Update #3
A. Log of Hours Worked
Tuesday March 4, 8:30 - Noon
Tuesday March 11, 8:30 - Noon
Tuesday March 18, 8:30 - Noon
Tuesday March 25, 8:30 - Noon
Wednesday March 26, 8:30-Noon
Tuesday April 1, 8:30 - Noon
Total Hours this Update 21
Total Hours logged to date 59.5
B.Specific Progress on Objectives Since Last Update
I have spent a lot of time typing all the stuff I was working on when
I didn't have access to a computer. I also made a list organizing what
has been done (and by whom) as well as what needs to be done. All
the work left "half done" by the last person is now completely done.
Additionally I have created a "form letter" to send to artists asking
for their input on the content they would like included in their study
guide.
Because of my schedule doesn't seem to fit with performance
times, I have not gotten out into schools to observe or evaluate any of
the artists which is disappointing, but I would still like to see a few
performances (even if it doesn't happen until after my internship is
"officially" over.
C.Reflection on a Useful or Successful Experience
Listening to the sound of 8 study guides "plop" onto Kate's desk all
at once was a very successful experience! I also felt really good about
the emergency study guide I created in 3 hours (One artist had created a
new program, but didn't send information in until a week before their
performance. Young Audiences needed SOMETHING to send the teachers that
day! So I cranked out a couple of pages. It was the first study guide
I wrote from scratch (instead of updating and revising). Meeting the
deadline felt really good and sucessful!!
D. Identify issue, activity, life cycle, transition etc. that you might address if you worked permanently at the organization
I believe Young Audiences currently lives in Steven's "growth stage"
and the Executive Director possesses the "Management and Leadership
Attributes" Kenny lists as helpful for people in charge of a growing
organization. However, the current economic uncertainty gives the
organization a lot of the insecurities characteristic of a start up
organization. Since everyone (including the schools we work for)
experience the same financial hardships as Young Audiences, I would love
to see the organization take advantage of the situation for everyone's
benefit.
As schools cut their arts programs, they turn to outside expertise to
provide short term or one time arts experiences for students. Young
Audiences has noticed a slight increase in program requests because of
this situation. I don't want to promote cutting arts programs, or
encouraging Young Audiences to adopt "Ambulance Chasing" techniques, but
Young Audiences ought to have a catalog on the desk of every principal
who has reduced their arts programs. I have not studied their financial
documents enough to know how much of increase in programing would be
needed to offset the decrease in grants and corporate funding, but the
awful economy is a great time for this organization to get out and DO
their mission.
