Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Sandra Bernhard

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012


     My Fellowship internship ended on Thursday, but I had the opportunity to help out with a special event today, so I figured I'd add it to the blog. Today the Bride welcomed comedian and vocal artist, Sandra Bernhard on her "I love being me, don't you?" tour. 



     The Painted Bride is known for bringing in local artists, so this show was a big undertaking. I helped out with Front of House work before the show (ushering, handing out programs, taking tickets, etc.), then got to sneak in and see most of her act. She is a very funny lady: sarcastic humor with some crude but amusing jokes, and she certainly held the attention of her audience. Following the opening night was a hotel reception and signing, so just before the act ended, I went with Cheryl and two other interns to the hotel to prepare. When guests starting arriving, I met Paul, the photographer and followed him around, taking names of people who were photographed for proper credit. This was a great way for me to meet people who are involved with the Bride and a chance to network. Ms. Bernhard was very gracious to allow photos with fans, both for personal cameras and for publicity shots. When Paul was finished taking pictures, I got to hang out with the band for a little while, which was really fun. 

     The event seemed to be a great success for the Painted Bride and Sandra has five more shows to go on our stage!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

A Continuous Opportunity

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012


     Great news! I spoke with Cheryl today about the possibility of staying on as an intern throughout the upcoming semester as an opportunity to gain volunteer hours for my cooperation with Scholars in Service to Pennsylvania (SISPA). The Painted Bride is a non-profit organization, so qualifies for the SISPA hours and simultaneously expands my theatre education. The continuation of my internship is a go and Cheryl seems grateful to have the extra help. 
     In addition, as a regular intern, I'll be able to see the shows and events at the Bride and can utilize the space for personal work when I need someplace to go to do schoolwork, etc.
     It just keeps getting better.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

Thursday, December 29th, 2011


     Although there's no real routine to follow, I know to begin working on whichever database that needs to be completed until I get instruction for a new task, so this morning I finished up the Charitable CFO's spreadsheet, doing a little extra research to find specific titles and email addresses. It gives me a nice kickstart to come in and get myself going right away without direction. A personal growth that I've been working on is taking initiative and asserting myself in a professional manner, so this is a great opportunity for me to practice. 
     It also keeps me in check : ) -next, I began the letter folding process. Each of these three hundred or so envelopes that I put the labels on gets a letter, an insert, and a return envelope wrapped around it. It's not difficult work of course, but is definitely time consuming.

     In the middle of folding, Cheryl asked if I wanted to take a break and see the matinee performance of children's show that is playing now! I just completed an Independent Study about children's theatre and was very excited to see Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. Even better- my playwriting professor, Jackie Goldfinger, wrote this adaptation, and I was unable to see the dress rehearsal she invited the class to, so I was very grateful for this treat. The musical incorporated a live band, dance, and puppetry and the kids seemed to respond really well. : )



Day Two

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011


     Today I learned how to properly format an Excel Spreadsheet when inserting addresses, since much of the work I did yesterday was wrong...but it was a quick and easy fix and I was all squared away for the "Charitable CFO's of 2012" spreadsheet that I started today. Today's work was all about the spreadsheets. I edited my "Highest Paid CFO's" work, continued the local businesses one, and began the latest: Charitable CFO's. 
     I'm very glad to be learning the business aspects of theatre companies because I have not yet been introduced to this side of the theatre world. Creating databases and updating lists and getting in contact with really rich people is a core facet to running a company and crucial to it's development. Perhaps not as exhilarating as directing a show, but certainly just as important and equally challenging and time consuming. 
     I'm learning a great deal from this experience already, and I'm sure there is much more in store.

Hello Painted Bride!

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

"The Painted Bride Art Center collaborates with emerging and established artists to create, produce and present innovative work that affirms the intrinsic value of all cultures and celebrates the transformative power of the arts. Through performances and exhibitions, education and outreach, the Bride creates a forum for engagement centered on contemporary social issues."
     The Painted Bride Art Center's mission statement is everything I hope to one day accomplish in my own theatre company, so naturally, I was eager and excited to join their team for a couple of weeks! The idea of an interdisciplinary and collaborative art center focusing on contemporary social issues is exactly the kind of work that drives my initiative.



     Upon entering the building (which, may I add is only about 10 blocks from my house: another plus for convenience), I was greeted by a gleaming mosaic that spanned the entirety of the art center. Cheryl Carson is the Director of Development at the Bride and the woman with whom I am interning. She made me feel comfortable right away, assuring me that the environment is always "chill" and I should feel free to ask any questions at any time. I got started on some Excel Spreadsheet documents, updating lists of local businesses and their contact information. And important part of Cheryl's job is to invite neighborhood businesses to participate in events, fundraising, awareness opportunities, etc. This document is one I'll be working on throughout my time at the Bride when I have some time between more pressing projects.
     I made a dent in that work, and after an hour or so began on a new spreadsheet with information pertaining to the Highest Paid CFO's of 2012 in the Philadelphia area. Cheryl mentioned that it's important as a growing company to keep up to date on successful businesses, business owners and staff members. Not to mention, these are people with lots of money to donate to a great organization such as this one!
     In the meantime, Cheryl sent out a staff wide email, introducing myself and letting everyone know that I am eager to be "immersed" in everything the Bride has to offer. Right away, Lenny Seidman, the Music Curator conversed with me about his musical experience, upcoming shows of his group, and even his year at UArts. 
     Just before the day ended, I started my next task of preparing invitations for "Friends of the Bride" to be sent out. More than three hundred letters are printed and waiting to be sent. Can't wait to finish it up tomorrow!


http://www.paintedbride.org/