Meet the Apprentices: Meghan McVann, Production Management Apprentice

What is the path that brought you to OTC?

My path was a winding road. I went to college to study Theatre to act. While I was in the program, I did not feel like acting was right for me so I went to study dance instead. It didn't occur to me to drop my theatre major, so I had to take the only elective that would fit into my major: stage management. I fell in love with this class. I wanted to pursue this new interest so I started stage managing and doing technical work for dance companies and dance festivals as well as theatre. Although I really enjoyed stage managing, it still was not the perfect fit, so I decided to pursue Production Management since it is similar to stage management. I applied for as many production management internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships as I could. OTC was the place I picked and I am so glad that I did.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on many projects at once. I am helping Fred, our General Manager, close the financial books on Once, and will do the same with Oil next week. I am about to go into tech week for Ken Ludwig's A Comedy of Tenors, I am preparing for Mary Stuart's first rehearsal, I am coordinating with the creative teams for Matilda and the National Player's Tour 71 for production meetings, and checking in with the creative team for Tiger Style!... which reminds me that Josiane and I will need to poke the Cabaret creative team to start their design process next week.

What is something you are looking forward to?

I am looking forward to my second Capstone project!

What are you doing for your Capstone?

I have two Capstones. I was Co-Production Manager with Director of Production Emeritus, Dennis Blackledge, for Elf the Musical. My other Capstone is Production Managing Mary Stuart. For that project, I am leading the entire production team, working with the creative team, running all the meetings, making sure we are under budget, and keeping the process as smooth as possible. It is a leadership position that hardly anyone with my experience gets to do. I am very grateful to have the trust and guidance of the OTC staff, especially Josiane Jones, Jason King Jones, and Jason Loewith.

What's special about Olney Theatre Center?

Olney Theatre Center is special because everyone is so invested in the future of early career theatre professionals. The staff and everyone that works here are invested in our education and are very open to discuss most anything that piques our interest. If we are curious about a certain aspect of the theatre, then they will find an opportunity for you to not only learn about it but to give you that experience. The Apprenticeship program is so valuable and I am so grateful to be a part of it.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot hands down is on the deck outside the Crawford House. I love to sit outside in the sun with the birds doing my morning routine and drinking my cup of tea. With the weather, I have not been able to do this for months but it’s warming up now and I am starting to spend more time there.