The Summer of Walnut

When I was figuring out my summer plans in January, I assumed I'd be working at the Walnut Street Theatre in their Camp Walnut program and occasionally popping into my school's Admissions Office where I work as a tour guide. However, what I didn't expect was another three jobs to pop up too!

The biggest surprise was getting the chance to join the Touring Outreach program for two weeks as an understudy for the role Marvin the Moth in the musical "Two Bugs Are Better Than One!" I got a text on a Saturday, got show materials the next day, had a singular two hour rehearsal on Tuesday, and then did performances for ten days going to a number of Philadelphia schools and organizations. It was really cool getting to put my newly earned college degree to use almost immediately after graduation with some really cool and talented performers, especially since I was able to prove to myself that I can work in a professional performance job!

After that I had a teaching gig running the 5-7 year old One Week Camp with the amazing Devon Duffy! We were fortunate to do it not just in June but also again in August. We taught the students different performance techniques in addition to some songs, some dances, and worked with the students to create miniature plays for each camp. Those kids were so talented and they accomplished so much in that shortened time span.

But the biggest job of the summer was being a counselor for a production of "13 Jr." at the month long Camp Walnut program. I got to work with an incredible director and triple threat, Micaela Hickey, and a fabulous and multi-talented assistant director, Devon Duffy (yes, that Devon Duffy from the previous paragraph! #TraumaBonded). I got to be the Stage Manager in addition to being the counselor for this group, working with campers aged 12 to 17. Outside of the show, I also got to work with campers aged 7 to 11 in classes taught by the various directors and assistant directors working at camp. It was a blessing getting to work with such kind and incredible artists, and I learned so much from watching Micaela and Devon. Here's to having a bit of a break before grad school starts and fingers crossed I'm back at camp next year!