Theatre majors make the most of summer internships

Last year, most internships were shut down because of the pandemic. However, as the world is slowly returning back to normal, lots of Heidelberg theatre students were able to book an internship this summer. They’re spread across the country, learning the many facets of successful theatre and arts programs from performing to tech crew to camp counselor.  

The students feel extremely lucky to get back to what they love. In all, about 10 theatre majors are completing summer internships. Here, they share the great work they’re doing and some of the transferrable skills that will carry them into their careers. 

Lizzie Bowman

Senior
Newark, Ohio
Theatre and History double major 

Internship Location: Midland Theatre in Newark, Ohio. 
Job Position and Responsibilities: I have been working in the box office mostly, but I have also created events flyers, helped organize donor lists and any other work that needs to be done. Recently I have been included in conversations about marketing and fundraising for our campaign, and have been learning how to approach prospective donors and how to get them interested in donating to the campaign. 
What I have learned: Being a part of these fundraising meetings has taught me that there are many steps to a campaign and that the work begins many years in advance and then begins in a “silent stage,” where the organization quietly approaches large potential donors.

Jasmine Ridler

Senior
Rittman, Ohio
History and Theatre double major

Internship Location: “A Christmas Story” House and Museum, Cleveland
Job Position and Responsibilities: As a tour guide, I am responsible for giving daily tours to the guests of  “A Christmas Story” House and Museum. Since the business receives over 100,000 visitors of all ages, from all over the world, the tour guides must be prepared for anything. Tour guides not only take the visitors through the property but additionally give out 15-20 minutes of scripted facts in an engaging and story-telling-like manner. Tour guides can give anywhere between 1-6 tours a day and in between each tour, we help maintain the landscaping and gift shop, all while ensuring a pleasant and memorable experience for each guest.
What I’ve learned: I’ve learned how to stay focused and perform for 7-8 hours at a time. How to perform the same 15-20 minute monologue 4 times a day consistently. I’ve learned how to have fun and find the adventure in repetition as every audience is different.

Chantress DeWitt

Sophomore
Cardington, Ohio
Theatre and History double major

Internship Location: Nourish Events at the Columbus Zoo
Job Description and Responsibilities: I am helping plan and organize the catering side of events with clients at the Columbus Zoo. I am in charge of July and August picnics and I help with daytime events, evening events, and weddings during my shifts. 
What I have learned: I have learned better time management because I am having to have a schedule for my shifts and events. I have also learned how to organize and plan things effectively. This internship has also given me more confidence in making choices.

Allison Gonzales 

Senior
Richfield, Ohio
Environmental Science & Sustainability and Theatre double major

Internship Location: Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield, Wisconsin
Job Description and Responsibilities: I help run sound cables and I have learned how to mix sound into individual monitors. I've also learned a lot about how to better stage manage actors and artists. By the end of my internship, I will have stage managed a concert and run a professional sound board by myself.
What I have learned: I've learned how to set up sound equipment in a concert venue and how to stage manage band members. 

Solana Petrone

Junior
Lakewood, Ohio
Theatre Major

Internship Location: “Get Away with Murder Inc.” for murder mystery party events at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Job Description and Responsibilities: I’ll be performing in an improv, interactive dinner theatre experience for the train riders. 
What I have learned: I’m learning a lot about quick thinking on my feet, interacting with people in character, and switching between characters quickly and believably. 

Ben Pollizi

Junior
Chippewa Lake, Ohio
Theatre major

Internship Location: French Woods Performing Arts Festival in Hancock, New York 
Job Description and Responsibilities: My job mostly involves the general day-to-day care and well-being of my kids. I make sure they’re up and ready, take them to meals and activities, participate with them and their daily lives at camp and help them however I can. 
What I have learned: I have learned that when children are given a space to explore and try new things, the possibilities of what they can create is limitless. I have always known this, but seeing it in real time has been extraordinary

Gavin Buurma

Senior
Willard, Ohio
Theatre major

Internship Location: Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre in Logan, Utah
Job Description and Responsibilities: I work in the box office. I sell tickets, help patrons and work shows. I’m also sitting in on grant writing sessions and teaching an acting course to elementary school students. 
What I have learned: I have learned more hands-on customer service experiences and a new ticketing system. Also, I’ve learned that I love going on the gorgeous hikes I’ve been on and seeing this part of the country.

Anna Gerber

Senior
Richfield, Ohio
Theatre and English double major

Internship Location: Porthouse Theatre in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Job Description and Responsibilities: I am on the sound team as a microphone tech. We took a couple of weeks to load in all of our equipment. We use everything from Kent so we had to transport it from campus. We have to set up and put away the orchestra and our stage monitors between all performances. During shows, I hang out backstage and am around in case any of the mics need anything. I’ll also be running sound cues in the next show. 
What I have learned: I’ve learned a lot about working in professional theatre and everything that goes into outdoor theatre as well. It’s been really interesting learning how much goes into setting up the sound, from speakers to videos for the orchestra, and the massive amount of cable needed to keep everything connected. I’ve also been able to learn a lot about stage management just by observing the stage manager and seeing his rehearsal reports. 

Hannah Schoen

Senior
Republic, Ohio
Theatre major

Internship Location: Long Lake Camp for the Arts in Long Lake, New York
Job Description: I am working as a camp counselor at an arts camp that includes a large variety of activities available, and I will be looking after the kids while also helping around the camp.
What I have learned: Internship hasn’t started yet.