By Sol de Maria Rodriguez
Every summer, Cincinnati Opera welcomes a new group of interns who bring fresh curiosity and energy to Music Hall, and our 2023 Summer Festival has been no exception. As our interns conclude their summers with us, they took the time to share their personal journeys with opera, their aspirations for the future, and what they’ve enjoyed most about the 2023 season.
Meg Booker
Administration Intern
Favorite Opera: The Magic Flute
Meg Booker was browsing through our community events information and couldn't resist applying when she stumbled upon the internship opportunity on our website. During her internship, Meg has learned about the world of opera and how much dedication everyone has to this art form. She is a vocal performance major with a minor in entrepreneurial studies at Northern Kentucky University, and in her free time, aside from singing, she loves crafting and doing calligraphy.
Said Meg, “I have learned that kindness is the best gift you can give someone, and that all the staff really likes food (lol)! I have learned many practical office skills, and I have made so many wonderful connections. I absolutely loved working here at Cincinnati Opera for the summer.”
Gillian “Gigi” Kokai
Marketing Intern
Favorite Opera: The Rabbit of Seville
Gillian "Gigi" Kokai is a Robert Morris University student juggling an accelerated MBA program and an undergrad degree in management. At Cincinnati Opera, she learned about the marketing side of the art form and was able to see what goes on behind the scenes of our Summer Festival. Gigi loves musical theater. Fun fact: she picked up a bass drum two months before her senior year and marched on the field in the drumline that year. In the future, Gigi hopes to one day open her own theater and bring the community together.
Said Gigi, “I wish I could sum up everything amazing about this internship, but I can’t. So, I will simply say that Cincinnati Opera believes in their work and their employees, so my experience was, of course, wonderful and uplifting. I have learned how to keep trying and keep pushing forward”
Grace Mattina
Philanthropy Intern,
Favorite Opera: The Barber of Seville
Grace Mattina is a Miami University student studying arts management and entrepreneurship, where she combines creative thinking with business practices. At Cincinnati Opera, she learned about the philanthropy team's job and its role in making each season possible. Grace has learned about fundraising events, grants, and donors. When she's not busy, you can find her drawing, painting, or creating unique jewelry pieces.
“I had a wonderful first internship experience at the Cincinnati Opera!” said Grace. “This company is full of very respectable individuals who do an outstanding job, making it such a fantastic company! Everyone’s willingness to help me with my career goals has really made this internship special. I will miss the staff and other fellow interns dearly!”
Ian Wisecup
Education and Community Engagement Intern
Favorite Opera: Le Nozze di Figaro
Ian Wisecup is a second-year Bowling Green State University student. He's pursuing two music performance degrees, one focusing on voice and the other on vocal pedagogy. This summer, Ian has gained more knowledge about how to encourage people to engage in opera as an art form, how an opera company operates, how to make connections and form relationships. As for the future, Ian hopes to perform in the opera after undergrad and grad school. In his free time, he arranges and composes music. He also sings opera, hitting notes as low as G1 or Ab1!
Said Ian, “My experience working at Cincinnati Opera has been amazing; the connections made and the experiences I have had working with the community and exposing people to opera who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, have been by far the most amazing experiences I have had.”
Jeysla Rosario Santos
Company Management Intern
Favorite Opera: La Bohème
Jeysla Rosario Santos is a student at Miami University studying vocal performance and arts management and entrepreneurship. She has a burning passion for singing, loves La Bohème, and has never taken a bite of an apple (literally!). In the future, Jeysla wants to continue performing, but also have a consulting firm where she can provide resources to young artists and start-up arts businesses.
“My experience working at Cincinnati Opera was absolutely amazing!” said Jeysla.“The individuals that I interacted with on a daily basis had plenty of knowledge to share, so I learned something new every single day. I learned a variety of different skills that I never would’ve discovered I needed until later on in my career. I’ve learned too that being thankful does take one very far. Also, my team was really the best I could’ve asked for, and I feel fortunate to have been able to work with these individuals!”
Nina Rodriguez
Communications Intern
Favorite Opera: Carmen
Sol de Maria Rodriguez (Nina) is an MA/MBA student in the University of Cincinnati’s arts administration program. In her free time, Nina loves writing songs, singing, and learning how to cook. In the future, Nina wants to get more involved in the music industry world as an administrator and a performer, while helping other artists improve their careers.
Said Nina, “This summer with Cincinnati Opera has been amazing. I have met wonderful people, seen incredible performances, and learned a lot about press, social media, and communications. I am really grateful for the opportunity to have been here working and creating long-lasting connections with people that are so kind and talented!”
All our interns, with diverse backgrounds and interests, have brought their passion, energy, and knowledge to Cincinnati Opera, and for that, we are immensely grateful. We wish for each of them an amazing professional career in the arts and beyond!