Blog Post: Introducing the 2024 Administrative Internship Team | Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (2024)

Megan Austin (she/her) – Education Intern

Megan Austin is currently majoring in vocal music education while pursuing a minor in arts management and entrepreneurship. As the Education Intern, Megan will be assisting with camps and student events this Festival Season. Of the four operas that OTSL is doing this season, Megan is most excited for La bohème, since it is a classic that she has yet to see in person. Her favorite musicals are A Chorus Line and Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812. When asked why she chose this internship, Megan said, “I felt like this was a place where I could grow and learn with graceful guidance. The education internship married my excitement for opera, meeting new people, working with kids, and educational administration.” Megan is most excited about getting to know her fellow interns and having picnics before the operas. During her time here, Megan hopes to gain the experience of working in an organized and artistic environment while meeting new people in a creative field that she hopes to join one day.

Elizabeth Button (she/her) – Artistic Administration Intern

Elizabeth Button is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music with an emphasis in vocal performance. As a fan of minimalist music, she is most excited for OTSL’s production of Philip Glass’ Galileo Galilei. Her favorite opera is La bohème and her favorite musical is Miss Saigon. Elizabeth chose this internship because she wanted the chance to work and live in St. Louis and couldn’t pass up the great opportunity to delve into the behind-the-scenes world of opera. Elizabeth is most excited to see professionals at work during her internship, and she hopes to learn how both an opera company and a non-profit operate. Elizabeth hopes to develop a well-rounded idea of how to handle all tasks at a performing arts company, and ultimately have a broad spectrum of understanding to help her create a full profile as a young professional in opera.

Josh Goldman (he/him) – Finance Intern

Josh Goldman is a finance and music double major in college. His two favorite musicals are The Sound of Music and The Music Man. This season, Josh is looking forward to The Barber of Seville the most, as he hasn’t seen it before and he anticipates OTSL’s creative approach to such a classic. He was drawn to OTSL’s administrative internship program due to his shared background in both business and music. “Through this internship,” Josh says, “I can be involved in the world of music while learning more about the finances of a non-profit and the work that goes into that.” Josh is most excited to be a part of a performing arts organization that is such an integral part of the St. Louis community. Josh hopes to not only learn more about accounting and finance, but also to open his mind to new operas and new ideas.

Dillon Potts (he/him) – Development Intern

Dillon Potts is currently double majoring in cello performance and business administration. While he is excited to see all four operas this season, he is most looking forward to Philip Glass’ Galileo Galilei, due to its concept and music. Dillon’s favorite musicals are Hadestown and Little Shop of Horrors. When asked why he chose the development internship, Dillon said,. “I wanted to have administrative experience in arts organizations before I left college, and OTSL looked like a great fit for me. They are very organized and helpful with any questions you have. I had also never been to St. Louis, so I was excited to be in a new city.” Dillon is most excited to learn about the different departments throughout OTSL and to discover what makes a Festival Season happen each year. He also looks forward to meeting both the audience and staff members of the OTSL community over great food at tent dinners. Throughout his time as an intern, Dillon hopes to gain knowledge and direction for his future career in a professional performing arts organization and learn more about both administrative work and non-profits.

Naomi Eke (she/her) – Digital Media Intern

Naomi Eke is currently in graduate school for digital marketing management and is elated to help promote OTSL. The opera that she anticipates the most during her internship is The Barber of Seville, as she loves the setting and art-deco inspired design. Her favorite musical is Hairspray and her favorite play is You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, as it has become her new philosophy. When asked what excites her the most about interning at OTSL, Naomi said, “Saying everything would be a huge understatement. Each component that makes the village and team that is OTSL is so inspiring. Knowing how much brain power in different career fields work together to support one another so that OTSL can thrive… I am in absolute awe of it all.” As a singer herself who was introduced to opera by a friend, Naomi is inspired to keep the St. Louis arts scene thriving. She hopes to develop a real-life approach to digital marketing and build industry connections within the design and arts world.

Erica Ancell (she/her) – Artistic Administration Intern

Erica Ancell is currently getting her master’s degree in vocal performance. As an alumna of OTSL’s Artists-in-Training Program, Erica was drawn back by the welcoming staff and unanimous appreciation for the arts. Erica is not only excited to return to her hometown, but is honored to be back at the place that was her gateway to opera before she finishes her degree. The opera that Erica anticipates the most this season is Julius Caesar as she is a fan of early opera and of Sarah Mesko, who is singing the title role. What excites Erica the most about this internship is how electrifying rehearsal spaces are when all the artists are in residence. Over the next month, Erica hopes to meet all the people who are critical to making this opera season a success. She is delighted to be a part of the positive environment that OTSL fosters for its artists to encourage creativity, innovation, and personal and professional growth.

Erin Lee (she/her) – Graphic Design Intern

Erin Lee is a communications/graphic design major who is excited to bring her keen eye and love of design to the OTSL team. Erin has never heard an opera or musical that she didn’t enjoy, but her two favorites are Newsies and Rent. Of the four operas this Festival Season, Erin is most looking forward to The Barber of Seville for its hijinks-filled plot. She also eagerly awaits the costumes in Galileo Galilei. When asked why she accepted an internship at OTSL, Erin said: “I have always enjoyed musical theater but didn’t know too much about opera, so I thought this would be a cool way to learn. I also really appreciated that they gave you the opportunity to work and learn outside of your department and really get a full picture of how an arts non-profit functions.” This Festival Season, Erin is most excited to get a behind-the-scenes look at how opera works and to attend dress rehearsals and performances. Erin hopes to gain more experience in a field that she is pursuing, and aims to grow her design, work, and life skills. She anticipates working with the many talented, creative, and knowledgeable people at OTSL, and expects to leave with a greater appreciation for opera and all the work that goes into it.

Sam Tarter (he/him) – Press and Communications Intern

Sam Tarter is a creative writing and English/literature double major pursuing a career in public relations and nonprofit leadership. A St. Louis native, Sam is thrilled to be back in his home city to explore a side of the performing arts that he is yet to discover. After visiting a majority of London’s theater scene last spring during a semester abroad, Sam knew that an internship at OTSL was the perfect fit to break into the career he wanted. His favorite musicals are Newsies and Ride the Cyclone, and while he has never seen an opera before, he is most excited to see OTSL’s production of Philip Glass’ Galileo Galilei as he is a fan of space and astronomy. Sam is thrilled to get a sense of both the non-profit world and administrative work, and he couldn’t be happier that his first step into that job field is with the performing arts. During his internship, Sam hopes to befriend his fellow interns, make memories at dress rehearsals and pre-show picnics, and promote the many stories of the OTSL community and staff.