Tal’s camp 2018 was very different from the year before. Not only were there significantly less campers this year, but there were also fewer Southwestern students working. Additionally, I had a completely different role in the camp this year. Last year, I mostly sat in one rehearsal room and helped find props. This year, I was the assistant production stage manager. I also had the opportunity to work on the camp before camp had started. I enjoyed responding to parents’ questions, sending informative emails, and inserting the application information onto a spreadsheet. I really hope I get to do this again next year.

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The production stage manager was very independent and did not constantly have tasks for me. As regular camp activities began, I spent a very large portion of my time assisting the lighting designer. Since he did not really have a crew helping him, the designer asked me to hang, circuit, and patch almost all of his specials in my free time. Additionally, I had the opportunity to write effects with him, coordinate where specials needed to be, and helped cue the shows.

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When the production stage manager did have tasks for me to do, I was happy to work on them. Typically she would ask me to print and make copies of things. She also asked me to help clean up Jones before rehearsals and make sure all of the lights were turned off in the rehearsal spaces at night. Additionally, I was responsible for updating the schedule on the chalkboard every day.

 I had a lot of fun this and enjoyed working with the people I met. My favorite thing about camp was working with the tech campers. I really enjoyed teaching them about different technical elements and getting to know them all. It was refreshing and inspiring to work with a group of people who really wanted to learn and were excited to work. While working we also talked about college and the pros and cons (mostly pros) of being part of a small program like the one we have at Southwestern. There were a couple of evenings where they were able to look through this e-portfolio and see the coursework and practical work that I’ve done here. It was really cool to be an informative resource and role model for these kids. I would love the opportunity to work at camp again next year.