Senior Abigail Taylor’s Internship at Kranert
Meredith Headtke (M.H): Why did you decide to participate in the internship program?
Abigail Taylor (A.T): I thought it was a great opportunity for high school students to be placed in a professional environment, and to be exposed to their career interest before college.
M.H: What do you hope to get out of this program?
A.T: I hope to make connections with people in the Urbana theatre community and to gain experience in a professional artistic environment. I am taking directing and scenic design classes at the U of I so I am learning so much about theatre.
M.H: Why did you pick to intern at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts?
A.T: The Krannert Center is one of the best performing arts facilities in the world, and we are lucky enough to have it right here in Urbana. I couldn’t imagine not taking advantage of such an amazing facility. Maura Kinney and Lily Smith had internships here in previous years and also had wonderful experiences.
M.H: What do you think of your sponsor, Tom Korder?
A.T: Tom Korder works in the scene shop at Krannert and he has been a great sponsor so far. He sets up days where I can work with other departments such as props and makeup so I can get an idea of what it is like to work in several different areas of Krannert.
M.H: What is your typical day like at Krannert like?
A.T: There really isn’t a “typical” day. I’m kind of all over the place. Mondays I am in props, Tuesdays and Thursdays I am at my directing class, Wednesdays I am at scenic design and Sundays, I am at Parkland theatre assisting with choreography.
M.H: What has been your favorite experience so far?
A.T: I really love my directing class. Our instructor, J.W. Morrisette is a great professor and I am learning so many new things every day.
M.H: What have you learned from your time at Krannert?
A.T: I have learned so much about the hierarchy of a theatre company and the immense amount of planning it takes to put on a professional production. Doing primarily acting, I had a very limited amount of knowledge about the director’s perspective so my classes have really helped with that.
M.H: What would you say to any students who are thinking about applying for the Executive Internship Program?
A.T: I would say that if you are good at managing your time and want a unique second semester your senior year, go for it. It will look great on a resume and is an amazing opportunity to explore a career interest.
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