One spring day, a Student Prince decided to go on a summer adventure. “It won’t be long before I have a career,” the Prince said, “so I’d better start preparing now.” So with some ’Berg education under their hat, and some connections in their back pocket, the Student Prince began forging their way through an internship.
We continue our web series, Internship Chronicles.
Chapter 11: "The Summer of My Life"
Lexy Saxon is an acting major at Heidelberg University. She is a sophomore from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and worked this summer at Lakeside Chautauqua. Lakeside Chautauqua is a historic community and vacation resort associated with the Methodist Church, which frequently hosts live performing artists. Lexy is working toward a career in film and television, through her acting and lighting work at Gundlach Theatre.
How did you find your internship, or how did the internship find you?
I found my internship through rising-senior Ben Pollizi. He is a student lighting designer at Heidelberg, and I’m his apprentice.
What did you expect from your internship initially?
I initially thought that my internship would give me a look into the professional world of theater and the industry. Showing me how stagehands work, learning more about lights and working with more people in the industry!
What really happens in your day-to-day work?
Every day is different at work. If we have a musical act, we are preparing microphones, drum risers, cables, and – of course – lighting. If we have a magician we are the ones who set the stage. We help the various acts load into the space, make sure they have everything they need, and we all help each other on the hoover crew.
What connections have you made?
The best part about Lakeside is being able to make so many connections. We have conversations with the CEO and COO of Lakeside almost every day. I have met multiple musical groups such as Sons of Serendip and We Banjo 3. I was also able to meet Girl Named Tom who performed there.
What is the most valuable thing you’ll bring back to the classroom after this experience?
The most valuable thing I will be taking back is that no matter what is thrown at you, the show goes on. You have to always keep going and pushing through no matter what.
If your internship was a book or a chapter in a book, what should it be titled?
If my internship was a chapter or book, I would name it “The Summer Of My Life,” because that is simply what it has been. I have had the best experience of my life at Lakeside, both working and just simply living there. All the experiences and opportunities I have gotten have been nothing less than amazing.
For more information on Lake Chautauqua, visit their website.