Behind the Seams: An Intern's Summer with HCTC

I did not expect to be working with Hub City Theatre Company this year, but it has been the highlight of my summer and college career. Currently, I am finishing up my degree in Digital Design from Liberty University. My final puzzle piece was my internship and Hub City Theatre Co has been the best piece of that puzzle.

I had just gotten married and moved to Jackson when I met HCTC’s Art Director, Crista Beals, at an audition we were both attending. I offered up my experience in costume design and special effects, and it led to all kinds of learning and growth opportunities.

My first project was costuming “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” directed by David Burke. I had never done a western, nor would I have thought I had any talents for a production like this, but this was a blast to be a part of. This taught me to step out of what I thought was in my wheelhouse and helped me gain my first experiences with collaboration. I enjoyed the mixture of individual talents and team effort. There was always feedback with a balance of encouragement when trusting your instincts. I learned problem solving and gained confidence in my work and communication. But the true highlight of this project was the cast and crew. Jackson has no end of talented actors, actresses, and artists to create these small, but mighty productions.

For the second half of the summer and my internship I will be costuming “The Last Five Years” directed by Crista Beals.

This cast and production have a very different feel from “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” and I have enjoyed the change of pace. HCTC has given me lots of opportunities to stretch my creativity. Not only was I trusted with costuming, but I also got to work on all aspects of creating these productions. I have done graphics and will be painting set pieces, as well as costuming this show. Working with this company has reignited my excitement for my future career and aided me greatly in preparing for my future jobs.