Oh, hello there! I’d like to introduce myself: My name is Katie McGee and I’m Cal Shakes’ newest marketing intern. I’m from a distant Midwestern land known as Iowa, I love long hikes through the Orinda hills, nights out to the theater, and YES if I could have any super power it would be time travel. Why time travel? Because I’m pretty sure I am going to want to rewind and do this blast of an internship all over again.
Do you ever feel like January is just one long chronic case of the Mondays? A month where three cups of coffee just isn’t enough, socks never match, and gas tanks seem perpetually famished?
January 2012, however, appears to be turning a corner. Since moving to the Bay in December and joining the Cal Shakes crew, things have been looking up. The coffee at Cal Shakes is always hot, no one gives a hoot if my socks match, and public transportation has my gas tank and bank account a little fuller. These subtle joys sprouting in my life do not even come close to the career growth satisfaction that I have experienced since starting at Cal Shakes.
“Kid, what are you doin’ with your life?” Since graduating from Saint Louis University in May, I have been getting this A LOT. My usual response is “Building a future.” Am I getting paid for my role in glorious PIP-dom*? Nope, but unlike many of my freshly graduated peers, I am working and networking in my preferred field and getting the opportunity to shape my goals and experiences.
So far I have done social media analysis (like us on good ol’ Facebook if you haven’t already!); mapped out a season preview video; researched and created a slideshow based on the fascinating life of Zora Neale Hurston (author of the stories that inspired Spunk!, our second-slot production this summer) for the staff to study; and designed fliers and email banners for the gang—and I’m not even halfway through my internship yet!
If the Mayans’ apocalyptic predictions for 2012 are correct, I can, at least, rest assured that this year will be full of activity, good people, new skills, and generally great stuff, right up to the very end.
Next McGee blog issue: Past PIP-ians, where are they now? Have they found success in the big, bold, theatrical world? Check back next week.
*At Cal Shakes, “PIP” stands for “Professional Immersion Program.”
Dr. Kelly explains it all! Our resident dramaturg provides historical and theatrical perspective on Shana Cooper’s production of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Music by production Sound Designer Jake Rodriguez. Podcast produced by Will McCandless.
