Southeast Student Reaps Benefits of Sewing Internship

Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts (Department of Theatre and Dance)

Saint Peters, Mo., native and Southeast Missouri State University theatre student Marissa McWilliams is interning as a first hand this summer at McLeod Summer Playhouse.

“Internships are important for career development, because I get to work with professionals in my field and learn so much about theatre and what I do,” Marissa said. “These jobs will teach me skills I need to help further my career.”

As a first hand, Marissa is cutting patterns for garments out of fabric and stitching costumes. She is also assisting the cutter/draper and the designers. Although her work can be tedious and time consuming, Marissa does not seem daunted by her duties.

“I love to sew so much,” she said, adding that she feels fulfilled when she sees one of her garments presented onstage.

Since beginning her undergraduate studies, Marissa has designed for five Southeast productions, including “In the Boom Boom Room” and “The Heidi Chronicles.” Her favorite creations were displayed in last year’s “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” of the dance showcase, “Spring into Dance.”

Marissa plans on continuing her career as a costume designer in London after graduating from Southeast. She appreciates the lengths Southeast faculty take in preparing students for the future.

"They are very helpful in my career development and have taught me so much that I need to know to get ahead out in the real world,” she said.

When Marissa is not designing and sewing, she is hanging out with friends from the Department of Theatre and Dance. She describes them as some of the funniest, sweetest and most beautiful people she has ever met.
Marissa advises future Southeast students, “Don’t procrastinate. Go to class. Get sleep, if possible.”