Olney Theatre Center believes that arts education plays an essential role in our nation’s cultural health. That’s why in addition to our arts integration program, we offer apprenticeships. The apprenticeship program is a year-long experience intended to offer emerging theater artists a bridge between university (or whatever level of experience they bring to the table) and the profession. For one year, 16 apprentices live and work on OTC’s campus in every facet of the organization. Meet our sound and projections apprentice, Stephanie Condon!
What is the path that brought you to OTC?
While I attended the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Knoxville, TN this year, I was trying to decide between graduate school and job opportunities. I had spent a lot of time applying to schools, but I had a feeling graduate school wasn't the right decision for me at the time. I signed up for the job fair and saw the OTC table. Being from Central Maryland, I already knew about OTC and even had the chance to see the National Players perform The Crucible at the beginning of the season. I got to talking with Jenna Duncan and felt like OTC might be a great fit for me. I have been known to make big decisions based on instinct. So when Jason King Jones offered me the apprenticeship, I knew I could trust my instinct and here I am.
What are you working on right now?
Singin' In The Rain of course! I am the A2, so I prep microphones and solve any sound issues backstage if they pop up.
What is something you are looking forward to?
Seeing my family during the holidays! I am sure that all of my fellow apprentices have heard me excitedly plan for this by now, but my mom, my dad, and my three sisters all have birthdays within a month of each other and are right around the holidays. So I am arranging Singin' In The Rain tickets for each of them as a birthday present! I love gift-giving, and I love it even more when the gift is something meaningful. My family has been undeniably supportive in my theatrical endeavors so it will be a great way to say thank you. The icing on the three-tiered cake is the showtime we chose lands on my dad's birthday!
What are you doing (or thinking about) for your Capstone?
I love designing, so it would be really cool if I could assistant sound design or assist the sound designer on one of the shows towards the end of my apprenticeship. I am currently working on writing a sound and projections handbook with my predecessor, Kaitlyn Sapp, for future apprentices to use as a reference in their time at OTC.
What's special about Olney Theatre Center?
Dedication to artistic risk, rigor, and education is not something you see everywhere. Luckily, it is something you can find at Olney and our staff is so genuine and generous with their time and knowledge.
Why the sound and projections apprenticeship?
Sound is critical in theatre. With sound reinforcement, we can share stories with larger audiences. With sound design, we can influence the emotions of the piece. Theatrical sound is a passion of mine and the opportunity to learn more here at Olney was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. Projections is something I have been wanting to learn for a long time so I'm excited to have the chance to work more with the technology and learn from the designers.
