I started my internship at Shea’s Performing Arts Center last semester beginning in August 2014. I initially began looking for internships on my own during the end of my sophomore year at Canisius. After interning at Shea’s for a semester and loving it, I decided to stay on for another semester. I am working in the Development Office, mostly helping out with special events and annual fundraising. So far, I have had the opportunity to go back stage and see the star’s dressing rooms, listen to the orchestra for Cinderella practice in the lobby, and help out at events where I could see all of my hard work pay off.
Your first internship experience is always a little nerve-wracking because you do not know what to expect. However, there are a few things I have learned over the past few months that can help you avoid some of the pitfalls of a first-time intern. For all of you theatre fanatics out there, I have cleverly connected some common theatrical terms to my experience as an intern thus far. For those of you who are not, I have included the real definitions of the words so we are all on the same page.
Blocking- the instructions that actors use to know exactly where they are supposed to be on stage at all times
The first day at Shea’s was a lot of introductions and logistics. This information overload was overwhelming and even a little bit boring at times, but it was crucial for me to listen carefully and take notes. This is the information you’re going to wish you paid attention to when the printer is out of paper and you don’t remember where the supply closet is. Think ahead, bring a notebook, leave yourself plenty of time to get to your internship, find out the correct door to use…in short, be prepared.
Off book- when the director tells the cast (usually by a certain date) that they must memorize their lines and can no longer use their scripts in rehearsal
Try to memorize people’s faces and names as quickly as possible. The sooner you can do this, the faster you will feel like you belong at that organization. I went on the Shea’s website beforehand to look at the directory to familiarize myself with some of the names. Writing down passwords, special event dates, and where to find documents on the computer is always a good idea. Taking ownership of information that is given to you shows initiative and responsibility.
Understudy- an actor who studies the lines and blocking of a role, and is able to take over for the original cast member in a role
When you first arrive at your internship, your supervisor will most likely give you some easy task like alphabetizing files to see what you are capable of. One way to gain more responsibilities is to be that person who is always there and ready to go. I have recently started work on the 2015 Gala which is April 18th. I researched news articles from last year’s Gala and combed through the files on the computer. Having a general knowledge of the event and your supervisor’s duties will show him or her that you are eager to help and learn more. If your supervisor is swamped with a bunch of other stuff, he or she will be more willing to hand off that “leading role” to you.
Cold read- when an actor is asked to read from a script he or she hasn’t rehearsed
At some point in your internship your supervisor is inevitably going to ask you to do something that you have never done before. But that’s the whole point of an internship- to learn new skills! Take this challenge as an opportunity to prove yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions but also try to figure some things out for yourself. The first job I was given was pretty simple- compiling a list of previous vendors to send out a mailing for Shea’s Shopping Soiree. I was so excited to finish the job quickly that I made some reckless spelling and grammar errors. Try to complete your task efficiently, yet be meticulous so you are not handing in work that is subpar. Prove to your supervisor that you can handle anything they throw at you and rise to the occasion.
Hopefully these tips will help any of you first-time interns. The first few weeks are always hard, but once you get comfortable and confident in your abilities, you might just get a standing ovation!
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