First-year Media Producing student Sydné Chesson has started a non-credit apprenticeship with the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. For the next seven months Sydné will be a casting apprentice, getting hands-on experience with the every day operations of the department, including auditions for the Shakespeare Theatre’s main stage productions, developmental readings, and more.
Sydné Chesson
We asked Sydné how the internship aligns with courses in the MA Media Producing program. She said, “The apprenticeship aligns with my courses in the MA Media Producing program because we are learning about many aspects of what makes a film which includes the importance of casting the right actors in a production. In my Producing Essentials class, we gained insight on the importance of casting the right actors because they shape the tone, chemistry, and overall impact of the production.”
Sydné will be gaining invaluable insight into the pre-production process and the creative collaboration that goes into bringing a production to life. She said, “This experience directly supports my long-term goal of working in casting for film, television, and theatre while also continuing my work as a writer and filmmaker. Being able to observe and assist with auditions and casting decisions helps me strengthen my understanding of how performance choices, chemistry, and storytelling intersect with skills that are essential in both producing and screenwriting."