Working 10 to 6: What a Way to Make a Living

One amazing work week down. Lots and lots to go. Although not enough, really. It's already October. Meaning I've been here for a month. Meaning I only have about two and a half months left. I kind of love it here and don't want to leave.

But anyway, this work week was really great. My coworkers are absolutely wonderful - there are a good 70 staff members and 15 interns working at MTC. There's always a lot going on, and lots of people to see. I am actually technically "Marketing Intern 2", as there is also an intern in the department named Andrew. I do not appreciate this second-billing, and I am determined to proof my worth...Actually, Andrew is incredibly nice, as are all of the other interns. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone.

The work I'm doing at MTC is very interesting - a lot of it involves gathering data to assist the Marketing directors in making decisions. I put together reports for daily wraps, single ticket sales, zip code breakdowns, show discounts, website visitor statistics, and loads of other things. It's really fascinating to see how they make important decisions - and of course, they couldn't do it without me.

Another cool aspect of working at MTC is that I can also work night and weekend shifts (for cash) at the front desk and theatre patron lounge. The company has rehearsal spaces that it rents out, so they need someone to work the front desk after normal work hours. In fact, I got my first go at it on Thursday - when the girl who was supposed to work dropped out and they needed a last-minute replacement. The job was real tough - I sat in a chair, directed a few people to their studios, surfed the interweb, and ate Taco Bell. And the best part about this job...the Broadway revival of A Little Night Music will be rehearsing in our space for about a month - which means I'll get to see Angela Lansbury, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stephen Sondheim, et al. up close and personal.

Yup, it's all pretty amazing. This Sunday, I am getting trained to work in the patron lounge at the Friedman Theatre, and I will also get to see our current Broadway show: The Royal Family. Things are looking up, and I kinda like it that way.

I Play It The Company Way

The Manhattan Theatre Club is just swell. I started my marketing internship on Monday, and I really love the place. I can't honestly say I've done too much yet, other than general office duties. There is a wondrous binder, though, that explains in detail all of my duties as an intern. I am excited for the weeks ahead, and all the wonders that this internship will bring. I'll letcha know.

And now just a few more fun things from the last two days:

Monday: saw the new "Fame" movie with a bunch of NY Arts folks. The theater was huge...the $4 sour patch kids were scrumptious...the movie was terrible.

Today: attempted the Hair Lottery once more to help Amanda out - I lost once again, she won. She and Sally got to see the show tonight, and I'm happy for them. Later in the night, Kelly and I made some ambrosial funfetti cupcakes with funfetti icing. They were a rousing success.

Money Well Spent

I wasn't necessarily what one might call "frugal" this weekend, but I would like to think that my money was spent wisely.

Friday: Kelly and I ventured to The Colony - the world's great sheet music store. I resisted temptation to buy anything in the store, although I did fall prey to the homeless organization asking for money outside - I forked over $10. Yup, that one better come back around. And for my final smart purchase of the night: a Mango-a-go-go at Jamba Juice.

Saturday: Another mornin', another show ticket line. This time we got in line around 8:45 to get student rush tickets for the matinee performance of Hamlet, starring Jude Law. The cost was $35, and I got more than my money's worth. For starters, the show is over 3 hours. And what's more, Jude Law was surprisingly great, the whole cast (with the possible exception of Ophelia) was wonderful, the lights were stunning, the costumes were modern and sleek, and it steadily snowed! The day was capped off with hours of sing-along time in the "305" piano lounge - and that is always fun and free.

Sunday: The day started with a trip to the annual Broadway Flea Market. The place was stuffed with thousands of people clamoring for tons of Broadway memorabilia. I spent $8 here (for charity once again) and got a couple posters, some old-time Playbills, and a souvenir program or two. Not to mention that we spotted Seth Rudetsky (again), this time in the company of Audra McDonald(!). More creepy stalker pictures were a given. Later in the day I made the best purchase of the weekend: complimentary tickets to Off-Broadway's A Boy and His Soul, graciously provided by fellow NY Arts intern Edward. The show was very entertaining and moving - I feel like I actually made money from seeing it.

So lots of great purchases all around. You may also have noticed a great addition to the blog - a list of links to blogs kept by other members of the New York Arts Program this semester. Feel free to compare and contrast our experiences at your leisure.

In the morning, I'm off to work at the Manhattan Theatre Club. I am excited beyond belief right now. I'll probably be letting you know how it goes, as is my way. Just you hold tight...