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Profile
of Jen Brown, Intern, Squonk Opera, 12/05
Story by Jon Ebel
PPW/Writing Center Publicity Intern
Jen Brown interns
with Squonk Opera, a musical performance group whose mission is
to invigorate live performance and develop young and non-traditional
audiences with music, multimedia spectacle, and humor. Squonk embraces
the unique culture of the southwestern Pennsylvania region while
inspiring a diverse audience to explore their creativity and common
humanity.
During a PPW guest lecture from Jackie Dempsey, Squonk’s musical
director, Jen became interested in Squonk Opera. With the help of
Jean Grace, Jen emailed Jackie after the lecture to mention her
interest in the organization and inquire about an internship. After
a brief meeting with Jackie and Steve, the artistic director, Jen
was awarded the internship. Jen is the youngest member of the Squonk
Opera team, but is used to the age difference thanks to her previous
internship.
Jen works both independently and with a group. She has the option
of working from her apartment or at “the office” (a
spare room turned business space). Some of her responsibilities
include writing/editing a few grants, cover letters, letters of
inquiry, and more. The internship is geared toward raising funds
for the new show. Jen looks forward to progressing when she becomes
a major contributor of a piece of the new show – Pittsburgh:
The Opera.
Jen was surprised to learn that Squonk is operated from someone’s
house and feels she is sometimes intruding on personal space. She
feels she will be more comfortable once they move to their new location,
a warehouse/office/rehearsal space that will open soon.
“Steve and Jackie have been extremely helpful in their flexibility,”
Jen says. “I come in when I can, working around my classes,
two jobs, volunteering, and so on.”
Jen feels an internship is a great way to get into the “real
world.” She believes that internships provide students with
real working atmospheres. “Working dynamics and professional/personal
interaction have been two of the most important pieces of information
I have learned through internships.”
Jen is a Nonfiction Writing major and is working toward the Public
and Professional Writing Certificate. Her interests include words
(juxtaposition of syllables, letters and artistic diction), the
nonprofit sector, the arts, theater, and animals.
The PPW certificate has allowed Jen to create her own academic and
social paths in life. She is thankful for all the friends she has
made with fellow students, advisors, and professors through the
program and encourages everyone to learn more about the possibilities
and benefits of the certificate.
Jen leaves this information for anyone involved with or considering
an internship: “Don’t get discouraged – things
may be slow at first or even frustrating at a place of business
or organization. But [your supervisors] are just trying to get used
to your work style, just like you are with them. Ask questions.
Get your hands dirty. Have fun.”
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