Interships Hands-On Career Experience is Priceless for Future Theatre Professionals
“There were so many interns, there wasn’t much I could be a part of,” she said. “I didn’t mind it because you have to pay your dues.” But when she landed an internship with The Naples Players, everything kicked into high gear. “The Naples Players internship is very much
During her first internship out of college, Ken-
opposite from that,” she said. “Down here they
zie Currie fetched coffee. By the end of her stint
believe in you and pour into you and give you
at a Chicago theater this past summer, she had
opportunities.”
worked her way up in stage management to tackle a few more responsibilities.
From the beginning, Kenzie, a 22-year-old graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, was given a hefty role, helping to train students in the KidzAct productions. She did so well, she
Chris RILEY
was able to snag a full-time job with The Naples Players before the end of her 9-month internship. She now works as the Education Stage Manager, a combination of positions that the staff designed to fit her unique skills. Kenzie said she’s excited for the prospect of making
was given the reins on a handful of shows out of the gate.
“I love it here and I love the staff here,” she said.
“We did have to start off slow to prove our-
Michigan University last year with a degree in
6
than doing work as a production assistant, he
Naples her home.
Chris Riley, also 22, graduated from Western
Kenzie CURRIE
Naples Players is his first internship, and rather
theater design and production. His gig with The
selves,” he said. “But they treat us all as valuable members, and they don’t have to hold our hands.”
