When Durango PlayFest was just a kernel of an idea in early 2018, organizers approached the theater department at Fort Lewis College for advice and direction. Felicia Lansbury Meyer, then a theater lecturer, became the festival’s director. As planning began for that first festival, she insisted that students in the college’s theater program be an integral part of PlayFest.
Fast-forward eight years. More than 60 students have served as interns at seven festivals. They stepped into roles such as actor, stage manager, assistant stage manager, production assistant, graphic designer, hospitality intern, sound and lighting techs, and more. Many return for more than one season.
“I envisioned the festival as an incubator, not only for new plays, but for student exploration,” said Meyer, now the chair of the FLC Performing Arts Department. “What an incredibly enriching opportunity to work alongside professionals that come from across the country, many with decades of experience. Their passion for theater is contagious.”
Madysen Hunter, an FLC graduate, served as a stage manager at two festivals.
“I worked side by side with professional actors, directors and playwrights during two intensive weeks of rehearsals – and was respected for my contributions,” she said. “Students were all treated as important members of the team.”
After graduation, Hunter went on to become company manager and business administrator for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. She now works for the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Student interns come away with more than a boost to a resume. Research shows they consistently report greater confidence in expressing ideas and engaging with diverse groups of people, a trait that transfers directly to job interviews, presentations, group projects and everyday leadership roles.
Beyond pure confidence, working on productions nurtures time management, creative problem-solving and emotional resilience. They’re required to juggle schedules, meet deadlines, respect others’ contributions and pivot rapidly when something inevitably changes during rehearsals.
While the benefits to students are quite apparent, Meyer is quick to point out that the professionals benefit as well.
“The company members truly enjoy working with our FLC interns,” she said. “Many have commented about students’ enthusiasm and curiosity, and how special it is to have their presence and input during the festival.”
PlayFest’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of theater professionals extends beyond its annual play development festivals.
In 2022, the nonprofit created the REAL-WORLD THEATRE Speaker Series for Youth. The program brings young playwrights and actors of diverse backgrounds to Durango to have frank discussions with area high school and college students about the challenges and opportunities in the theater industry – warts and all. The goal is to inspire students to envision theater careers they may not have otherwise considered. Past speakers have included Sky Lakota-Lynch, a Tony- and Grammy-nominated young actor from the Broadway production of “The Outsiders,” and playwright Alex Riad, a Juilliard graduate who shared his challenges with dyslexia and how he persevered in order to pursue his passion for writing.
And now a personal note about supporting the incredible talent in FLC’s Theatre Department. Their next production is “The Old Man and the Moon,” March 27 to April 4. The play is a bluegrass-infused tale about the moon’s keeper who leaves his post in search of a forgotten love. Tickets can be purchased at durangoconcerts.com.
Mandy Mikulencak is managing director of Durango PlayFest and an author of historical fiction. She’s worked in the nonprofit sector for 35 years.
