Leila’s placement reflections

I undertook a placement at Underground Lights as part of my MA in Applied Theatre at the University of Warwick, and I couldn’t be happier with how it went! I started in February, and will continue to volunteer at the weekly Creative Cafe sessions until the end of June. Attending these sessions has had a huge impact on my learning and development as an applied theatre facilitator.

Beth and Hayley are always very helpful and supportive, and are excellent facilitators to learn from. The creative cafe participant group are kind, friendly, and welcoming, and I have enjoyed getting to know them over these months. It is truly a joy to work with such a motivated and creative group. Every week at Underground Lights is different – over the weeks I have found myself singing in Romanian, discussing experiences of community and inclusion, and dancing to Cotton Eye Joe. After a few weeks of attending, I ran my own workshop for the first time. It was a nerve-wracking but very fun experience, and I am very grateful for the trust from both the other facilitators and participants.

Volunteering at Underground Lights has been such an important part of my education, and I am incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity!