Theater Internship

Has it really been a month?

These past four weeks have not been at all what I expected from my internship. Even with that being the case, I have really enjoyed it so far and have learned a great deal. I came into this internship expecting to work all the time and basically do whatever anyone need at any time. It hasn’t been like that at all. Yes, I still do what others want me to, but as of right now I only work 9 to 2. I also believed I would be involved in the productions in some shape or form. That has not been the case. These past few weeks have been more about me observing and asking questions. Normally I wouldn’t have liked this, but It has given me a chance I think to enjoy whats going on more. I’ve also been able to relax and take in everything that is going on.

My main goal for this summers internship was to learn more about stage management and what it takes to be good. A good deal of what I learned I already know, but hearing more about it has helped to solidify it in my mind. I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned is how important it is to be well rounded in the theater world. The more little skills you have the better. Also Organization is key. I think it even comes close to beating being able to communicate. Many people have told me time and again that you have to be well organized to make a good stage manager. So in a nut shell there are four keys to being a good stage manager; be well rounded, organized, be able to communicate, and be aware. If you are good at these four things you are more than likely going to succeed at being a stage manager.

One thing that my director has reiterated quite a bit is, be good to people. I have always tried to be this way, but she wants to make sure you know just how important it is. With this being said, she doesn’t mean let people walk over you, but don’t intentionally hurt anyone either. I can say that I haven’t always had the best idea of what professional theater people would be like. But because of her and others in this theater, I have a little more hope. I know that not everyone will be like this, but it still makes me hopeful.

Another thing that has been so great about this internship is how willing thy all are to help you out, teach you, and answer your questions. One day I spent an hour and a half talking to the lady who ran the costume shop about her experiences. I was enthralled. She was so happy to sit and share. By doing so I learned quite a bit what is like to be in the business and how sometimes your plans don’t go as planed. She made two points though that will always stick with. She said, “Nothing is below your pay grade,” and “It’s a business.” They both struck me as things I need to remember and live by as I work in the theater and just in life.

Everyone I have talk to thus far has talked about the importance of being in college. You wouldn’t think that this is something that would really strike me, but it did. After this year, I was really down about school and I truthfully had second thoughts about coming back. I figured I could go ahead and start working in the theater world. From what I have learned from several people, I am happy to say I didn’t. Even though you don’ necessarily need a degree to do theater it will help you more than you think. I also think that hearing from so many of these people that have made quite a name for themselves in theater also helped.

I still have two months left of this internship and I am so excited to see what happens. I have already learned so much and feel so much better for it. I hope that the next two months are filled with twice as much. Even though this hasn’t turned out the way I expected, I am happy that is the way that it is.