2008 Woodie Awards
Alumna secures coveted internship
Danielle Stillman
Issue date: 2/19/08 Section: Features
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Weatherly, a 2007 UST graduate, began the internship in September 2007. Historically, the position has proved to be extremely sought-after, with prospective interns, educated at institutions from all over the country, trying out for a limited number of spots.
Weatherly, who goes mainly by Kat, developed an interest in drama when she became involved in her high school's theater department. "I had thought about majoring in drama when I came to school but decided that it was too risky and I wasn't sure I could make a living doing it," Weatherly said.
She decided to try out for one of the University's production midway during her sophomore year, citing a lack of a creative outlet as her reason for auditioning.
"When my junior year rolled around, I realized that this was really something I wanted to do, so I decided to pursue the minor," Weatherly said. Favorite roles she played while at UST include Beatrice in William Shakespeare's "Much Ado about Nothing" and General Cartwright in "Guys and Dolls."
As graduation approached, Weatherly received a letter from the A. D. Players, informing her of upcoming audition dates for their year-long internship.
"[UST drama professor Sam Havens] encouraged me to audition, so I did," she said.
The audition process consisted of delivering two short, contrasting monologues. Weatherly chose one by Shakespeare and another, contemporary monologue and performed in front of the company's artistic director and founder, Jeanette Clift George, as well as other senior company members. "The whole process took 15 minutes, maybe," she said.
When asked whether she thought she would land the internship, Weatherly said she felt confident from the beginning. "Quite honestly-and this might sound conceited-but yes, I did," she said. "Not because I think I'm any great talent, but because they had known me. I think that probably made a difference."
Growing up, Weatherly attended various A. D. Players productions, and also occasionally volunteered as an usher, so she was already familiar with the 40-year-old theater company when she decided to apprentice with them between her junior and senior year at UST. Although the apprenticeship was a volunteer position, she said she felt it was a valuable formal introduction to the theatre group.