Meet our 2022 spring intern, Jo Massaro! Look familiar? You may have seen her in our production of James and the Giant Peach in 2018 as the spider! Jo returns to us as an intern with the Encore team. Let’s catch up with her and see what’s to come with her time with us!
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Jo Massaro and I am a senior at The Madeira School. I have been involved in the preforming arts for as long as I can remember. I have been in countless play and musicals, including Encore’s production of James and the Giant Peach when I was in 8th grade, as well as recitals for singing and dance.
Why did you choose Encore for your internship?
I chose Encore because theatre has always been such a big part of my life. I really want to be involved in it in some way in the future. I chose Encore in particular because when I was in James and the Giant Peach aside from having a very valuable learning experience there was such a strong community among everyone there.
Can you describe your favorite theatre/performing arts experience and what made it so memorable?
I don’t think I have a favorite performance but I have two. It is between my middle school’s production of Beauty and the Beast in 6th grade where I was Lumiere because it was my first musical, or Madeira’s Production of Nice Work if you can get it this year because I had both official and unofficial leadership roles and I was the first time I really felt like a leader.
What’s your favorite play or musical?
It is hard for me to pick only one play or musical that is my favorite because there are so many great ones out there but I would say my favorite is probably Dear Evan Hansen followed closely with a tie for second by Wicked and Les Mis. My dream roles would be either Elphaba or Éponine. These are my favorites because they have such great soundtracks, and they are so emotionally charged. They always make me feel something.
If you were a social media platform, which one would you be and why?
I would probably say snapchat because you can connect with certain specific people or all your followers. I am a someone who likes to have personal relationships with people but I am also a very outgoing person who doesn’t hide who she is.
What are you most looking forward to learning with Encore?
I am very excited to learn more about the different the production etc. of putting on a show. I am very familiar with the actor process even a little with the director process because I took a directing class this year but I don’t know much about the other aspects.
Why do you think performing arts are important for young people?
I think preforming arts are important or young people because it gives them a creative outlet. It is not good for children to simply sit a classroom all day learning hard facts instead of learning how to be creative and express themselves.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see behind the scenes of our interns at work! @encorearlington