Theater internships draw diverse cast of students

What unites nine students studying theater, creative writing, environmental science, music education, communications and marketing? They're all working for-credit internships in faculty member and alum Amanda Baschnagel's upcoming devised production of "The Medea Project."

This collaboration between two local theater companies and the Department of Theatre, Film and Creative Writing sees Boise State students working behind the scenes, getting credit towards their degrees and exploring their artistic interests.

Partnership for student success

The partnership came about thanks to connections between Boise State and the local theater community. The two companies partnering to produce this version of "Medea," The Boise Bard Players and The Luminary Theater Company, are both operated by alumni of the Boise State theatre program. Baschnagel, who is directing the production, saw the perfect opportunity to involve students.

"These two companies have never worked with interns in this way," she said. "This is a special occasion where a faculty member is directing in the community and able to combine these forces."

A total of 9 student interns from Boise State are working in roles across the production. Those include marketing, assistant directing, stage management, sound design and four understudy interns working closely with the professional actors.

Broad student interest

The interns aren't just theater majors. Students from across campus are taking this opportunity to explore the art they're passionate about and build skills relevant to their future careers.

Briella Pace, a sophomore studying environmental science, perfectly represents the academic diversity of this coalition.

"I did theater in high school," she said. "My father is a high school teacher and he directed the shows at our school, so I kind of grew up around it."

When Pace started looking for a university where she could study the environmental science necessary to work in wildlife conservation, a robust theater program was "definitely on [her] mind."

Even though she isn't planning a career in theater, Pace still sees a comprehensive arts and sciences education as critical to her academic experience. "I try to keep my life pretty balanced," she said. "I could definitely see myself doing [theater] on the side."

For other students, these theater internships are a path leading to their future careers. Kailey Ondler is a sophomore studying theater and creative writing. She is also an understudy for two roles in "The Medea Project" - King Aegeus and Princess Glauce.

"I really want to go into voice acting," she said. "This definitely helps because of the duality of the role. I can be a more serious, kind of toned-down character and then a really hyper, fast-talking one back-to-back."

A modern take on a classic play

Baschnagel, the professionals from The Boise Bard Players and The Luminary, and the student interns are working on a devised version of Euripides' "Medea." "Devised" is a technical term in theater where a company works together to improvise and write their own show during the production process.

"Our version is trying to take this ancient Greek myth and bring it into sort of a contemporary perspective," Baschnagel said. "We are kind of calling her our 'girl boss Medea.'"

"She's a pretty complex character," Pace said. "She's not necessarily a great person, but she's still definitely affected by the sexism of the Greek world and our modern-ish world."

The experience is shaping these Boise State students professionally and personally, and it's part of a broader plan to deliver hands-on learning opportunities for students in the College of Arts and Sciences.

"We are very, very hopeful as a theatre program to be offering more internships," Baschnagel said.

"The Medea Project" will run from Oct. 8 to 18, 2026, at The Meridian Masonic Lodge in Meridian, Idaho.

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