Intern of the Week: Justine Cataneo for Performing Arts!

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 16:16:59 -0400
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Name: Justine Cataneo

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Inside Broadway

Position Title: Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s):BFA Acting

Work Term: Summer 2018

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.

Every day I am involved in completing different tasks at my internship. I travel from Middletown, NJ to New York, NY on the train and go to 130 9th Avenue. When I come into the office, I am usually given a list of tasks. These tasks can include: delivering checks to actors and/or teaching artists, making Playbills for school programs, researching items for our silent/live auction. I also inventoried all of the items in our stockroom and created an Excel sheet of each individual item. This sheet was sent to every teaching artist so that when they need costumes, they can easily see what we have and what needs to be ordered. This saves Inside Broadway from having to continuously pay for items that they already have stocked.

One of the most exciting parts of my job are working at our Creating the Magic events. This summer, I was able to go to Chicago and Phantom of the Opera for these events. Each Creating the Magic involves busing students from each of the boroughs to Manhattan. The students see pieces of the show and learn about the backstage jobs involved in running a show. Usually, the stage manager, lighting operator, musicians, sound engineer come onstage and do a demonstration for the children that explains their job title. The actors perform 3-4 numbers from the show. Most of these students have never seen a Broadway show, been to a Broadway theatre or have even been to Manhattan!

My favorite part of these programs is seeing how excited all of the students get at each of the demonstrations. They sit on the edge of their seats and clap and cheer for the cast members. It is rewarding to see that all of the time, effort and money that goes into these programs makes thousands of children incredibly happy. I am usually lucky enough to receive a backstage tour of the theaters and meet the actors after their performance. I love being able to introduce myself to people in the industry and to start making making connections.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

When I was in high school, I interviewed for this position. One of the schools that my company works with is my father's school. My boss was speaking to my father about how they needed an intern and he recommended me. I submitted my resume and did a phone interview. This summer, I re-submitted my work and acting resumes. Since my boss had worked with me before and was pleased with my work, she hired me immediately for the summer.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?

I have greatly enjoyed seeing children's reaction to theater and performance. When I go to schools and see elementary students singing and dancing for their community, it reminds me of the joy theatre brings to my life.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I am an organized and efficient worker. I think I relieved some stress off of my supervisors by always completing tasks in a sensible and timely matter. I was able to be given a list of tasks and each item would be crossed off and taken care of before I caught the train home.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

I would suggest making sure your internship is in your field of interest. Seek out companies who you would want to work for one day.

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