Internships & Beyond
at Great Lakes Center for the Arts
Most recently, I was an Assistant Stage Manager on the production of Jersey Boys at Great Lakes Center for the Arts (GLCFA), but my relationship with the organization started years before. Below, I share the steps of how I got there, starting all the way back with a curious student reaching out to job shadow.
Jersey Boys
Jobs in theatre are often based on networking and who you know in the industry. About six weeks before rehearsals began for Jersey Boys, I got a text from my former internship boss, saying they were looking for an Assistant Stage Manager for their production. A few days later, I had a signed contract in my inbox! This experience was especially unique, as the whole process from first rehearsal to the closing performance was within a three week span. This is the fastest I have ever learned and produced a show, and I learned so much from moving at such a fast pace.
Jersey Boys
Photo Credit:
Alexandra Myers
Jersey Boys
Photo Credit:
Alexandra Myers
Jersey Boys
Photo Credit:
Alexandra Myers
House & Artist Management Internship
In the summer of 2023, I came back to GLCFA for a second internship, this time for House & Artist Management. I was under the same supervisor, but the position duties shifted due to what I made of the role my first summer. I was given more responsibilities, independently taking on onsite hospitality needs for certain artists. This entailed shopping for green room needs, picking up meals and setting them up, and driving artists locally. Additionally, I had the responsibility of maintaining high professionalism while working with well-known artists, such as Lyle Lovett, the band Chicago, and Arturo Sandoval.
GLCFA Intern Cohort 2023
Front of House Internship
The Front of House Internship with GLCFA was my first internship. I knew I was interested in arts management, but I wasn't sure what specific aspect of it yet. It was here that I learned about how a venue prepares for different artists every weekend. From hospitality to technical requirements, there were changeovers every week to accommodate the next artist.
GLCFA Intern Cohort 2022
Job Shadowing
Before I narrowed my interest to stage management, I took it upon myself to reach out to GLCFA to arrange a couple job shadowing opportunities. I was able to shadow the Technical Director, Box Office Manager, and Marketing Director to see which area sparked my interest. After these experiences, I was on their radar as a candidate for their internship program the following summer.