This is a series dedicated to highlighting the insights our students gained during their internships.

Name: Cece Otto, Department of Theatre

Internship: I was the marketing and outreach intern for UtahPresents from August 2016 – May 2018.  I worked with Sheri Jardine and Robin Wilks-Dunn under the Executive Director, Brooke Horejsi. 

What responsibilities did you have as an intern?

Responsibilities included, but were not limited to:

• Assisting with outreach events
• Assisting with educational performances
• Creating study guides for the educational performances
• Updating the mailing addresses for the subscriber database
• Updating UtahPresents website
• Flyering for upcoming events
• Providing insight into how to connect with students on campus
• Contacting surrounding high schools/colleges to alert them of student prices and upcoming events
• Other general administrative tasks

What new skills/knowledge did you gain from your internship?

Working with UtahPresents was a truly unique experience which allowed me to explore the work of a major presenting institution. I was able to see how a season is curated and executed – from discovering acts through negotiation, programming, and presentation.  I was fortunate to be able to attend the annual APAP conference in New York City with UtahPresents which allowed me to connect with board members and arts administrators across the globe. While at APAP I witnessed agent negotiations, attended industry conferences, and experienced a wide breadth of work from all over the world.

What connections did you make and how do you think those connections may help you in your career?

During my time with UtahPresents I was able to work closely with Robin, Sheri, and Brooke.  All three have written me letters of recommendation in support of my other endeavors.  Robin has allowed me to sit in on her directing projects in the theater community, such as Salt Lake Acting Company.  Brooke introduced and recommended me to my current employer, Laura Colby.  Brooke also reached out to her contacts at The Public Theater during my interview process which helped me to be hired in the box office.

What advice would you give other students who are interested in a similar internship?

My advice to someone who is interested in a similar internship would be to step out of your comfort zone and try things you may not have had the opportunity to try before. Opportunities rarely fall into your lap – you have to pursue them actively.  I would encourage everyone to ask for what they want, because the worst answer they can hear is “no”. If you don’t ask, you will never know. 

How did your internship compliment your arts education?

My internship continued to open my eyes to other ways artists can work in the industry.  The majority of my classes focused on educating us on how to become actors who audition to perform in pieces of theater from regional theaters to Broadway. UtahPresents encouraged me to examine how I could create my own pieces of theater, and be successful in touring them around the country. 

Are there other things you would like to tell us?

The people who work for UtahPresents are some of the most generous and kind people I have ever met. I cannot recommend joining their team enough! They continue to support me and my career to this day.