The Theatre and Performance Studies Department hosted an internship fair in the Onyx Theater for its majors on Monday, Oct. 17, which about 60 TPS students attended.
Karen Robinson, coordinator of internships in the TPS department, decided in the spring of 2015 to organize a small fair for theater students, modeled after the larger all-majors career fair that Kennesaw State University hosts. This fall was the second internship fair oriented around TPS majors.
“We use it as a way to teach our students about how important it is to network regularly while you’re in the midst of your college career,” Robinson said. “It’s really essential to think about internship opportunities in any line of business, but especially in the arts, where your career depends on you forging relationships.”
Seven companies attended — including Six Flags Over Georgia, the Center for Puppetry Arts and the Atlanta History Museum — along with theater companies from the greater Atlanta area. Though some of these companies may seem strange to see at a fair for theater students, many representatives explained that they regularly seek out actors to fulfill some of their internship programs.
Shane DeLaney, a Six Flags representative, explained that the amusement park looks for theater students because of the performance aspect, especially during “Fright Fest” in October.
“We’re always looking for young talent that we can help mold and turn into great performers,” DeLaney said. “Six Flags, and theme parks in general, are a great place for young performers to start. There aren’t many places where you can go and perform five times a day.”
Brandon Partrick, historical interpreter and tour guide at the Atlanta History Center, explained that the education department at the center used to be mostly run by historians, but that actors and artists have filtered in over the last few years.
“I learned that it was a great opportunity for artists, and in particular actors, to work here, because you’re engaging with people, you’re thinking on your feet, you’re gaining more perspective yourself,” Partrick said. “We’ve really brought history out of that ‘glass case’ and introduced a more performative aspect.”
There were many opportunities for design tech students, who focus on the technical elements of theater, as well. Many theater companies offered internships in stage management, lighting and costuming, among other aspects of technical theater.
One of the opportunities that seemed to excite students was an 11-month apprenticeship with the Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville. The program gives college graduates experience in all aspects of theater and employment opportunities after the apprenticeship is over. Some KSU alumni have participated in the program and have later found long-term employment at the Aurora.
Robinson, the event’s coordinator, expressed her hope that the fair will continue and grow in size over the next few semesters, though space is limited in the Onyx Theater. She was pleased with the turnout of students and companies and is making plans to continue the fair each semester.
