Meet the Interns – Erin: Lover of Yoga, Acting and Pasta
This month, we’re focusing on sharing some of the Faces of the Union with you, because the best part about being a Union member is being able to share share experiences that will last a lifetime with other people. Over the next few issues, we’re going to be releasing interviews with four Wisconsin Union Theater interns and Terrace Views contributors.
Erin Bannen
What are you studying? What year are you?
I am a fifth year senior studying English with an emphasis in creative writing. I came to UW-Madison to be an actor, but then decided the lifestyle wasn’t for me. So now I just act in anything I can get my hands on, most recently the Vagina Monologues 2012.
How did you get involved in the Theater?
I was looking for marketing internships at places that did work I cared about. The Wisconsin Union Theater’s mission to bring world-class performances to UW students at an affordable rate ($10!!!) is one that I so wholly believe in. I asked if I could come do work for free; the fabulous marketing director Esty Dinur had me fill out an application, interviewed me and gave me a chance! That was two years ago. 
What is your position at the Theater? What do you do on a daily basis?
I used to be the main intern but then I had to cut back my hours to apply to graduate school. Now I get to do the most fun thing in the world, write about the fantastic artists the Wisconsin Union Theater brings to town! I write articles for our blog, the Green Room and occasionally for Terrace Views.
What is your favorite part of working at the Theater?
The people. Everyone in that office is so kind, friendly and crazy smart. I have learned so much about marketing and arts administration just by sitting in on meetings. Also, the artists! In what other job do you get to write all day about what you love?
What else are you involved in outside of the Theater and school?
I love yoga, and trying out for plays, and cooking. I am currently trying to perfect coconut curry potato leek soup. I write articles for my own little blog, and I love walking around Madison and taking pictures. I am also a writing fellow, which means I get to tutor some awesome UW-Madison students with their writing. It is incredibly fun.
What is the funniest/best/most embarrassing/etc. experience you’ve had at the Theater?
I was at Fete de Marquette sitting next to another student intern when Ralph, the director of the Theater, walked up to introduce me to someone. I got so excited I hit the fork on my plate flinging food into the face and onto the book of the other intern. It was a pretty phenomenal introduction.
What kind of toothpaste do you use? What’s your favorite meal?
The toothy kind. Favorite meal? Mashed potatoes. And caramel apples. And pasta pasta pasta.
Interview by Elana Siegel, Union Theater marketing intern
