Southeast Student Interns at Georgia Shakespeare

Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts

St. Rose, Ill., native and Southeast Missouri State University student Rachel Richter is interning this summer at Georgia Shakespeare in Atlanta, Ga., for the second consecutive year.

At the theater, she sells tickets, takes care of patron issues and interacts with customers as a box office assistant. Last summer, she gained experience by interning as an assistant house manager. She said she enjoys all aspects of her job, especially being able to help customers. 

“To make someone’s day is one of the best feelings,” Rachel said.

She added that she appreciates the encouragement the faculty in the Department of Theatre and Dance has given her since she was a freshman to find professional work.

“Because they push you, you grow up faster and can actually work in your field before you graduate,” she said.

Her favorite moments from Southeast are running the box office, hanging out with friends and performing in shows. Rachel has worked on several Southeast productions, including “Anything Goes” in the spring of 2011, “Fall for Dance” in the fall of 2010 and “The Children’s Hour” in the fall of 2009.

“I have learned new things that are very helpful in my growth in the business side of theatre,” she said. “The new things that I have learned from each job will help me in the future getting more jobs and more experience in my field.”

After graduating in 2013, Rachel plans to complete DePaul University’s art leadership program and pursue theatre work.

She says she wants future Southeast students to know they can accomplish anything, she said.

“Do what you love to do,” Rachel encourages, “because if you don’t, you will never truly be happy.”