SJMC Student Learns the Ropes of the Performing Arts Industry

July 21, 2014

Plazajosue

By: Colin Ashby. Alexandria Horton is one student who has used her performing arts experience to land her dream job. Horton is currently a junior at Texas State University majoring in mass communication-public relations with a minor in media studies. As her internship at The Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin comes to a close, she has already found her next position. This summer, Horton works as an intern for the New York Musical Theatre Festival in New York City.“I had been planning on getting a New York City internship for over a year. It’s great to see that my work has paid off,” said Horton.Last fall, at the start of her junior year at Texas State, Horton was starting out at a new internship with The Long Center. She had developed a thorough understanding of performing arts and the public relations industry through her internship duties working as a marketing intern.Horton had always loved the variety of things within the performing arts. Growing up, she would spend her spare time attending theatre shows, visiting art events and watching musicals. Coming to Texas State, she was unsure of what career path to pick until a professor offered advice.“My Introduction to Public Relations professor Bruce Smith said 'To have a great job, one should marry their career with their passion,'” said Horton.At the end of the summer, Horton decided to fill out an application for an internship at The Long Center in Austin, Texas. She knew the Long Center would be a great way to get experience in the performing arts and public relations industries. A few days after a phone interview, she got the position as a marketing intern.Working at the Long Center gave her the confidence to achieve anything in the workplace, she said. A typical day at her internship involves doing anything from managing marketing to helping out with the finance or development department.“There is never a moment where there is nothing to do," she said. "I always find something to work on."As for her spending the summer in New York City, Horton said she will experience all the Big Apple has to offer. She plans to move there after her graduation in May 2015.“Gaining experience at the Long Center has given me the confidence to follow my career dreams," she said.