For students pursuing careers in the arts, there is no substitute for learning alongside professionals. Through CIP Berkshire’s partnership with Barrington Stage Company (BSC), students have the opportunity to explore the many careers that make live theatre possible while building valuable workplace skills in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Located in the heart of the Berkshires, Barrington Stage Company is a nationally recognized professional theatre whose mission extends beyond producing exceptional performances. The organization is deeply committed to developing new works and engaging the community through inclusive educational outreach and volunteer opportunities, making it an outstanding internship partner for CIP students.
Each fall, CIP Berkshire students visit Barrington Stage Company as part of their Service Learning program, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at the many departments that keep a professional theatre running year-round. While actors may come and go with each production, students discover the dedicated business, production, costume, marketing, and audience experience teams whose work forms the foundation of every successful performance.
A key part of this experience is the mentorship students receive from the BSC staff. Meredith Felix, Community Engagement Manager, serves as the primary mentor for CIP interns, taking the time to learn about each student’s interests, strengths, and career goals before the internship begins. Together with Mackenzie Acquaviva, Director of the Audience Experience, Meredith helps ensure students receive meaningful, hands-on experiences across multiple departments of the theatre. Their thoughtful, patient, and inclusive approach allows students to build confidence, develop professional skills, and gain valuable exposure to careers in the performing arts.
“Since stepping into my role as Community Engagement Manager at Barrington Stage Company, I’ve had the joy of building new relationships and creating meaningful opportunities for community connection. Welcoming interns through the College Internship Program has been especially rewarding, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow our impact and deepen our community partnerships.” – Meredith Felix, BSC Community Engagement Manager
Last year, one CIP Berkshire student became the first intern placed at Barrington Stage Company. With a strong interest in theater and previous participation in CIP musical productions, the student gained experience working with the costume department by cataloging costumes while also supporting administrative operations through organizing and filing materials. Because the internship took place during the theatre’s non-production season, the experience focused primarily on the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a professional theatre operating year-round. The internship also provided opportunities to build meaningful professional connections while exploring a potential career path. The student is continuing to pursue an interest in theatre through coursework at Berkshire Community College.
This fall, another CIP Berkshire student will begin an internship at Barrington Stage Company after first discovering the organization during a Service Learning visit. As the internship will take place during production season, the student will primarily support the box office and audience experience team while also gaining exposure to costume cataloging once the production schedule allows. The student, who also studies theatre at Berkshire Community College, is excited to learn more about the behind-the-scenes work that creates memorable experiences for theatergoers.
The differing internship experiences reflect the seasonal nature of a working theatre. Students are introduced to different departments depending on when they intern, providing unique perspectives on both production and administrative operations throughout the year while developing a well-rounded understanding of how a professional theatre company operates.
Partnerships like the one between CIP Berkshire and Barrington Stage Company demonstrate the value of experiential learning. By connecting students with dedicated mentors like Meredith Felix and Mackenzie Acquaviva, and providing authentic workplace experiences, these internships help students build career readiness, strengthen professional skills, and discover pathways toward meaningful employment in the arts.
As more students pursue opportunities with Barrington Stage Company, CIP Berkshire looks forward to continuing a partnership that empowers students to turn their interests into real-world experience—both on stage and behind the scenes.
About the Author
Tina Tartaglia, M.Ed.
Carrer Coordinator – CIP Berkshire
Tina Tartaglia has worked in the field of social work and education for over 15 years. Her previous positions include school counselor, vocational counselor, youth substance use/community educator, and college dual enrollment coordinator. She has experience facilitating groups and in career and academic counseling and support.
As a Career Coordinator, Tina teaches career modules and holds counseling sessions with students to assist them in developing career goals and improving on strengths and challenges in the world of work. She works with staff, students, and the larger community to coordinate internship experiences. She is passionate about identifying student strengths and motivating them for success after high school graduation.
