Interns Take on All Duties as Assigned

The application period is under way for the 2015 Bob Rohlf Internship Program at Starlight. College students interested in spending a summer learning the inner workings of theatre administration and production are encouraged to download an application at kcstarlight.com/education and apply by March 2. Selected applicants will be invited to interview in the spring.

Each year the Starlight staff grows in size as more than a dozen ambitious and accomplished college students take on summer internships in disciplines including marketing, accounting, education, operations, lighting design, stage management and more.

As they diligently navigate their formal job responsibilities, the interns often find that working at a professional theatre also demands taking on “other duties as assigned.” Dress up as Dorothy and the Scarecrow? Check. Mop up gift store floors after a rainstorm? Check. Stage an intern talent show for the enjoyment of year-round staff? Check.

Two of our 2014 interns shared some thoughts on their Starlight summer:

Katie Turnbow, Education Intern
University of Central Missouri

“This summer was simultaneously the most exhausting and the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had. This internship strengthened my skill sets and helped confirm my decision to be a future educator. Working with young theatre artists and helping them explore and create is what I want to do with my life. I got to work with the Starlight STARS of Tomorrow, which gave me exposure to teaching styles and management needs. I got to put my English minor to work in the Act Like An Animal Camp newsletter. I was able to work with students ranging in age from kindergarten to high school. My ‘educator toolbox’ grew immensely due to the opportunities I was given.”

Sarah Mazur, Operations Intern
University of Missouri

“The varying activities made coming to work interesting and fun. I liked that our supervisor let the interns really be a part of every aspect of the department, from meetings to ordering new equipment to giving us the power to relocate guests and troubleshoot issues. Before this summer I had never jumpstarted a car or golf cart, fixed a broken chair in record time or learned how to interact with a wide variety of workers and volunteers. I liked that it was a learning environment. It was a pleasant experience to be looked at as an asset instead of just a worker.”