Celebrate TCT’s 101st season as it comes to a close as we applaud and appreciate those who contributed to the organization’s magic throughout our century-long journey. During 10 weeks of recognition, we honor individuals who have been instrumental in the success of TCT, and who have not only helped TCT grow in mission, but also thrive, thanks to their passion. It is these people and their moments in our history that shaped TCT to become what it is today. We encourage you to consider giving a gift in their honor to ensure the sustainability of TCT’s mission for the next 100+ years.
Thank you to all of the interns who chose TCT to help formulate their learning, bringing talents to every aspect of our organization. We are so proud of you!
Elaine M. Cox
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| 2019, Marketing Department | University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, Masters of Arts Administration University of Cincinnati, Lindner College of Business, MBA |
Did your TCT internship prepare you for the job you are doing now and why?
Yes! I was kind of an “old” intern (haha), having worked in the arts for eight years before my internship, but Krista and the entire team provided me with great experience relevant to Cincinnati. It was great to learn the ins and outs of the city’s arts landscape before I graduated. And now, in my current role at Cincy Shakes, I’ve been able to work with TCT’s Development Team on database projects which has been a special full-circle moment.
Favorite internship memory:
I loved going out to NKU to watch a day of STARS rehearsal. It was so inspiring to watch the campers’ hard work – the culmination of what the staff works so hard for all year.
What TCT means to me:
TCT is magical. I remember my first theatre experience when I was around six years old… though it wasn’t at The Children’s Theatre, the spirit felt the same. That performance 26 years ago opened my eyes to a world of wonder and possibility. It was such a privilege to work to deliver those same moments to the next generation of theatre audiences… and I count myself so lucky to live in a city that values the importance of theatre for children!
Julia Fowler
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| 2014, Marketing Department | Ohio University, BS Visual Communication University of Cincinnati, College of Business, MS – Marketing |
Did Your TCT Internship Prepare You for the Job You are Doing Now and Why?:
I would say so!
Favorite Internship Memory:
Making a video about ArtReach (now TCT On Tour) and its impact on students.
What TCT Means To Me:
TCT means creating the future arts-loving patrons of our city. The arts were integral in my life growing up, and it means a lot to pay it forward.
Angela Hamilton
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| 2016, Marketing Department 2015, Stage Management | DePaul University, BFA in Theatre Management |
Did your TCT internship prepare you for the job you are doing now and why?
This internship made me realize that I like working with young people and helping them learn more about themselves through the arts.
Favorite internship memory:
Working the Grand Opening of the new building on Red Bank Road was so fun!
What TCT means to me:
TCT is a great place for young people to see themselves, express who they are, and shine. It was my first internship, and I left having learned so much!
Jake Hill
Denali National Park, AK
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| 2007, Stage Management | Ohio University, BA English: Creative Writing |
Did your TCT internship prepare you for the job you are doing and why?:
Everything I did at TCT was a first that prepared me for something else down the line. TCT offered me my first paid acting job, my first internship, my first full-time job, and my first opportunities to “fake it ’til you make it.” I came in at the bottom, but I was always treated with kindness and respect, and I was given responsibility that made me want to earn trust. My time at TCT not only prepared me for my job, it likely set me on the trajectory to wind up working for another educational non-profit. At TCT, I learned that a good organization is a magnet for some of the very best people and that believing in the work you do is a tremendous gift.
Favorite internship memory:
One thing I will always remember is sitting in a staff meeting, where I offered a suggestion about something or other. Whatever it was didn’t make an impact and was ultimately rejected. At the end of the meeting, Jack (Louiso) said, “Don’t take it personally; no one will take you seriously until your 30.” At the time, I remember being offended because I felt like I was already an adult. Looking back, I realize what a kid I still was and what a huge impact all of the people I met through TCT have had on me.
What TCT means to me:
I had the opportunity to work with the best stage manager, the best costumer, the best scenic designers, the best actors— everyone talented and dedicated while still humble and gracious. All of these people were friends as well as role models; every one of them helped and supported me, and they are all a part of who I am today. As it turned out, Jack was right; but what he didn’t tell me was that by 30, I would stop taking myself so seriously. Now that was the real trick.
Skye Cone Ivey
New York, NY
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| 2016-2017 Spring Shows (Wizard of Oz + Tarzan), Stage Management | University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, BFA, Stage Management |
Did your TCT internship prepare you for the job you are doing now and why?:
Yes, absolutely! I learned vital communication and interpersonal skills that I use in life and in my work. I grew in confidence as a member of the stage management team. In my current role, I access the lessons I learned from my time as a stage management intern every single day.
Favorite internship memory:
Learning how to make Tarzan fly!
What TCT means to me:
TCT means working with people that care about my growth as a professional and a person.
Grace Kelmer
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| 2013, Development and Marketing Departments | University of Cincinnati CCM, MA in Arts Administration University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business, MBA |
Did your TCT internship prepare you for the job you are doing now and why?:
Absolutely! My practical experience going into the internship was mainly in the areas of programming and operations. The donor relations, gala planning, and social media management experience rounded out my skill set and have all been useful, but what connected with me most was the grant writing. You get to combine storytelling with data in a way that generates crucial resources for your organization. The grants I read and reviewed at TCT were a case study I built upon when I started to lead the arts grants plan for The Mendel Center.
Favorite internship memory:
I got to be Pinkalicious for a handful of summer library visits. I read books, autographed coloring sheets, and juggled pink cupcakes for groups of little ones who had trouble keeping their excitement within library-appropriate volume levels. As an Arts Administration student, I never would have guessed my internship would involve costume and wig fittings!
What TCT means to me:
I am so impressed by TCT’s conviction that performances for children should be of the highest professional quality and accessible to all. Whether at the Taft, on tour, or now virtually, it’s a place where so many have felt – and discovered – the joy and magic of live theater. How can you beat that?
Though I live in Michigan now, I was thrilled to present the digital version of Martin’s Dream during our community’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration this January. My TCT experience has stayed with me for the past six years, and I’m so happy to have been able to integrate it into my current work.
Bryan (Kweon) Kim
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| 2012, Accounting and Finance Departments | University of Cincinnati, College of Business, Accounting |
Did your TCT internship prepare you for the job you are doing now and why?
It was a pleasure working with then Executive Director Val Krueckeberg. I learned so much from her. My TCT internship gave me an opportunity to grow as a professional and gave me a good foundational experience to build upon.
Favorite internship memory:
Visiting the theater to watch a show in person!
What TCT means to me:
It was my very first internship, and I still apply a few coaching points from Val to this day.
Kelsi Moore
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| 2021, Development and Marketing Departments | Miami University (OH), Receiving degrees in Theatre, Entrepreneurship and Arts |
Do you feel that your TCT internship is preparing you for a job in the future and why?
Yes! As I mentioned previously, I am majoring in Theatre, Arts Management, and Entrepreneurship, so I hope to work within a theatre company after graduation. This was my first experience interning with a theatre company!
Favorite Internship Memory:
I had a lot of fun interviewing people for this 101 story project! It was so much fun to chat with a variety of people within the community and arts sector and hear their stories of how TCT has made a significant impact on their lives.
What TCT means to me:
I grew up attending shows at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. These shows were the initial spark of my love for the theatre. Since then, theatre has made a major impact on my life and is something I want to continue in for the rest of my life!
Erica Nyberg
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| September 2013 – April 2014, Marketing Department | University of Cincinnati, Lindner College of Business, Master of Business Administration, Marketing Concentration Certificate University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, Master of Arts Administration |
Did your TCT internship prepare you for the job you are doing now and why?
When I was an intern at TCT, I worked with both the Marketing and Development Departments, and now in my current position, I am the Marketing Director for Development. TCT was a great beginning for my current cross-departmental role.
Favorite internship memory:
I loved working at the TCT Gala event. I got to see all the preparation that went into it, then be a part of the magic as everything came to life the night of the event.
What TCT means to me:
TCT is an incredible organization with a passionate team that does so much for our Cincinnati arts community. We are lucky to have them!
Kristi Reed
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| 2010-2012, Development Department | University of Cincinnati, MA in Arts Administration, MBA |
Did your TCT internship prepare you for the job you are doing now and why?
Yes! TCT absolutely gave me an essential footing for my current work as a grant consultant. I had only had one job before my internship at TCT, and working with the development director and executive director at the time really helped to build my strength in writing, tailoring proposals, finding new ways to showcase data to report to funders, and creatively searching for new ways to engage funders with the organization. Each of these components is a critical part of the job I do now, as I work with a wide variety of clients in all non-profit sectors.
Favorite internship memory:
I have always loved working the performances, watching the kids be engaged, and totally swept into the show and the story. Live theatre is special, and I’m grateful for The Children’s Theatre for making it so accessible. I also love sharing my memories of TCT with my three-year-old Dominic, and I can’t wait to bring his little brother Simon either when he gets a little bigger!
What TCT means to me:
TCT has a special place in my heart since it is the first place many children experience theatre for the first time. It shows them that you can be anything, dream anything, think anything, and so much more. It’s engaging, colorful, fun, and just so special. TCT is an essential part of Cincinnati’s arts culture, and I hope it’s around for another 101 years!
Michelle Robinson
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| 2014, Marketing Department | Ohio University, Bachelor of Science, Journalism |
Did your TCT internship prepare you for the job you are doing now and why?
Absolutely! My time at TCT made me realize that the arts community in my home city has so much to offer for a broad range of audiences. It inspired me to start a career in entertainment Ticketing with the Cincinnati Arts Association.
Favorite internship memory:
Dressing as the Snow Queen to read to children at Cincinnati Public Library locations to promote the upcoming season. I’ll never forget a little kid whispering in my ear, “I know who you are. You’re someone’s MOM!”
What TCT means to me:
TCT means a place where our community can inspire young audiences to cultivate a love of performing arts and show all the doors that can be opened through creativity.
Michailean Taylor
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| 2016, Development and Marketing Departments | IU Bloomington, Master of Arts in Arts Administration |
Did your TCT internship prepare me for my current job?:
Definitely! My TCT experience is directly referenced when I engage with my students, particularly within one of the courses I lecture: Enterprise Internship in the Arts. Students registered for this course must form a consultancy company, attach themselves to a Creative Enterprise, identify an area to be strengthened and present their ideas for improvement. Without my TCT experience, understanding how internal consultation and improvements happen, I would not be as informed as I am today.
Favorite internship memory:
That’s a hard one. Can I tie a couple together? During my very last week at TCT, I toured all the operating arms of the company. I remember being like a kid in a candy store… the experience was PHENOMENAL! Have you ever seen TCT’s Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland perform? So many integral parts that on their own are cool to watch but together, they’re simply majestic.
What TCT means to me:
A special place I visit in my mind, where memories of my internship warm my heart for two reasons:
1. They’re more than a team… they see each other as family… my family.
2. They understand the need for theatre, the needs of children, and where the two intersect.
Brittany Vernon
| TCT Internship | School & Degree |
| 2017, Education and Marketing Departments | University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, MA/MBA Arts Administration |
Did your TCT internship prepare you for the job you are doing and why?:
In my TCT internship position, I helped produce some of the educational content for students and teachers to interact with the shows, which directly relates to some of the work I do now with designing learning opportunities related to visual art. TCT was my very first job opportunity working in the performing arts, and I’ll never forget how welcoming everyone was but especially give a huge shout out to Mary, Krista, and Julia for contributing to my learning and showing me examples of people who truly love what they do and care about making a difference.
Favorite internship memory:
I remember most clearly working at the Kids Club before Peter Pan and interacting with children and their families as they enjoyed activities together before the show. It was especially impactful to see grandparents with their grandchildren enjoying that special time together and hearing about how Kids Club and TCT shows are what they looked forward to doing together. I think the performances I attended were around Halloween, so there were adorable costumes in the mix too.
Would you honor our interns with a gift to recognize the impact made on TCT?
