Who: Tonia Jagodnik
What: Fall 2013 Intern
And What: Stage Manager, A Night in the Old Market Place, 2013 TMT Lab
Like every college graduate with a Theater degree, I moved immediately to New York to fulfill all of my hopes and dreams. My interview with Target Margin was my very first in New York so naturally, I was very nervous. However, after climbing up five stories of stairs and meeting John Del Gaudio, the artistic producer – a man who’s glasses are nearly as impressive as his personality – I soon felt comfortable. I could tell that this was a place for fun artistic exploration, welcoming new talent, and most importantly that this was the place I wanted to be. After about a week, I learned that I would be one of the two fall interns at Target Margin and I could not have been happier. Working here only strengthened my love for this organization, the people involved, and the theater they produce.
It was never just a clerical job, although making copies and running to the post office were never above me, it was a learning experience that embraced new opportunities and friendships. With such an intimate office, reaching out to David, John, or Moe for anything was extremely easy – whether it be a serious question or just a funny story. As an intern they were always looking out for opportunities for me, which is how I became the stage manager of one of the shows in our Yiddish lab this past October. That brought about a whole new journey where I met even more people and was able to assist in both the technical aspects of the show’s production such as getting supplies and being on book, but I was also able to give my artistic input during the rehearsal process. I also got to run lights for the show, and I even had a couple lines in the beginning!
The most magical aspect about interning at Target Margin, for me, was the fun that I had. I got to see auditions, stage manage a show, meet so many wonderful people, and in such a warm and welcoming environment. For all of these wonderful experiences, I am eternally grateful to David Herskovits and the well-oiled machines running Target Margin Theater.
Who: Kristina Tortoriello
What: Fall 2013 Intern
And What: Production Assistant, Dukus 2013 TMT Lab
Let’s attest to the fact, first, that New York’s DIY-theater scene is somewhat a jungle within a jungle. But even jungles have their sunny spots, and Target Margin continues to be one of them.
How did TMT get to be such a shiny beast in said jungle? Spirit, I think, which really means having both the right attitudes toward work and play. The energy here is pretty lively and since my internship began in September, I’ve been lucky enough to help with artistic and administrative processes alike, thereby both happily living in Abstraction and applying myself more practically- aka office life, errands, and learning not to lose my keys every .6 seconds.
Affectionately, ‘The Intern Stuff’. You probably know this (- unless you are one of those freak lazy indie theater scenesters), but there’s an incredible, oft-multi-layered, amount of work that goes into a project. Sometimes part of this work is just being the guy who paper clips stuff, and that’s fine because, given the right environment, the work can lead to pretty great rewards. I know you never asked for an advice column here, but quality relationships are going to be your saving grace in theater, so don’t be afraid to strike up conversation with the people around you. And maybe you’ll get to assist with really cool things like the Yiddish play lab, and run around with various dildos and sombreros for the sake of your craft (Joshua William Gelb I’m looking at YOU).
TMT has opened its doors to a host of neighbors and friends in the theater community over the years, and the generosity is pretty contagious. Seriously- everyone I’ve met has been nothing short of giving in skill and support. And if you should happen to find a stray set of keys, they’re probably mine and bribes can be arranged.