Intern Spotlights
After a two-year hiatus, 2022 brought back our summer internships, and with it came an incredibly talented group of university students dedicated to learning and growing as artists. The 2022 Summer Internship Program gives our interns the opportunity to gain professional experience in what they're passionate about, whether it be directing, performing, set building, or even marketing. In hopes of highlighting their hard work and their artistry, we interviewed all of our talented interns!
“Knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly”
-William Shakespeare, Henry VI
Get to Know Our Interns
Will Kinna | Acting Intern
School: Towson University Major: Acting BFA
Age: 21
What’s your favorite thing to do when not working with CSC?
My favorite thing, when not working, is playing video games with my S.O. and friends.
What is your favorite Shakespeare show and why?
It’s so hard to choose just one Shakespeare show as my favorite, but I really enjoy The Tempest. I find it fascinating how the story gives us hints about Shakespeare’s feelings on colonization. I always thought of Shakespearean works as being significantly older than they actually are. I thought my teacher was pulling a prank on me when I found out Shakespeare was still writing during the colonization of what would become the United States.
What was the first Shakespeare Show you were in?
After winning the 2019 English Speaking Union State Shakespeare Competition for the state of Delaware, a woman approached me and urged me to come audition for an upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet. I got cast as Romeo and it was a great time. It taught me about the stress and fun that comes with a Shakespeare show. It also taught me the importance of Shakespeare’s stories. The language is old, but the lessons are timelessly applicable.
Who is one of your favorite professors and why?
One of my favorite professors is Teresa Spencer because she laid the foundation for my acting process and has continually supported my journey. She was the one who told me I should look into auditioning for the CSC performance internship, and I’m thankful for her guidance.
What is something you are most proud of?
One thing I have been proud of recently is my magic tricks. I used to be really into magic tricks as a kid and recently decided to rekindle that old flame. During this semester of school I even made a pact with a fellow student to do a new card magic trick every Thursday. If you see me around, ask me to do a trick for you. If I have my cards on me, I probably will.
Why theatre?
I choose to do theatre because it can be used as a tool to help people heal emotional wounds they didn’t know existed.
What is your favorite thing to eat and where from?
My favorite thing to eat is the Guiness beef stew my mother makes once a year each St. Patrick’s day.
Grace Friedman | Acting Intern
School: Hamilton College Major: Theatre Minor: French, Religious Studies
Age: 22
What’s your favorite thing to do when not working with CSC?
My favorite thing to do outside of CSC is get good food (specifically pasta) with friends and paint.
What is your favorite Shakespeare show and why?
Ah, this is a very hard question. If I had to pick just one I’d say my favorite is Comedy of Errors. I played Dromio of Ephesus in The British American Drama Academy’s production of it in Spring 2022. I felt the most immersed I ever have in that show and that character. It was both a beautiful and incredibly difficult experience, but ultimately immensely rewarding. Additionally, I am fascinated by the way that Comedy of Errors highlights themes of abuse and loss through the guise of what is meant to be Shakespeare’s lightest comedy.
What was the first Shakespeare Show you were in?
My first full length Shakespeare production was Julius Caesar with my high school, The Rudolf Steiner School, in 2019. I played Mark Antony which was a joy. This was my first time playing a male character, and it opened my eyes to the possibility of new categories of roles. Plus, I got to wear very big boots which is always fun. (I’m happy say I wear very big boots in our production of Much Ado as well).
Who is one of your favorite professors and why?
One of my favorite Professors is Mick Barnfather, my physical theatre professor at The British American Drama Academy in London. Always entering class with the largest smile, and immediatly beggining the days work with a game, Mick taught me the importance of maintaining joy in all aspects of theatre work. I am immensely grateful for Mick’s teaching and guidance, and I miss class with him immensely.
What is something you are most proud of?
This semester and summer I have been striving to hold joy in the moment. As someone who has a tendency to overthink, at times this is hard. I am proud of myself for the small silly moments every day.
Why theatre?
I choose to do theatre because it is where I feel most alive and most myself.
What is your favorite thing to eat and where from?
My favorite thing to eat is Penne Tre Colore from Due in NYC. The penne tre colore is penne (duh) with big chunky tomatoes, globs of mozzarella and basil. I was born and raised in the city, and Due is my favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant. It is the first restaurant I ate out at with friends alone, and it is my first meal whenever I get home from being away. When I get home from my summer with CSC I will no doubt be getting takeout from there.
Casey Brogan | Acting Intern
School: Towson University Major: BFA Acting
Age: 20
What’s your favorite thing to do when not working with CSC?
I love to watch movies. Movies always transport me into different worlds and stories. I love watching actors play characters. It inspires me to keep pursuing acting and is a great way for me to decompress.
What is your favorite Shakespeare show and why?
My favorite Shakespeare show is Hamlet. The scale of the story is really impressive and it’s filled with such interesting, complex characters.
What was the first Shakespeare Show you were in?
Much Ado About Nothing is my first Shakespeare show. I am thrilled that my first experience gets to be with such a fun show.
Who is one of your favorite professors and why?
Being an acting student at Towson means that you get a bunch of amazing professors. To pick just one of them is really difficult. I’d like to express a lot of praise to Peter Wray. I just had Peter as my professor for my Shakespeare class. Peter helped me understand Shakespeare better. He helped me relate the struggles of Shakespearean characters to modern day. It helped me better understand the characters as real people. He showed me that Shakespeare’s language is not as difficult and scary as I thought.
What is something you are most proud of?
I am very proud of the production of The Wedding Singer I was in. I played the titular Wedding Singer in TU’s Actors Anonymous production. I am very proud of the work I put into that character and the show that our crew created. We came together as a team to make an amazing show and I’ll never forget it.
Why theatre?
Acting has always been my passion in life. I’ve wanted to be an actor since I was a child and I’m lucky I get to pursue this career. Being able to dive into a character and present it to an audience is something very special. I like that theatre is so personal. It’s live and real. There could be a new discovery every night snd it’s a joy to build special relationships with the cast and crew.
What is your favorite thing to eat and where from?
It’s a basic answer but pizza is my favorite thing to eat, however the best place I get my pizza is nothing basic. I promise that Ercoles pizza is the greatest pizza I’ve ever had. If you have it and don’t fall in love with it the first time, well then you just need to try it again. It has the perfect mix of cheese and sauce and it just tastes so good. It’s at 631 Broad St, Perryville, MD, 21903. Tell them Casey Brogan sent you.
Jabari Williams | Acting Intern
School: Desales University Major: Acting for Stage and Screen
Age: 20
What’s your favorite thing to do when not working with CSC?
My favorite thing to do when not working with CSC is playing sports for fun, or playing games with friends.
What is your favorite Shakespeare show and why?
In all honesty, due to working on this show, it would be between “As You Like It” and “Much Ado About Nothing”. Even though I’ve performed in both of those shows, they give so much wit, and cleverness with each of the characters, and sometimes they can have actions that are so goofy that you can’t believe it!
What was the first Shakespeare Show you were in?
The first Shakespeare Show I was in was back in senior year of high school, 2020, where I played the captain/priest in Twelfth Night. The play alone made me see why Shakespeare is still so prevalent today, and that understanding his text doesn’t come easy. However, I wanted to be more committed on getting better with Shakespeare.
Who is one of your favorite professors and why?
Mary Mitchell-Donahue, who was my high school theatre teacher in Bishop McNamara located in Forestville, MD. She was one of the biggest bright sides in my years of high school and made me love going to theatre class everyday. She is always very loving of her students, and knows when to push people to their potential. She was arguably one of the reasons why she made me love theatre, where as she taught me the basics of acting and what goes on backstage. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be over at my current college (Desales University).
What is something you are most proud of?
One of the things I am most proud of is being part of a film that won “best overall film” in Desales University Film Festival. I was one of the actors in this amazing short. Being able to tell the director’s story, and fulfilling her vision was a great feeling. Then for it to be selected for best overall film made my heart stop. The compliments about my acting were endless to the point that I couldn’t believe it. It was a great example to show people what I wanted to do for my future but also showed me that I am talented and enough.
Why theatre?
I believe theatre is a magical place where stories thrive. The idea of playing many different characters, and having people feel many different emotions is a sight to see. It’s a craft I really enjoy and always day dream about.
What is your favorite thing to eat and where from?
My two main favorite things to eat are “Mac and Cheese” and “Alaskan Crab Legs”. Since I am big on crab legs, “Captain George’s” gives a great seafood buffet, along with amazing crab legs.
Jade Eisenacher| Marketing Intern
School: Towson University Major: Theatre Studies
Age: 21
What’s your favorite thing to do when not working with CSC?
My favorite thing to do when not working with CSC is travel. I like to think of everyday like a new adventure and take advantage of anytime I can learn something new about a location. One of my dreams is to do a show in every state in America. One of my favorite trips was driving halfway across the United States to Austin, TX.
What is your favorite Shakespeare show and why?
My favorite show is Much Ado About Nothing because I feel like it is a production that can always be enjoyed by everyone. I really connect with the character of Beatrice and love how she is able to be such a fun and powerful woman with both her wit and female features.
Who is one of your favorite professors and why?
One of my favorite professors is Gavin Witt because of all of the knowledge that he possesses and is excited to share with others. I love how hard he works to give his students connections and opportunities. I had my first class with Gavin on Zoom during the peak of covid and he was always so caring about his students well-being. There were days where I would stay after class for over an hour just to discuss theatrical ideas and dreams.
What is something you are most proud of?
I'm most proud of my directing work at Everett Meredith Middle School as director. I started acting there when I was in 6th grade. It was the most amazing feeling helping students learn and develop a passion for their work. My work inspired me to expand my interest in theatre beyond acting, which has been the best decision I have ever made.
Why is theatre?
I have always known that I was meant to be part of the performance world. When my family would take me to see community theatre shows, I saw the actors as superstars. I always hope to inspire my audiences the way I was when I saw theatre as a kid. As I got older I developed a passion for all parts of theatre and always wanted to be surrounded by it. Theatre has always been there for me and I could not be more grateful for its existence.
What is your favorite thing to eat and where from?
My favorite thing to eat right now is a Dragon Berry Bowl with nutella instead of honey from Playa Bowls.
Julia Drew Caldwell | Stage Management Intern
School: Drew University Major: English
Age: 20
What’s your favorite thing to do when not working with CSC?
Some of my favorite things to do that aren’t theater related is watch old movies, play card games with my friends, and go on nature walks.
What is your favorite Shakespeare show and why?
My favorite Shakespeare show is Othello. I think it is a challenging and engaging show that seems very ahead of its time in terms of how the characters are written. Something that continues to shock me is how Shakespeare was able to write characters that continue to be impactful and relevant to many audiences.
What was the first Shakespeare Show you were in?
My first professional Shakespeare Show is Much Ado About Nothing!
Who is one of your favorite professors and why?
One of my favorite professors is Professor Judy Tate. She taught a class called The Art of the Play which is an introductory theater course where students read and discuss a variety of plays . I loved her passion for introducing her students to a wide range of plays from both classic and contemporary from a diverse group of writers. I also appreciated how we both read and watched the plays when available which allows the viewer to gain a more well rounded picture of a piece of theater.
What is something you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my involvement in a club at my school called the Drew Performing Arts Accessibility Committee. In this club we provide audio descriptions and closed captions for hearing or visually impaired audience members. My participation in this club has allowed me to be more aware of the kinds of accommodations people may need to fully participate in certain activities.
Why theatre?
My favorite thing about theater is how it always people to embrace their creative and vulnerable sides. It can connect people and is able to be relevant to many different audiences and their experiences.
What is your favorite thing to eat and where from?
My favorite thing to eat are sweet plantains from Cuba De Ayer! They are always good.
Audrey Kawecki | Directing Intern
School: University of Hartford Major: Actor Training
Age: 20
What’s your favorite thing to do when not working with CSC?
My favorite thing to do is to be on the water. Whether it be at the beach, kayaking, paddle-boarding, or swimming, I love it all:)
What is your favorite Shakespeare show and why?
My favorite Shakespeare show, coincidentally, is Much Ado About Nothing! I was in it in high school as Beatrice and it was just the most fun I’ve ever had on a production. It's also the funniest Shakespeare show, and the enemies to lovers trope is the best romantic trope out there!
What was the first Shakespeare Show you were in?
The first Shakespeare show I did was Twelfth Night in 9th grade (I think?). It was set in the Roaring Twenties and I played Olivia with some of my best friends playing the other roles. It was a great introduction into the world of Shakespeare. I have my theater family at Storytellers: A Theater Art Academy to thank for all of the Shakespeare opportunities I’ve had over the years! They introduced Shakespeare to me and with them I have done 4 Shakespeare shows!
Who is one of your favorite professors and why?
My favorite professor at school right now is my movement professor, Joni Weisfeld. She not only sets an expectation for excellence and hard work, but cares deeply about cultivating creativity, specificity, and strength in our work. She has taken me from being someone who has never felt comfortable creating art with my body into someone who is eager to do so.
What is something you are most proud of?
I think what I am most proud of is my determination and drive. I had never been someone particularly driven towards excellence or greatness until I found my passion for theater. Now I work harder than I ever have and it is rewarding to see the fruits of that. As I write this, we are in the beginning development of our Intern Show here at CSC, and I am already confident in saying that I am extremely proud of this piece as well. It is such a collaborative and strong collection of work and I can’t wait to share it with you all!
Why theatre?
I've always stuck with theater because I love the way it makes me feel, and I love that I can make other people feel that way too when I perform. I love being able to tell all kinds of people’s truths, and (this may sound strange) but I love creating work that is moving enough to make someone laugh or cry. I just think that there is so much beauty and power that comes with telling a story.
I also love being able to play all kinds of different roles because each one gives me a new and different set of eyes to view the world through.
What is your favorite thing to eat and where from?
My favorite food is always changing, and if you ask my friends, I really don’t have any favorites because I’m so indecisive. But my current food fascination is a really nice charcuterie board with candied pecans, goat cheese, and lots of other little fancy snacks. Hi Jade, here is my answer to the questionnaire
Emerson Balthis | Scenic Design Intern
School: UMBC Major: Theatre Design and Production
Age: 20
What’s your favorite thing to do when not working with CSC?
I enjoy painting and digital art.
What is your favorite Shakespeare show and why?
A Midsummer Night's Dream, I got to act out a scene from the show with my friends and it was tons of fun.
Who is one of your favorite professors and why?
One of my favorite professors is Susan Stroupe. She was the director for the first show I did at UMBC and taught my Dramatic Lit class. She's very kind and encourages students to think outside the box when working on plays.
What is something you are most proud of?
I'm proud of how far I've come in theatre. When I first started in high school I didn't think it would become my major but now I'm actually working on it and I'm so happy with my improvement.
Why is theatre?
I enjoy helping people tell stories. Every show has something it can show or teach people and I want to help people do that. I feel theatre is great because it allows people to connect more when they can see it live.
What is your favorite thing to eat and where from?
Grain Bowl from CAVA
Jennie Hardman | Costume Design Intern
School: UMBC Major: Dual Degrees in Theatre Studies and Environmental Studies
Age: 21
What’s your favorite thing to do when not working with CSC?
Something I do for fun almost every day is the trivia games I play online (specifically the quiz site Jetpunk). I can now name the US presidents in order, every country in the world, most of their capitals, and almost every Disney movie to date. I'm now working through memorizing the country flags, which is more difficult than you would think (so many flags look exactly like each other. Monaco and Indonesia. Romania and Chad. It's very frustrating).
What is your favorite Shakespeare show and why?
The Tempest is probably my favorite Shakespeare show. I've always had an affinity for the comedies (I like a happy ending) and The Tempest treads this careful line between comedy and drama. And I love the spectacle and melodrama of it all -- the magic, the storms, the betrayals, the revenge. It was also the first Shakespeare play I ever saw, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Who is one of your favorite professors and why?
One of my favorite professors is Dr. Susan McCully in the theatre department at UMBC. Not only is she an excellent teacher, she's also a wonderful playwright (and very inspiring to me, as an aspiring playwright). The first show I worked on in college was actually one of her plays, and it was a formative experience that shaped the rest of my college career. I'm now doing costume design because I worked on the wardrobe crew for that show!
What is something you are most proud of?
Recently I finished my first big sewing project. I really enjoy sewing, but I mainly do small hand sewing projects (sewing machines and I tend to disagree). Over COVID, however, I began to see things about temperature scarves and blankets, where different colors correspond to different temperature ranges and you put them together each day for a year. I decided to make a temperature quilt, with each day's square made up of two triangles (one for that day's high and one for the low). It took a long time, especially since I hand-cut and hand sewn all of the triangles together. When I finally finished the front, I had a three by five foot rectangle made of so many little colored triangles put together. It felt amazing to accomplish!
Why is theatre?
I think theatre is an important way for people to see the world and interact with it. The connection between the audience is something transformative; it takes you out of your life and puts you into a different world. There's an element of interaction between the audience and the performer – unlike a movie, you can really see the person performing, and they can see you, too. It can be a form of escapism, or it can be a way to see your real life from a new lens.
What is your favorite thing to eat and where from?
I love most foods, but my go-to is always spaghetti and meatballs, specifically the very low-cost make-at-home style of frozen meatballs with a jar of spaghetti sauce. There's something very comforting and nostalgic about it for me. It reminds me of watching Bones and other TV shows with my family, especially my sister, who is my best friend and favorite person ever.
Adrienne Edwards | Box Office Intern
School: Towson University Major: Theatre Studies
Age: 23
What’s your favorite thing to do when not working with CSC?
I love to buy used books and records, garden, cook, see shows, read books, and do film photography.
What is your favorite Shakespeare show and why?
A Midsummer Night's Dream because of Dead Poets Society.
Who is one of your favorite professors and why?
David White because he lets me complain.
What is something you are most proud of?
My plants
Why is theatre?
I started studying theatre because there's nothing else like it and I wanted to make other feel the way I did when I saw my first play. I'm doing it because I can't stand not to do it I'm too emotionally invested in the future of it.
What is your favorite thing to eat and where from?
They used to have this really delicious cookie brownie cake dessert at chili's that had chocolate and caramel drizzle and walnuts and ice cream on top that was really good before they changed the menu that used to be my favorite.
MaryGrace Rubens | Box Office & FOH Intern
School: UMBC Major: BFA Acting
Age: 21
What’s your favorite thing to do when not working with CSC?
My favorite thing to do when not working with CSC is playing video games with my sister.
What is your favorite Shakespeare show and why?
My favorite Shakespeare show is MacBeth because I think Lady MacBeth has an amazing role.
Who is one of your favorite professors and why?
My favorite professor is KenYatta Rogers at Montgomery College for his ability to tend to his audience and teach students in unique ways.
What is something you are most proud of?
I am most proud to be the Vice President of the theatre club at UMBC and I hope to create a streamline of communication between university and community to better set up students for a direct path into the industry after finishing their academic career.
Why is theatre important to you/Why do you do it?
I do theatre because it inspires play in people. It is very easy to forget the vulnerable, soft and innocent sides of ourselves and theatre preserves those innate qualities.