Funny Girl
All right dear reader; expect to hear a lot from me this semester, because I have a lot to say. It’s best I have a computer in front of me or I’ll just start talking to no one and make people on the Subway feel uncomfortable. But you aren’t on the subway and I’m at my computer so that clears that up.
At this very moment reader, I am sitting on the Staten Island Ferry, a common mode of transportation for Wagner students, commuters and tourists. But dear reader, the question is not where I am, but why I’m here. I am traveling to Manhattan today, which I do about 5 times a week. You see, I am currently an intern for the Upright Citizen’s Brigade. What’s an intern you ask? Well reader, it’s a job where you are not paid to help out people with real jobs. Now, I’m sure you’re saying, “Megan, why on earth would you take an unpaid job?” I see your logic, but this internship is in a field I would one day like to work in.
You may have also asked, “What’s the Upright Citizen’s Brigade?” Reader, the Upright Citizens Brigade is a theater and training facility for some of New York’s best comedians. Founded by the Germans in 1908… oh wait, wrong paper. Founded in 1996 by Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh, UCB brought long form improv to New York City audiences. Soon, a training center emerged to teach young comedic hopefuls the ancient art of long form improv and sketch writing.
Flash forward several years and enter me. A wide-eyed and very eager intern. The pay is non-existent and the work isn’t glamorous (mostly just clerical stuff), but for me it’s a step in the right direction. That’s one of the amazing things about being a college student in New York City—the opportunities to work with some of the best in an industry, even as a freshman. Even if one of my jobs is making nut-free trail mix (it’s delicious).
You may be wondering what I actually want to do after I graduate. The truth is, I’m not sure. I know I want to make people laugh. Partially because it’s fun and partially because it’s one of the few things I’m good at. I’m not positive where that dream will take me career wise, but that’s the cool thing about going to a liberal arts school. You have the time and the tools to figure out what you’re good at and how to turn that into a career.
Now, I’m not going to lie to you, juggling a full class schedule and an internship three days a week is not as easy as it sounds. I have to remain extremely organized and give up time which I would otherwise spend sleeping, spending time with friends, and sleeping some more. However, the reward of working in your desired field is better then virtually anything else, not to mention that with my handy dandy internship card I can see shows at the UCB Theater in Chelsea and the East Village for free. See you soon, reader — until then I’ve got some coffee to get.
Questions about the Upright Citizens Brigade? Want to see my portfolio of sketches? Leave a comment or find me in my dorm room, where I’m most likely sleeping.