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Ohio Wesleyan Student Finds Career Inspiration in Chautauqua Amphitheater Internship
Name: Nic Laurence '26
Hometown: Medina, Ohio
High School: Buckeye High School
Major: Theatre
Minors: Environmental Science and Zoology
OWU Connection Experience: Completing a summer internship at the Chautauqua Institution, a not-for-profit, 750-acre community on Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State. Laurence served as assistant stage manager for the 4,400-seat Chautauqua Amphitheater.
My Internship
"I ran morning worship every day, with a quick changeover into a speaker series, which averaged around 1,500 people in attendance each day. I worked with the streaming service to ensure the recording conditions were satisfactory. I also shadowed management in discussions with talent and advance calls, as well as day-of changes. Over the summer, I also worked on dance and popular entertainment events."
OWU Assistance
"Dr. Lusie Cuskey was very helpful in navigating contract negotiation and clarification, and I wouldn't have been so successful in this without the skills I learned from Carrie Hurst, both in classes and in the scene shop." (Cuskey is an assistant professor in the Department of Performing Arts, and Hurst is the department's production and technical director.)
Why This Experience?
"I got a lot of valuable professional experience that's going to help set me up for success post-graduation."
Favorite Moments
"I worked really closely with Kwame Alexander for a week; I had a lot of fun helping him bring his ideas to life during the week of speaker events that he led." (Alexander is an Emmy Award-winning producer, a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of 45 books, including "The Crossover," now a Disney+ TV series. He also is the artistic director of literary arts for the Chautauqua Institution.)
The way I excelled this summer really cemented that I have the experience and skills I need to thrive after graduation, and I met so many wonderful people and made amazing connections.
Lessons Learned
"This experience gave me tangible professional experience outside of a collegiate setting, and in a different sort of environment than I am used to. The way I excelled this summer really cemented that I have the experience and skills I need to thrive after graduation, and I met so many wonderful people and made amazing connections."
Campus Involvements
"I work in the (Chappelear Drama Center) scene shop, am the treasurer of Theta Alpha Phi (theatre dramatics honor society), and am a member of the Chi Phi fraternity."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"When I visited campus, it felt right almost instantly."
Plans After Graduation
"I know I'm going to work professionally in theater, though I'm flexible on the specifics. I've been able to intentionally cultivate my experience in theater here to make myself well-rounded, and the close relationships I've formed with faculty have and will continue to be valuable resources for me."