Time and Toll, a look at Dedication

So to follow the interview I had with Destini Fleming, I have another interview with our other lead intern Corbin Pickett. He works over in Hayes as a carpenter, and I was hoping he could share a bit about his experience working with Summer Theatre. We talked last time about how being well-rounded in theatre helps you succeed, to branch off of that I thought we would look at how that concept applies to the work. So with this interview I asked Corbin about his work and how it affects him. Also I thought he could talk about what he does to make it through all the chaos that at times surrounds the world of theatre. My comments to his questions will be in italics below. So without further ado let’s get into the interview!

Q1. To start why don't you introduce yourself, and talk about your LMST internship and how its lead to being a head intern.

A1. Hello, my name is Corbin Lee Pickett. I am a head intern for the Lees-McRae Summer Theatre program for the summer of 2013. During the 2013 spring school semester I applied to be an intern for the LMST program and in the process was offered a lead position over all the other interns, during the work day specifically those interns that were assigned to work in Hayes Auditorium.


Q2. Can you talk about the work that you do, and how long your usual work day is?

A2. During the start of a show our work day starts at 8am and lasts until around 5 or 6pm, but as we get further into the process and our deadlines start to loom even closer and closer over head, the time that we are released will gradually start getting pushed back. The time that our work call ends at more than halfway through a show process is usually 11pm, but it goes also to 12am, sometimes going as far into the early morning as 3am, because there are deadlines we must meet and cannot push back any further than what they are set at.

Interns are required Monday through Friday to be at aerobics every morning at 8am, then from there Hayes Auditorium interns are called into work at 9am Sunday through Saturday from there we work until our shop foreman releases us for the day. At the start of building for a show it’s like building a human, we have to start building the set from the ground up (literally) starting with the framing and structure of the set (or the skeleton), from there we move onto how it will function, or move around, or any tricks it needs to do, we have to figure them out then build them (the organs/nerves system), after that we have to face everything that we do not want an audience member to see (the skin), finally we paint the finish product and put set dressing on it (clothes and makeup).

I think it’s interesting that he would describe the creation of the set like that of creating a human. Just like with any work with variance, the set is a living thing. It will shape and change by the hands of the builders to meet the design requirements. That’s makes it no small feat to insure that it is up to the standards that have been set when working in such a small amount of time. If anything, the complexity of the human body is a great example for how detailed we have to be, and just how hard the process can be on us when we are trying to finish a job.


Q3. Do you think that this amount of work helps or hinders you?

A3. I believe that this type of work atmosphere and schedule helps a great deal, since it will prepare me for the work load and stress that will come from future jobs in the theatre. Some cons of being an intern is that we are “required” to work more hours than someone who is hired full time. A pro to this internship is not only are we paid for it and have free room and board but we are also getting great hands on experience and knowledge of our field of work that we wish to pursue in the near future.

I don’t think I could have said it better, though it can wear down your body, and make you stressed this is something that adds to your well-rounded experience. Having a change to get some hands on training in our line of work and the many different aspects of theatre is a gold mine. The wealth of knowledge greatly outweighs the strain, but we do have to be careful to make sure that the strain doesn’t win out in the end.


Q4. What are things that keep you going when you are having to work so long?

A4. Even though every person in the entire world is different and we all have our limits, when a deadline needs to be met, you have to grit your teeth, buckle up, and just push through. That is the fundamental theory behind the drive you need to work 15 plus hour work days continuously for a period of time. If you tack on eating right and trying to stay healthy, you still need to just push through the exhaustion until the finish product and the deadline finally meet. Each person needs to look in themselves, no matter how deep it may be and find that basic drive to go on.

I think what he says here is important and very true for the world of theatre. Buckling up for a hard long ride of sweat and hard work is what is needed at times to see that the job gets done. I also think he speaks very true to what is needed in order to do that. You have to find it within yourself. That something that will keep you going no matter what: Internal determination. That is something that is powerful enough to push you through anything. It may be different from person to person but the concept holds true for everyone.

Q5. To end this what are your closing thoughts on the time and toll this job takes on you?

A5. Dig deep in yourself for your personal drive, eat healthy, stay healthy whenever possible. Second only to finding that drive, stay positive, whatever you do, think and be positive; this is the only way you’re going to make it in your field that you’ve chosen for yourself with a good outlook on the life you’ve picked.

Well said, I wouldn’t put it any other way.

In Closing:

I think that what we find here is that being open to what is given to you, and pushing yourself through the good and the bad are what make the greats of theatre great. Through these interviews I hope that you have gained something that helps to shine some light in just how wonderful the craft can be. We have to be careful of ourselves when dealing with such an art because it takes a lot of time, dedication and heart to see that what we do is the best it can be. We have to stay healthy not only physically but also mentally to see that when it’s all said and done, we have found the success that we all hope to achieve.