George Washington Scholar Interns at Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Lydia Melka, a theatre major at The George Washington University, recently accepted an Artist Programming Internship at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The Kennedy Center is one of the largest theatres in the United States as well as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. A holistic development program designed to “elevate the next generation of leaders in arts, cultural and non-profit fields,” the semester-long internship at The Kennedy Center offers highly coveted opportunities for students to grow both academically and professionally.
Since she first stepped foot on campus, Lydia has been a frequent visitor to The Kennedy Center.
"My Posse is truly my family... I could not have done this without them.”
“The Kennedy Center provides discounted tickets, which makes professional theatre and live performances much more accessible to me and other students on campus,” Lydia says. “I was inspired to apply for the internship after falling in love with the institution.”
As a programming intern, Lydia’s duties include welcoming and supporting visiting artists upon their arrival to campus and assisting backstage the day of the show. In addition to these responsibilities, Lydia participates in seminars with senior staff, attends cross-departmental meetings, and shadows staff members.
Upon learning of her acceptance to the program, Lydia’s Posse shared in the celebration of her accomplishment.
“The celebration my Posse met me with was incredible,” she says. “My Posse is truly my family. So many of them are in creative fields, and they encourage me to pursue my artistic passions. I could not have done this without them.”
Reflecting on her internship experience, Lydia says, “I’ve really enjoyed getting to connect with the other interns, the opportunity to grow more in arts-specific administration and meeting incredible performers who inspire me to grow.”
When she’s not on stage perfecting her craft, Lydia can be found giving tours for the GW School of Business or working as a career center coordinator at the Fowler Career Center. Lydia is also a part of the Voice Gospel Choir and the Campus Outreach Christian Ministry.
