Welcome back to The Front Row blog, Encore fans! Today we’re excited to introduce the latest addition to the illustrious group that is the Encore interns. Read on to learn more!
Welcome to Encore Stage & Studio! Tell us about yourself and your role at Encore this summer.
Audrey: Hi, I am Audrey Huie! I am currently an Arts Management Intern at Encore Stage & Studio and a rising sophomore at VCU majoring in Communication Arts. I love doing any design or illustration work and for the longest time, I competitively did a Chinese martial art called wushu.
How did you learn about the Encore summer internship and what prompted you to apply?
Audrey: My goal for this summer was to get an internship because I thought that this would be a good opportunity for me to be productive this summer. I also really wanted to learn more about the art business side of the industry since I did not have much experience in this area or any work experience in general. I researched many internships through my many college resources and happened to stumble upon this opportunity. Thankfully I found Encore’s amazing opportunity and here we are today!
Photo Credit: H.Ni
Which part of your internship has you most excited? What kinds of projects will you be working on?
Audrey: Although I have a lot to learn, I love design work so I am most excited to create designs for the web or promotional work. I will be doing a lot of behind the scenes projects while in my time in Encore such as creating flyers for the upcoming plays and updating the website and many more!
An example of Audrey’s design work for Encore so far.
What is the most memorable theatre/arts experience you’ve had in your life?
Audrey: Although I do not consider myself a “theatre person,” I did do Wushu (Chinese martial arts) for the longest time. The most memorable moments I had when doing wushu were making lots of friends no matter what age they were. We were always like one big family, always connected and still staying in touch to this day, even after some left the school. We all grew up together and helped each other in the toughest moments in practice, and I can never forget that.
Photo Credit: Bruce Aboo Yeung
What impact have the visual and/or performing arts had on you as a person?
Audrey: I was a very shy person when I was little; I know I never talked to anyone in kindergarten so performing arts has definitely changed me. I remember going into martial arts class on the first day with my brother and all the students were in high school except for us and two other little kids. As the youngest, I was so scared but as time went on it helped me be a lot more confident in myself, and I was able to gain a lot of close relationships that I cherish to this day.
Why do you think the arts are important to young people?
Audrey: The arts are very important to young people especially because it is how they express themselves first without probably knowing any words. They often cannot find the right words to express how they feel. Kind of like giving your parents a present you drew as a kid. It is also very important for kids to use their imagination so that they can learn about the world, gain experiences in new perspectives, and new challenges as they grow up into a wonderful being.
Photo credit: Tre sa Wong
If you were a social media platform, which one would you be and why?
Audrey: Definitely Instagram. I use it a lot. Not only because it has cool, fun pictures on it and I can connect with my friends, but because there are a lot of different artists out there in the world not just in my local area. Since I know that I am still learning how to draw, I love getting inspired by other artists and even just learning from their techniques on their posts really helps me learn what my dislikes and likes are as an artist and transforming it into my own style that I can hopefully share one day.
Give us a question you wish we’d asked you and, of course, your answer.
Audrey: “Any advice to aspiring artists?”
You will probably hear it many times, but do not give up on what you love to do. Even if you get criticized for something you did, do not let it get to you. Just embrace it; your mistakes and other people’s opinions can help transform you into a beautiful artist. So do not give up, we are cheering right behind you!
Thank you for sharing your stories with us! If you’re ready to pursue your art like Audrey, check out our wealth of awesome virtual summer camps, running now until September 4, 2020. We’ve got programming available for ages 3-18. Our teachers can’t wait to create with you!
Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian and Aimee Pangan. Blog contribution by Audrey Huie. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.