Get to Know Our Dr. Mindy Goldberg Rose Interns!
Over the course of 12 weeks, our Dr. Mindy Goldberg Rose Interns have immersed themselves in the Marketing and Development departments by gaining valuable experience in arts administration and strategic operations.
Emily Lathers served as our Archival Intern and tackled essential preservation projects. They reorganized the Marketing department’s physical records since the company‘s founding in 1988 and digitized A/V materials, ensuring these historical materials are preserved and accessible. Emily has also contributed to an exciting long-term archival project in preparation for the Arden‘s upcoming 40th anniversary.
As our Communications Intern, Bell Pendon collaborated with the Development and Marketing teams on their diverse projects. Their work centered on End-of-the-Calendar-Year outreach as well as designing social media graphics and supporting event operations. Bell also played a role in our Leap of Faith subscription campaign for the 2026–2027 season.
Hear from our 2025 Fall Interns and their experience:
What brought you to the Arden?
Emily: Well, I attended the PWYC preview of Falsettos with the Mazzoni Center because I love that musical, and I wanted to support a friend who worked as an electronics programmer. I graduated from Swarthmore last year; theatre courses there often come to see shows at the Arden. A sound designer and professor, Liz Atkinson, had also recently worked on La Otra at the Arden during the Fringe Festival. So, all signs pointed to the Arden! I initially saw the listing through the Philadelphia and Philadelphia Cultural Alliance job boards. I have interest and experience in performance history and archival work for theatre/dance companies, so I jumped on the opportunity.
Bell: Growing up, I was always drawn to live theatre and music, so I was deeply involved in my school’s performing arts clubs. This stayed with me, and I later gained experience by working with arts non-profits. But I still remember seeing a friend perform in 13: The Musical at our local theatre, where I was completely blown away. I wanted to feel that magic again…but this time from behind the scenes by helping create those moments of awe for others, especially those who have little to no access to the arts. So, the Arden’s mission of serving those on stage, in the classroom, and in the community really resonated with me. It felt like such a guiding light that I applied through the same listing as Emily’s.
Pictured: Emily in Our Basement Archive
What does a typical day look like for you?
Emily: I typically spend a few hours cataloging physical materials from the Marketing department in the basement archive. It’s so fun to see how Amy, Terry, Aaron, and other early Arden staff got the word out about the company in its early seasons. From early reviews, it’s clear how much heart went into the Arden from the beginning. Then, I work on digitizing and cataloging all of the CDs and DVDs in the Arden’s collection. I upload these A/V materials (show footage, press footage, interviews, and cast recordings) to a digital site where Arden staff can access them when they need. This digitization work ensures that as the materials deteriorate and technology changes, we have multiple copies of the same media.
Bell: Honestly, the work really depends on the day because tasks vary between the Development and Marketing teams. When I come in, I check in with the Directors of both teams for projects and move accordingly. For day-to-day tasks, I’m usually working on email outreach and designing templates. I spent most of my time assisting with the Development team’s EOCY campaign, but I’ve also been able to help with in-person events for the Marketing team, like distributing materials in New Jersey neighborhoods, or setting up a stand for the Wanamaker Light Show’s reopening during the holiday season. So, every day I come in ready to jump in, and each day has been exciting with completing tasks, celebrating team achievements, and helping out with what’s coming next.
Can you tell me more about what you’ve learned?
Emily: I’m learning how to design an archive to serve the needs of the Arden’s different departments. So far, I’ve worked with the Marketing and Development teams to understand how they organize their current records and how I can assist with organizing their historical records in a consistent and straightforward way. So, I’m expanding my existing skills beyond cataloging, digitization, and preservation to all the logistical and curatorial work that goes into building an archive.
Bell: By helping in both departments, I’ve collaborated with projects in areas of social media graphics, event operations, and donor communications. During my time here, I’ve expanded my technical design skills and deepened my understanding of the strategies needed to maintain key relationships. I’ve also gotten hands-on experience with the Arden’s new email scheduling system, which has taught me how these communication tools work behind the scenes.
What have you enjoyed most about your work?
Emily: I’m discovering that I love working with pre-digital A/V materials like VHS, cassettes, and reel-to-reel tapes! It is so important for us to be able to access and preserve these materials while we still can.
Pictured: Bell in Our Office
Bell: For me, I really enjoy working on email campaigns and exploring my creativity there. It’s so fulfilling to be able to connect and sustain long-lasting relationships in a meaningful, intentional way.
What are you most proud of during your time at the Arden?
Emily: I’m proud that my work will help people understand the rich history of this company. I recently found an illustrated version of The Little Theatre Company That Could (after The Little Engine That Could). It recognizes all the hard work, skill, and a bit of luck that went into founding this company and is deeply inspiring for young artists who dream of doing the same.
Bell: For me, a proud moment comes from being able to gather materials for the Arden’s Happy Holidays and Happy New Year email campaign. These truly highlighted the innovative, rooted work that the Arden does on and beyond the stage.
Is there a moment that stands out to you?
Emily: I recently caught the last 15 minutes of the Children’s Theatre production of A Wrinkle in Time, with ASL interpretation by Hands UP Productions for children in local schools. During the Q&A after the show, it was so touching to see a room full of kids moved by the story and able to ask their questions directly to the actors and interpreters. I deeply admire the Arden’s focus on accessibility through programs like Arden for All and shadow interpreting. To me, archival work is also about access, so I appreciate how the Arden drives home that art is (and will always be) for everyone.
Bell: Personally, my first day became such a memorable moment since I came to the Opening Night of The Mountaintop and met Sylvan Society members at the pre-show reception. Being able to meet Charlie Rose was also such an honor and meant a lot to me. This night immersed me in what the Arden is all about by meeting the people in celebration of all they do. I truly enjoy connecting with people who sustain us and the arts, which excited me to start working.
How has this experience shaped your long-term goals?
Emily: This experience has exposed me to arts administration in Philadelphia as a viable career path. It has been so great to meet the Arden team, who are artists in their own right. Overall, I’m interested in helping theatre/dance companies and performance artists document their work in the present and preserve their work for the future, while prioritizing artists’ needs first and foremost.
Bell: I genuinely enjoyed being able to work cross-departmentally and learn under such admirable, seasoned professionals. Like Emily, being able to meet and see what goes beyond the stage and get a taste of what it’s like has energized me to move forward with this career path, especially in doing meaningful work with dedicated people.
Do you have any advice to give to future interns or those looking to apply?
Emily: Just apply! You will find your niche. Often, I think starting is the hardest part. I’m proud of taking the risk to apply and so thankful that it brought me here. I’m so excited to see where these projects go next.
Bell: I second that! This experience has really expanded my understanding of how a non-profit theatre company runs, and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it. Working here truly opens you to so much more than the role offers.
We wish our Fall 2025 interns all the best as they continue with their next projects!
The Arden Theatre Company is currently accepting Spring 2026 interns for the following areas of Set Design: Carpentry & Technical Direction, Lighting & Sound, Costumes/Wardrobe, Props, and Scenic Design. If you or someone you know is interested in being an intern in various positions, apply through here.