July 28, 2005
Caroline and Richard Fisher founded Peninsula Players in 1935 as a place for young theatre artisans to master their craft. This tradition continues today through our internship program. Every year I interview theater students from around the country to join us for the season. I look for students who are dedicated to the craft, who want to learn, and above all whose references confirm they are “good campers.”
I thought it best to let an intern share his experience. Adam Krueger joined the company at the end of May. Here are a few words from Adam:
Being an intern at Peninsula Players Theatre in Door County is not only educational; it is a barrel of fun. The days go by fast, and the work is extremely rewarding. The internship program at Peninsula Players has opened my eyes to the inner workings professional theater.
I sent in my application and resume, got an interview, and a few weeks later I was hired at one of the best known summer stock theaters in the country. As soon as I was hired I knew I was part of the Peninsula Players family. I received general information and history of the theater and some hints from past interns on how to survive in the woods of Door County.
The first day, I really didn’t know what to expect. I knew I would work hard and had the whole summer ahead of me. I was greeted with warm smiles and helping hands. I was immediately considered a company member and not just an intern who was only going to be here for a few months.
Once you are here, a part of you can never leave this magical place. I was immediately introduced to the other interns whom I would be living with in the famous Peninsula Players boat house. I knew I had found some of my closest friends, companions, and supporters. No matter what the theater threw at us, we would be able to handle it together. And I have come to realize these people will likely be by my side throughout my theatrical career.
Actors and professional staff teach the younger generation by providing several workshops throughout the summer in which the interns learn and work on several skills that pertain to different areas of theater. Workshops provided during this summer were in the areas of stage combat, Shakespeare, mask work, make-up, auditioning techniques, stage management and scene study. These workshops teach the interns valuable skills that will allow us to obtain more job opportunities after graduation and take skills back to our college theatre departments.
The program at Peninsula Players is an all around internship. We are trained and exposed in all areas of the theater from the box office to building scenery and everything in between. Interns learn how to build sets, paint scenery, build and research props and costumes, run the lights and sound and work effectively and efficiently backstage during the run of a show. These elements are all needed to run a professional theater production. It has been an amazing ride of experiences, lessons, and knowledge.
We hope you get a chance to join Peninsula Players in its 70th year. Until July 31, come see our comic caper, “Red Herring” and beginning August 3 we have a madcap comedy, “Tom, Dick and Harry.” For tickets visit our website at www.peninsulaplayers.com or phone the box office at 920-868-3287.