsal process, I might be in rehearsal from 10am to 5pm. If I have shows, they might be on evenings, weekends, morning (if it's a school show). Sometimes I have to deal with very unexpected situations, which can blow up any kind of plans that might have been. That what makes this job so exciting and never boring.
What’s the strangest interview question you’ve ever been asked?
What would I do if it wasn't theatre?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?
Don't be afraid to be bold or overstep.
What should current students or recent alumni be doing to move their careers forward?
Know what they want or have a precise goal. And if they don't, take time to figure it out.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?
That the theatre industry (at least in Europe, outside of the UK) doesn't work the same way as the business world. It's all a lot more about contacts and practical skills.