Seattle Rep: First Impressions

I have only been at Seattle Rep just over a month, but I already feel so…in it. I am the Artistic Literary intern, and after one month I have been a part of all artistic and season planning meetings, I read and write reports for five new plays a week, and I am currently in tech rehearsals as assistant director for Circle Mirror Transformation. I have even picked up a few night shifts at the front desk! If there is anything I know as of now, it is that there is no shortage of jobs to get done here at Seattle Rep.

As a playwright, this internship is already providing me with useful tools to apply to my work. On a completely basic level, the internship gave me the opportunity to move across the country and live in a new city. The change in location has automatically fueled my creativity and brought freshness to my writing. Reading new plays has also been a great way to expose myself to the kind of work playwrights are putting out RIGHT now, and has given me an insider’s view of what works theatrically and what does not. I am given a real say and feel that my opinions are heard and respected. I write up a script report for each play I read and am afforded the opportunity to recommend the plays I really enjoy. There is significant trust placed upon me, and the staff treats me as a young professional who can handle important tasks.




Over the course of my internship, I will assistant direct three plays: Circle Mirror Transformation, How to Write a New Book for the Bible, and Red. Working so closely on Circle Mirror Transformation with Andrea Allen, the director, has shown me what it is like to be a part of the full rehearsal process of a show at a professional, regional theater. Up until this point, I have only interned with organizations that provide play development and workshopping, so finally being a part of a fully-realized production has exposed me to a world I did not know previously.

Coming from New York City, I was not sure of what to expect from Seattle’s theater community. However, I have been floored by the talent, drive, and giving nature of the artists I have met and worked with thus far.

…and to think, this is only the beginning!

-- Christine J. Schmidt, Artistic Literary Intern