New college graduates with a passion for the arts and a degree in the field often find it is hard to land that first job. Theater is a highly competitive field, whether it is one's dream to be on-stage, backstage or in the administrative office. For many, the first step includes an internship. Six recent college graduates have joined Kitchen Theatre Company for season-long internships starting now and finishing in June 2015.

Kitchen Theatre Company's Resident Professional Intern Program is now in its ninth year. It started with two positions and has grown to six season-long intern positions. Interns come to the Kitchen with skills and training and use their time with us to gain additional skills and learn the workings of a professional company. The program began with support from Jerry Dietz of C.S.P. Management.  This support continues today with additional help from the Lane Family Fund at Community Foundation of Tompkins County as well as support from individual donors and friends.

The new Arts Administration intern is Liz Baker from Longwood, FL. She recently graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a BA in Film Studies and English. She works with KTC Managing Director, Stephen Nunley, learning everything from budgeting, contract negotiations, working with sponsors and the daily operations of the theater.

Jenni Kuhn is serving as an Artistic intern. Kuhn graduated with a BA in Theater Arts with a focus in Playwriting and American History from the University of Oregon.

Zoe Benditt, from Philadelphia, PA, is also serving as an Artistic intern. Benditt holds a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Pittsburgh. Kuhn and Benditt work with Artistic Director, Rachel Lampert assisting her in all aspects of her job, including season planning, fund raising, play development, casting, production management and hiring. Kuhn and Benditt also serve as assistant directors and dramaturges for all the productions.

The new Stage Management intern is Jessica Goldade, who graduated from the University of Montana with a BFA in Stage Management and Scenic Painting. Goldade works with Resident Equity Stage Manager Jen Schilansky assisting in the rehearsal room, being the on-deck person backstage, and stage managing for guest companies who use our facility.

Danielle Bulajewski, born in Zimbabwe and raised in Seattle, WA, will be the Production intern specializing in Props/Paint. She is a recent graduate of Central Washington University, holding a BA in Theatre Arts with a primary focus in Scenic Design. Bulajewski will work with Technical Director Brendan Komala and all of our designers and scenic artists throughout the season.

Laura Hoelzl is the new Graphic Design & Marketing intern. Originally from Buffalo, NY she recently completed a BA in Graphic Design and English from Binghamton University. Laura works with Lesley Greene, Associate Producer and head of the marketing area, creating materials for everything we do: programs, posters, print ads, and our website.

During their season in the Resident Professional Intern Program, interns set specific goals for the year. Last season's interns created and implemented their own projects in development, performance, direction, carpentry, and design. Former interns have gone on to jobs in NYC, entered graduate school, and taken staff positions at other theaters. Former intern Emily Jackson has returned to the Kitchen Theatre Company this season as a full-time staff member.

There were close to 200 applicants for the positions at the Kitchen. We are looking forward to watching these young theater artists, administrators, and technicians expand their knowledge and experience here at the Kitchen.
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