Hi, my name is Katy, and I’m one of the education interns working with KidsAct! and TeensAct! this summer! I am so excited to be here at Barrington Stage, and I cannot wait to meet all of the amazing young people who will be joining us for the four sessions. I’ll also be posting updates on the blog each day once camp starts to give a glimpse at their creative imaginations at work. Until then, I’ll be introducing our team for the summer, starting with myself!
What sparked your interest in theatre?
One of the first shows my parents brought me to when I was young was The Lion King, and I have a very distinct memory of the moment in “He Lives in You” when all the pieces of the night sky come together to form Mufasa’s face. I was awestruck. Ever since then, I have been captivated with the magic of theatre and by its power to tell stories in beautiful, moving ways.
What do you love about working with kids?
I love their insatiable curiosity, their huge hearts, their intense desire to learn, and their incredible openness to new ideas and willingness to take risks without any shame. They aren’t afraid to ask tough questions and so many times the questions they ask cause me to pause and think about the world in an entirely different way. It’s an incredibly humbling experience — kids are honest to a fault and won’t let it slide if you mess up and they won’t allow themselves to be walked over. But it is also beautifully rewarding, because if you find out how to win their trust by showing them genuine respect and care, they will show you the sweetest, most genuine love that has this inexplicable power to tug at your heart. Teaching kids is a weighty responsibility because they are like little sponges and pick up on everything you do, but it is also extremely exciting. I love watching kids grow and being a part of that process, and there is something so special about seeing a spark light up in a child who has been struggling to grasp a concept or witnessing them finally achieve something they have been working at with such fervor.
What is one show you have either performed in or worked on that stands out to you?
I assistant directed and choreographed a production of The Lion King Jr., and I loved exploring the different styles of movement we could use to evoke various animals with the young performers. I particularly enjoyed working with the lioness group on how to portray the vast spectrum of emotions through movement, from the ferocity of “Lioness Hunt” to the intense sorrow of “The Mourning” to the firm resolve of “Shadowland.” It was a challenge for them, but they really dug into it in way that was inspiring to watch.
What is your favorite book?
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. I finally finished reading it last summer, and it is just a masterful work of literature. The incredible depth of each character and the intricate ways their lives are woven together over years and years is absolutely astounding. It is such an emotional journey.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Israel – I have never been to that part of the world, and there is so much history there I would love to explore.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia!
Barrington Stage Company KidsAct! and TeensAct! Camps 