I honestly cannot believe it is almost over. When Diana reminded me that it was my turn to take a stab at the intern blog she said it might be interesting for you eager readers, and the current interns to hear about my experience on a whole at Seattle Rep. Hearing it put that way sure threw everything into perspective and highlighted the fact that I will soon be leaving this daily activity I’ve come to know as my job.
Now I realize “job” might not seem like the most romantic way to put it, but let me give you a sense of what being an employee at the Rep is. I am one of the two Artistic Interns, and as Casting has to happen before the season gets started, I was the first intern on contract. The very first day I walked in I met my boss (Erin Kraft, Casting Director), shown the copy machine, bathroom and my very own desk. About ten minutes into my first day of work, I was sitting in a meeting with Erin, Braden Abraham (associate Artistic Director) and Jerry Manning (Artistic Director). I was excited to say the least, but didn’t want to seem like too much of an eager puppy. Then I was handed a set of keys. I didn’t realize until later how symbolic this little necessity was, but I’ll get to that.
As the days and weeks went by I learned my job, got lost numerous times in the winding back passageways of the building, (I’m not going to lie, I still do) and had many conversations with Rep employees. I’d talk to Shawn who operates the front desk in the morning, I’d talk to other interns as they trickled in, or to designers, or to Jerry, or to visiting artists and to most people that walked by my desk. I began to realize hierarchy was basically undetectable inside the building. Though I have definitely made my fair share of copies during this internship, I have also been included in important discussions about season planning, in the casting of this season’s plays in reading and discussing new plays submitted to the theatre for consideration. Basically, I’ve been given the responsibilities of a trusted employee of the Rep. Jerry likes to refer to this as “giving the keys to the kids.”
Early on, I realized that this internship was sink or swim. At the time, the idea of screwing something up and being known as that intern that ruined the Rep was perhaps more than a bit daunting. Now, thankfully, I know I was never being tested. I was being trusted. The staff at the Rep respected me-the-little-intern just as they respect Mr. Jerry Manning. To be the low guy on the totem pole and respected as a strong base is a priceless and humbling experience. I’ll always appreciate it.
As I near the end of my time here at the Rep I have not only come to respect and appreciate the institution that it is, but also what it instills in me. I am proud to say that I have worked for Seattle Rep and that I can still (for a bit) say that it is my job. I have a greater sense of pride for the work of theatre, an undeniable respect for my colleagues and a better understanding of the kind of artist I want to be. And I will take that with me. For now, not forever, farewell.
Sara Rademacher
Casting Intern
Seattle Repertory Theatre 2010-2011
Now I realize “job” might not seem like the most romantic way to put it, but let me give you a sense of what being an employee at the Rep is. I am one of the two Artistic Interns, and as Casting has to happen before the season gets started, I was the first intern on contract. The very first day I walked in I met my boss (Erin Kraft, Casting Director), shown the copy machine, bathroom and my very own desk. About ten minutes into my first day of work, I was sitting in a meeting with Erin, Braden Abraham (associate Artistic Director) and Jerry Manning (Artistic Director). I was excited to say the least, but didn’t want to seem like too much of an eager puppy. Then I was handed a set of keys. I didn’t realize until later how symbolic this little necessity was, but I’ll get to that.
As the days and weeks went by I learned my job, got lost numerous times in the winding back passageways of the building, (I’m not going to lie, I still do) and had many conversations with Rep employees. I’d talk to Shawn who operates the front desk in the morning, I’d talk to other interns as they trickled in, or to designers, or to Jerry, or to visiting artists and to most people that walked by my desk. I began to realize hierarchy was basically undetectable inside the building. Though I have definitely made my fair share of copies during this internship, I have also been included in important discussions about season planning, in the casting of this season’s plays in reading and discussing new plays submitted to the theatre for consideration. Basically, I’ve been given the responsibilities of a trusted employee of the Rep. Jerry likes to refer to this as “giving the keys to the kids.”
Early on, I realized that this internship was sink or swim. At the time, the idea of screwing something up and being known as that intern that ruined the Rep was perhaps more than a bit daunting. Now, thankfully, I know I was never being tested. I was being trusted. The staff at the Rep respected me-the-little-intern just as they respect Mr. Jerry Manning. To be the low guy on the totem pole and respected as a strong base is a priceless and humbling experience. I’ll always appreciate it.
As I near the end of my time here at the Rep I have not only come to respect and appreciate the institution that it is, but also what it instills in me. I am proud to say that I have worked for Seattle Rep and that I can still (for a bit) say that it is my job. I have a greater sense of pride for the work of theatre, an undeniable respect for my colleagues and a better understanding of the kind of artist I want to be. And I will take that with me. For now, not forever, farewell.
Sara Rademacher
Casting Intern
Seattle Repertory Theatre 2010-2011
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