Q&A with the NSO Artistic Planning Intern

College: Indiana University

Major/Minor: Violin Performance and Business Majors

Arts Background: I have always been involved in the classical world. I have been playing violin since I was three and am currently a violin performance major at Indiana University. I was excited at the prospect of interning at the Kennedy Center because it would provide the opportunity to explore other diverse art forms.

Why did you pursue an internship at the Kennedy Center?

Although I grew up in the classical world, I do not want to limit myself solely to that realm. I am interested in exploring all types of art forms as well as making the arts accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. I was attracted to an internship with the Kennedy Center because of the organization's focus on diverse programming as well as their on-going effort to engage new audiences in classical art forms.

What do you do in your internship placement?

My main job within the Artistic Planning department is handling NSO guest artists. I serve as the artist's primary point of contact in order to ensure they have an excellent experience at the Kennedy Center. Some of the tasks this job encompasses include fulfilling riders, shadowing rehearsals, delivering ticket orders to the box office, booking hotel rooms, and much more!

On a more day-to-day basis, I fulfill various administrative tasks including filing, research projects, and navigating excel spread sheets.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

My favorite part of the job is being able to shadow both NSO performances and rehearsals. As a violinist, I found these experiences to be particularly interesting because I got to see what happens in a professional rehearsal as well as gain a deeper understanding of what happens backstage.

Favorite thing to do in the Kennedy Center: I love going outside on the terrace and looking out over the Potomac River.

Favorite thing to do in Washington D.C.: My favorite thing to do in D.C. is frequent the art museums. I highly recommend the National Gallery and the Hirshhorn Museum.

Advice for prospective Kennedy Center interns: GO TO AS MANY FREE SHOWS AS POSSIBLE!

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