In This Story
Go behind the scenes with Lauren Rigby as she shares how her internship helped build her arts management skills and passion for educational programming! Meet Lauren as she shares her summer internship projects, advices, and journey.
This past summer, Lauren interned at the Hylton Performing Arts Center where she assisted with education programming and development. She chose the Hylton Performing Arts Center to strengthen professional connections and put her passion for music education into an arts managers viewpoint.
Throughout her internship, Lauren focused on programming and development research, designed an audience etiquette guide and field trip guide, and collected data for participating school demographics. Watching first-hand what an Education Coordinator accomplishes in their day-to-day led Lauren to become passionate about the Education Initiative mission. She enjoyed collaborating with various teams, and her creative research and projects provided a deeper appreciation for development.
Lauren advises future interns that open communication is key, as she states, "be open to feedback from your supervisor and use it to grow as an arts manager."
Can you describe yourself and why you chose to pursue Arts Management?
Lauren: I currently work as the Assistant to the Director and Marketing Coordinator at the Dewberry School of Music at George Mason University. I worked for 13 years in music education in Stafford and Fairfax County Public Schools as an elementary music teacher. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Music with a Vocal/Choral Teaching License and a Minor in Spanish. I’ve also worked as a cantorial soloist at Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, Virginia. I am a master's student in the AMGT program with expected graduation in Spring 2026.
Can you describe your summer internship and the organization you were interning at?
Lauren: I worked this summer at the Hylton Performing Arts Center with Marit Majeske, Education Coordinator and Arts Management M.A. alumna '10, remotely assisting with education programming and development.
Why did you choose that organization to intern?
Lauren: I was interested in working with Marit since I had met her previously in my Seminar in Arts Management Class and thought her job was really intriguing since it combined my experience and passion for music education through the arts management lens. Since I work at George Mason University already, I wanted to strengthen my connection to our other venue which would help make communication easier in the future for my current role.
What’s one of the most valuable things you’ve learned so far?
Lauren: Marit provided helpful insight as to how the Education Initiative has grown and what she is hoping to accomplish in the future. I was able to see firsthand all the teams that she collaborates and works with in her role. I particularly liked how I learned what an education coordinator does on a day-to-day basis and what kind of work is involved. Coming from a music education professional background, it was interesting to see how an arts manager worked within this field. I especially enjoyed working on the programming research, the craft ideas for the pre-performance activities, and field trip guide for teachers and students.