What's New at the Zoo

Has it already been two weeks A MONTH since my last post? Yikes. This is what happens when you have a summer internship at Saint Michael's Playhouse. We were told before we arrived that each day would feel like a week, each week a month, and so on. I wasn't sure how believable this would be, but boy have I been surprised. 

You saw my last post boasting about my endeavors for Fiddler on the Roof and we're in the thick of Tuesdays with Morrie. Compared to the huge cast Fiddler had, Morrie is a quiet change with only two actors. We've been building our third set for Rumors (opening July 17 and running through the 27th) behind the set for Morrie due to its small size. It's a welcome arrangement since the set for Rumors is two intricate stories. 

Since I last wrote that we've started Rumors - we're in our second week run now. It's sad that it will be over soon since we have changeover in just a few days. It's truly beginning to feel like the end is near. I'll be ready for a mini-break (I'll have a week at home before heading back to SMC for training week and orientation) but I wish that I could just bottle this summer and keep it forever. 

I've learned so much from all the great people here at the Playhouse and I now have a better idea of my career aspirations. It's also crazy to think that this time next year I'll hopefully be employed in the real world DOUBLE YIKES. 

I'll keep you posted on my future endeavors as they happen and as I begin my final year here at Saint Mike's. What a long, strange trip it's been! (That 70's Show anyone?)

Sending my love to Florida where my family is in Disney (without me!), 
Katelyn :)

Quirks and Perks: Living in Burlington for the Summer

After living in Burlington for the past two summers working for my favorite IT Helpdesk, I decided to apply to a few internships and see where they would lead me. Turns out I would just be moving a building over into the Michael and Margaret McCarthy Arts Center here at Saint Michael's. 

After my theatre internship abroad, I wanted to get an internship in theatre stateside. Luckily Saint Mike's hosts Saint Michael's Playhouse, an Actor's Equity theatre company during the summer. I was accepted with other thespians to work in the box office and in the shop for the summer. While I took a huge paycut, I really wanted the opportunity to gain hands-on experience for potential future employment opportunities. 

I moved into Ryan Hall with my friend Julia, also in Playhouse, and was thrust into what summer stock is. So far we've put up Fiddler on the Roof, closing this Saturday (6/29) and started the processes for Tuesdays With Morrie, our next running show from 7/3-7/13. 

Two pieces of scenery, a well and a counter were made by myself and fellow interns Julia (well) and Lexi (counter). It was difficult at first but definitely super rewarding afterwards!

Luckily for me, this summer just happened to be my 21st birthday! I celebrated on 6/21, my golden birthday, with my boyfriend Jake, best friend KK, and Playhouse friends. Needless to say I enjoyed myself thoroughly! 

 Playhouse has certainly kept me busy, but we also have fun! On our day off, staff and interns put together a putt-putt course where the only requirements were that you couldn't use an actual putter and that you must wear plaid or argyle. I used my vacuum cleaner (was mildly successful) and though I didn't have plaid or argyle, I donned a dress and wore my sunhat! Afterwards, we created a slip-and-slide behind a row of houses to cool off. Definitely a great way to spend a day off!

And now, I am sitting in the box listening to Fruma Sarah singing "Tevye's Nightmare". She's phenomenal! I seriously love this crazy busy physically and mentally challenging summer and can't wait to see what more is in store! 

Sending you well-wishes today, 

Katelyn :)

Places To Go, People To See

As of tomorrow,  I'll be working at Saint Michael's Playhouse in VT. I've spent the last three weeks in CT and it's been a relaxing change of pace from my hectic schedule. What I feel now is that I don't spend enough time in CT, being around family and friends from home.  The past weekend alone fulfilled a lot of socialization for me and while I think myself to be a social person I've relished in my solitude while I have the opportunity.

While I've been home I've:

- Dyed my hair

- Had a spa date with my friends Brittany and Danielle

- Went shopping with my friend Brianna

- Went to a surprise party for my friend Heather's 21st!

- Witness my godparents' wedding vow renewal for their 25th wedding anniversary!

My mom, brother, and I all dressed up!

The bride and groom with their maid of honor and best man!

 

My gorgeous godparents just after saying "I do!"

That being said,  I'm really excited to be starting my summer internship, making new friends,  making (meager) wages,  and being in VT for the summer. After spending all of my undergraduate summers at Saint Mike's, I could not imagine a better way to use my time. 

Saint Mike's is one of my favorite places in the world, especially during the summer.  Campus seems to be dormant and yet so much is going on beneath the surface. It's a different feel from the school year,  more relaxed and laid back.  It's what I wish after graduation would be like; hanging out with your friends within a walking radius and having a good time.

I can't wait to be back,  though I'm not looking forward to the hot dorm rooms... luckily McCarthy is air-conditioned!

In other news, I got a new phone! I named it Buzz Lightyear for my love of Disney/Pixar and it's the Samsung Galaxy S 4 and space and all that good stuff. 

Also, I've been avoiding packing but since I leave tomorrow morning, I should probably finish up. 

Until next time in Vermont, 

Katelyn :)

Finals Week: Done with Junior Year!

So I wrote this post on May 6th. It's now May 24th. Just goes to show that life gets a hold of you and you get busy. Being busy is good in my mind but I shall make time to blog again! 
Enjoy the post below and expect further posts in the next few weeks to catch up :) 

____________________________________________________________
So it's a crazy thought to think, but I've finished my junior year at Saint Michael's! The spring semester always seems to go faster than the fall semester. I had two finals on Saturday and I'm just waiting to hear back on grades from two of my classes. 

I've even started packing! I'll be here working Senior Week where seniors have a bunch of fun things planned - it enables me to hang out with my senior friends and go to graduation without having to take a ticket. It really shows me how fast time goes!

Next up for me is going home for a few weeks which will be really nice. It'll give me a chance to relax a bit before coming back to VT to work with Saint Michael's Playhouse for the summer - I'm SUPER EXCITED! We have a really good group of people interning from Saint Mike's and I can't wait to meet other interns from other colleges.  

I can't wait for all these auspicious things to transpire - I'm sure there will be delightful things to share! 

Katelyn :)

Apply and You Shall Receive!

There is so much good news that I have to share with you readers!

Hopefully you've seen my previous blog post about getting a summer internship. Most recently I've had two phone interviews that didn't really pan out but gave me a better understanding of how to present myself in that situation. It was great to have a chance to talk to my potential bosses and get their input. 

Yesterday, I received an e-mail from Chuck Tobin, the Producing Artistic Director of the Saint Michael's Playhouse. I applied for both production and administrative internships via the Playhouse and was anxious to hear about the results of my application. 

Well I have good news! I'VE BEEN OFFERED AN ADMINISTRATIVE INTERNSHIP! HOORAY! 

This will be my first US working-in-theatre experience and I'm excited! Although it means taking a pay cut with more hours, the knowledge and experience I will gain will benefit me in the long-run. 

So I guess this means I'll be living in Vermont again for the third summer in a row - CRAZY! 

I did wish that I would have the chance to go on vacation with my family since I miss hanging out with them ever since study abroad - with the time the internship is run I'll have time before and after to go home for a few weeks and enjoy it while I can. 

I'm so excited for this experience to begin! 




In other good news: I'm now an official Saint Michael's Tour Guide! Thanks to my best friend Alex - I got my butt into gear to apply! I've wanted to be a tour guide since sophomore year and finally one of my SMC dreams has come true! 

Definitely look out for me Class of 2017 at the Academic Preview Days April 13th and 20th! I'll be shadowing tours as well as being a member at the Theatre table! Come chat! 

Here's hoping that there's more auspicious events in the future!
Katelyn :)  

So You Want a Summer Internship

So. It's spring semester. You've just started all your classes and now you're starting to fast forward to summer already. Usually that means finding a job, internship, or something to boost your resume to show future employers that you've utilized your time. 

So what do you do now? What are you looking for? A summer internship? That's what I'm doing right now. 

1. I've worked at the SMC IT Helpdesk for the past two summers and while I love it, I want to explore my options with internships. I'm interested in pursuing a job in the technical or administrative aspects of theatre. What I did first was investigate theatres out and about my area. I looked to see if they were offering summer internships and what the process was to apply. 
2. I made a list of all the internships I was interested in at several places and what each application required i.e. letters of recommendation, cover letters, resumes, etc. 
3. E-mail/chat with professors, advisors, bosses, etc. to get letters of recommendation if you need them - always good to have a few in your back pocket in case your future employer asks for a reference!
4. I made an appointment with Career Services. I'm bringing everything I have to work with so that it will utilize my time with my career counselor. 
5. Make any changes to my resume and cover letters before submitting my application. 
6. Finally submit my application! WOOHOO! 

Then the waiting process begins. Hopefully sometime in March I'll have a better idea of what my summer will look like. Fingers crossed that I get an internship - one that pays would be even better!


Congratulations to the growing Class of 2017! Every day I see new members of the Class of 2017 Facebook Page sharing info and connecting with their peers! It's a great way using technology to get talking to future classmates and friends. Welcome to the SMC Family!

Hope your Wednesday is fantastic! 
Enjoy the rest of the week :)
Katelyn

P.S. Shout out to Olivia for reading my blog! 

A Summer Job!

This is my first summer away from home after moving away from college. My first summer away from my family, friends, and even the beach. I miss the ocean so much.

A picture of me and my friend Ian last summer at the beach!

I've got this summer job at the Saint Michael's College Information Technology Helpdesk. Basically my first real '9 to 5' job where I get to unleash my inner nerd.

At the Helpdesk, we're responsible for helping all those associated with Saint Mike's with their computer queries and problems. Sounds pretty simple right?

Coming from someone who knows little about computers, sometimes it gets pretty hectic. It's a definite learning environment. I've learned to reset passwords, establish internet connectivity, change hard drives, and trying to generally figure out why someone's computer isn't working the way it should. OH and I have one of THE best bosses in the entire world. I kinda love my job.

Not gonna lie, my job is pretty easy most of the time. Until something crazy happens. Like today we had to do some hot swaps of computers that had gotten fried by the weather last night. It was a bit crazy - tornado warnings and all!

Anyways, within this time I can make a dent in my long list of things I want to accomplish this summer. For instance, check out my Summer Bucket List for a clue.

So far my summer has been really relaxing and I get to focus on what I want to do and reflect on the direction my life is going. It's a wild ride but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Keep checking back for more!