Berkeley Repertory Theatre Fellowship
First Opening Night at BRT, POTUS.
The year after I graduated from USC, I was the sound and video fellow at Berkeley Rep Theatre. I spent the whole season there; it was a full time commitment for me and a huge adjustment. It was my first taste of being an adult in the industry with the freedom of failing. When I first applied, I had no idea I would get in. I sent in my application and went on with my life. Then, I was informed I had an interview. I met with my soon-to-be supervisors. I was honest and myself. I remember Lane Elms asking me to tell him a time I had failed. I said, “how much time do you have?” because in this industry, we fail a lot. Right before I had walked the stage of my graduation, Lane called me to tell me I was in!! I asked if I could talk to him later as I was about to cross the stage, and he said yes. I then accepted my role, and after my summer at Chautauqua, I moved to Berkeley.
A lot of people ask me how it is. The truth is, it was hard, but it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Most people who apply, myself included, are straight out of college. To go from a schedule I built to a 9-5 every day was a learning curve. At the same time, the apartment that I shared with 2 other fellows was tiny. It felt like I was in a dorm and also a real adult with a real job.
My daily life revolved around technician work until we hit tech. During tech, I was the assistant sound designer to every designer who came in. I worked tech hours, 10 am to 10 pm, when the designer was in the room, I was an assistant. When they were not, I was helping with sound notes. I love designing, so being able to adjust cues for a designer, sit next to them, and take notes of the process was my favorite. I learned how to operate a Meyer system. Did I mention they have a constellation system? I learned to adjust speaker amp processors, too. Over time, I picked up great tips from designers, like QLab hotkeys and what to always carry with you. I keep a notebook of things I learn per show, and when I read back what I had noted from previous shows, I see my growth through the year.
Aside from tech, I learned how to be an engineer every day. Like how to build BNC cables, Ethernet, and XLR (ground, hot, cold, thank you, Lane!) I worked closely with the senior audio engineer, Angela, like her shadow. Everywhere she went, I was there helping and learning from her. When not with her, I was with Akari, the audio engineer. I would help build FOH with her or load in speakers, etc. When both Angela and Akari were in a show, I spent my time in the office with Lane and Chase. Setting up video feeds, networking, anything you can think of, we did! Luckily, we had help from overhire constantly. Though not full time, I saw Camille and Courtney often, and they were there to help with load in and any other daily tasks. I had their guidance through the many processes. Processes like when we would rent out our equipment, and we would put together a rental package, or where I could find some random cable that I had never heard of. I was a part of an amazing team where I learned so much.
I write this as someone 2 years out of the program. I recommend this to anyone looking into a place where you can expand your knowledge, work on some super cool shows, meet designers, grow a lot, and make some lifelong friends.
Check out some fun moments I had during my fellow year!
