My Internship with Unfolding Theatre: a blog post by Zainab Nadeem
Newcastle University student Zainab Nadeem recently finished her internship at Unfolding Theatre. Here, she reflects on her time with the company and what skills and memories she will take away with her.
A few months ago, I walked into Unfolding Theatre as a marketing intern, excited but unsure of what to expect. Looking back now, it feels incredible to think about how much I have learnt, the people I have met, and the experiences I have been lucky enough to be part of.
Much of my internship centred around Here Be Dragons, a project that I quickly fell in love with. From sitting in rehearsals filming content to admiring the show on event days, I was able to experience the production from a unique behind-the-scenes perspective. Some of my favourite moments came from filming the cast during rehearsals, documenting their creativity and hilarious jokes, and coming up with fun ideas for social media content. There was always laughter somewhere in the room, and the imagination that fuelled the project made every filming day feel different from the last.
Alongside creating content, I managed social media channels, designed posts and reels on Instagram, and helped tell the story of Unfolding Theatre's work online. I also gained valuable experience analysing audience engagement through social media insights on Metricool and Google Analytics, allowing me to see how content performs and how organisations use data to better connect with their audiences. I worked on newsletters and learned more about the importance of audience communication, helping to ensure that supporters, participants and communities remained connected to the company's work.
One of the most valuable aspects of the internship was being trusted with real responsibilities while still feeling fully supported. Victoria Sanderson, Annie Rigby and Midge Ryall created an environment where I never felt lost, new, or like a burden. Instead, they guided me every step of the way with patience, encouragement and genuine kindness. No question ever felt too small, and every achievement was celebrated. Their support gave me confidence in my abilities and helped me feel seen, valued and capable in a professional environment. As someone taking their first steps into the marketing sector, that encouragement made an enormous difference.
A particular highlight was attending a trustees' meeting, where I gained a deeper understanding of how organisations operate behind the scenes. It was fascinating to see the strategic conversations that help shape the future of the company and understand how different people contribute to making projects happen. Being remembered by name for shining is a memory I will cherish and stand by.
What struck me most throughout my time at Unfolding Theatre was the organisation's commitment to inclusion. Whether through projects like East End Story Makers, which provides free creative opportunities for young people, or the North East Deaf Youth Summer Camp, accessibility and community are never treated as afterthoughts. They are central to everything the company does. Seeing these projects firsthand reinforced how important it is to create spaces where everyone feels welcomed, represented and able to participate.
The impact of this internship even reached beyond the workplace and into my university studies. During a group marketing project, I found myself drawing directly from my experiences at Unfolding Theatre. I was able to present and discuss the very tools I had been using professionally, including platforms for newsletter creation and website analytics; being able to connect classroom learning with real-world experience gave me a new level of confidence and made me realise how much practical knowledge I had gained.
Above all, this internship showed me the power of a supportive team and a company driven by purpose. Unfolding Theatre doesn't just create performances, it creates opportunities, builds communities and ensures people feel like they belong. Through every rehearsal, social media post, newsletter and event, I saw firsthand how much care goes into making people feel included. As my internship comes to an end, I leave with new skills, greater confidence and a clearer sense of where I want to go next.
I am incredibly grateful to Victoria, Annie, Midge and everyone at Unfolding Theatre for welcoming me so warmly, believing in me and helping me grow. Their support has left a lasting impact, and I know the lessons I've learnt here will stay with me throughout my future career. Most of all, I'll remember the magic of Here Be Dragons, the creativity, the laughter, the community, and the feeling that something special was always unfolding just behind the scenes.