Has this experience been a rewarding one for you? Why or why not? How has the reality of your internship matched or contrasted with your expectations? What is the most important learning you did during your internship?
Overall, my internship experience has been a rewarding one. I had to perform work I’m not used to doing, but I was able to pick up on some basic computer skills. The times when I worked events were times that I was reminded of how meaningful this internship is. I learned how to cook! I made friends with all kinds of people on those nights and it was a true bonding experience, whether I talked to them again or not ever again. I’ll never forget being able to talk to some of the actors and being included in their “opening night circle” where the cast backstage held hands before the very first show. Times like those made me feel welcomed and valued at Curious. There weren’t many people who knew who I was or the work I was doing, but I’m proud of the work I’ve done at Curious.
I was not expecting to be working in an office every day I came in. I had no idea I’d be only on the computer. This aspect was a bit disappointing. However, working with such lovely people made it worth it. The girls in my office are some of the most intelligent, helpful, kind, and witty people I know and I’m lucky to have been able to share my experience with them. Additionally, times when I was able to do things like move a couch into the dumpster (exciting, I know) were fun for me because it meant an adventure through the beautiful theater that is Curious. I did expect to interact with theatre people who are like me from through this internship, and I had chances to do that.
The most important thing I’ve learned is all work is valuable. Even if you don’t feel the work is benefiting you, it’s benefiting others. And by you benefiting others, there is possibility in the person being benefited to return the favor. New doors may open for me by working at Curious. It’s important to immerse yourself into something new from time to time. There isn’t a way of telling what will come out of it; that’s what a journey is all about.
What have you seen or experienced in your internship that has inspired you the most on your own artistic journey? Has this experience changed your artistic ambitions? How?
While I have learned a lot by working in the office, nothing compared to the times when I had the chance to see professional actors. I couldn’t help but think about how I want my future to look exactly as their place is now. Watching them from first rehearsal to final product was incredible, and I am mesmerized by their talent. Nothing inspires me like them.
I’ve also learned the importance of being enthusiastic about seeking knowledge in all areas. I was able to attain knowledge about several different facets of the performing arts. I am no longer stuck in a small bubble where I’ve convinced myself I’m just the actress and I don’t need to know about anything else.
This internship experience hasn’t changed my ambitions for what I want to do, but rather how I want to go about it. I have committed to being open to new things because those could open doors I didn’t even know existed. I’ve learned to be organized and strict with myself when it comes to my craft, but also loose in the way that I can be open minded.
What is the difference between working on personal art projects and working in a creative business? What have you learned about working in a creative business?
When you work on a personal art project, you are often listening to nothing but the creative voice from within. You are using whatever knowledge you have attained to do something for yourself. Individual artistic projects give me a sense of peace because it usually doesn’t entail a right or wrong answer. There isn’t a specific format or a deadline because you’re the artist.
When you work in a creative business, you are still in the realm of using your artistic lens. However, you are shifting that lens to someone else’s so that it becomes something in a specific format. There is a plan attached; the end product is usually known beforehand.
From working in a creative business, I’ve learned about playing a small part in a huge project. I compare this concept to putting on productions at my school; I am one role of many. There are still the other actors, lighting, sound, stage managers, hair and makeup artists, prop designers, and directors to be accounted for. A lot of work goes into tasks within the creative industry. It takes many people with different areas of expertise. There is no star of the show.
How do people at work treat you? How does it make you feel? If you have in intern one day will you treat them the same?
At work, people treat me like a professional. I start working right away, often without talking to anyone. They explain my tasks in certain terminology that is used in the offices at the workplace. They realize I’m able to catch on to things quickly so my sponsor moves at the pace with me that she does with anyone else in the office. It makes me happy to know I’ve improved on the computer and I can work quickly.
If I have an intern one day, I will also treat them as a professional. It will help them gain true experience. However, I will ensure I get to know my intern so we form a connection. I would want to become an influential role model in the intern’s life. I understand it’s a work environment and there are things to get done, but forming bonds and professional/personal relationships is important in a workplace, especially when you spend so much time there together.
What do you think is your main contribution to your work site? Are you proud of your contributions? Is there any way that you can self-motivate to contribute more?
My main contribution to my work site is completing tasks that seem trivial, but that are essential. For example, yesterday, I wrote notes for the reserved seats for the upcoming show saying “Thanks for subscribing! Happy holidays!” This didn’t seem important, but now that about 400 cards are done, we can all move on. I’m proud of this because it’s all about doing things I don’t normally do. Working on the computer for extended periods of time is something I’m proud I’ve been able to. I can self-motivate to contribute more by remembering that my work has an impact! This will encourage me to continue performing these tasks.
How do you feel like your internship is going so far? Are you forming good relationships with your coworkers? What can you do to improve your experience?
I enjoy working events at Curious. This gives me a chance to not be on a computer. Events allow me to interact with people that have the career I actually want. I like seeing glimpses of actors rehearsing and directors collaborating. That part of the internship is going well for me and I look forward to it very much.
I am in the office every day with a few other ladies including my sponsor. We all have our own computer and we’re all working on something there. It is always quiet. Because of this, there aren’t many exchanges that occur. My sponsor and I only talk when we are discussing a project so we don’t know too much about each other. However, I love instances when I get to see a particular employee who does everything there (acts, directs, produces, works in office department) who actually knows I want to be an actress. He asks about my rehearsals. One of the directors is also very nice. I see her sometimes at events and she once gave me advice for college. Those are two people I see myself having more great conversations with.
To improve my experience, I’m going to try to talk to the other people outside my office. Maybe I’ll see an actor sometime and we can talk about theatre. I’m going to establish more connections and make more friends. I’m going to try to remember there are other people there who would probably be happy to talk to me.
What are you responsible for at your workplace? What do you think is your main contribution to your work site?
I am the marketing intern at Curious. I work with the Director of Marketing there so I am doing smaller tasks on the computer that fall under that field. I am responsible for whatever kinds of assignments given on a certain day. Usually, I am updating or creating a spreadsheet. Sometimes I am on the Internet, researching better ways to store photos and videos for the company. I am on the computer all day.
My main contribution, therefore, is any project that needs completion. Working on spreadsheets and researching new, needed information helps other people in the office move forward with their tasks. Doing these simple things allows my sponsor and everyone else to do more thinking and execute bigger aspects of a project.
How do your actions affect your workplace? Do you contribute positively? How do your co-workers actions affect your internship?
My actions affect the marketing department of my workplace, which then affects the entire theatre. As I complete these informational spreadsheets, I am organizing information to help everything be updated and clutter free. Everyone in my department can refer to this information so patrons can have a better experience. It’s really all about making sure people who come to the theatre want to come back.
I think I’ve been contributing in a positive manner at Curious. I complete all my assignments thoroughly and ask plenty of questions. This week, I worked at two events at the theatre. I was there for many hours on both nights and it was all so much fun. I helped prepare the dinner with both of the founders of the theatre-who also are in charge of everything at Curious) and we talked for a long time (making connections!!). They said they really appreciated my help and that felt wonderful. On a side note, I watched the play that’s going on right now (fantastic show) and afterward talked to the actors! They even said they wanted to come to the show I’m in right now at school. I’ve been giddy ever since.
I work in an office with my sponsor and two other women each day I’m at my internship. They are both very focused and that affects me because I pick up on that and do things more efficiently. They also praise my work and that is encouraging.
What was the best thing that happened this week at your internship? How did it make you feel?
This week at my internship, it felt great to get to finish spreadsheets for the marketing department. I get to sit at my desk and work on whatever project they need finished on Microsoft Excel. It has been great learning how to use such an important tool. It makes me feel accomplished to complete such tasks because I’m not very tech-savvy, but I’m still able to do what they need me to.
I’m excited for the event I’m helping at tomorrow evening. It is a storytelling event and many people have sent their RSVP emails (one of the spreadsheets I made). I’m not sure what it is I’ll be doing yet. I hope I am able to see what the company is like down in the actual theatre-that would be an awesome change! I’m looking forward to it.
What did you learn from your first week at your internship? Did anything surprise you? Who did you meet and what do they do? Did you engage in any code switching?
My first week at Curious Theatre Company has been great! I’ve had a few different tours of the theatre; it’s a very cool, historic building. I have my own desk that I work at every day. The routine has become familiar to me so I’m comfortable now.
The work I’ve been doing is not what I expected but I’m glad to be learning new things. I’m the “Marketing Intern” so I work on whatever spreadsheets they need edited or created. I’m learning about how to use different computer programs that I’ve never seen. I’m getting better at being more organized because my new sponsor likes everything to be orderly and I think it’s important to fit in with that not only at my internship but in so many other areas of my life.
I’m surprised at how focused everyone in the office is. There are three other people in my office and they all work in Marketing or Development. Everybody is at their own desk completing whatever they need to. They can go without talking and moving for a while and I admire it. They’re used to it so they probably don’t feel ancy like I do sometimes!
The people in the office collaborate sometimes about different things and I get to listen in while I’m working on my tasks. The way they talk is teaching me about how a theatre is run behind the scenes with the marketing and development sides.
The best thing for me so far has been finishing assignments. I enjoy finishing spreadsheets because I know it’s something that is now ready for them to use. I’m happy to be learning and helping at Curious!