Backstage at the Egyptian – Summer VOX Intern Gemma Baines

As part of our commitment to fostering the next generation of theatre professionals, the Egyptian Theatre is excited to welcome Gemma to our team this summer through the VOX internship program. With a strong foundation in set building and design, Gemma is eager to expand her knowledge of lighting and sound to better understand how all elements of a production come together. In this interview, she reflects on the value of hands-on learning, the importance of accessibility in the entertainment industry, and her drive to be a well-rounded and versatile technician. Get to know Gemma and her passion for the behind-the-scenes magic that brings theatre to life!

JEANINE: What are you looking forward to most about this internship?
GEMMA: I am most looking forward to learning how to work in a professional production
environment as well as working in a local, community-oriented theatre.

J: What does it mean to you to have internships like this in the live entertainment industry?
G: To me, having these internships within the live entertainment industry means more
accessibility to the specific skill sets in backstage production. Getting into this industry,
whether through education or going straight into the workforce, can be difficult without
any guidance, and these internships give the space and flexibility to learn how and why
things work the way they do.

J: Where do you hope the tools and skills you learn during this internship will take you in the future?
G: I hope this internship will give me a broader understanding of live entertainment. I want
to know as much as possible to be as helpful as possible in my future endeavors in the
technical side of theatre

J: What first sparked your interest in live sound or lighting design?
G: My interest in lighting and sound really started with not knowing anything about lighting
and sound. As someone who comes from a set building and design background, I want
to understand how all of these elements work together to create the production as a
whole. I want to do more and know as much as possible.