A Peterborough Players Summer

I had the pleasure of spending my summer in Peterborough, NH as an acting intern in the 2nd company. I’ll be honest and say I had no expectations, which isn’t a bad thing. It only meant that I was open to anything that was going to happen. A lot happened and was overwhelming sometimes, but I spent the summer with the most wonderful people I have ever met while having the most fun I’ve had in a while. Over the past few years, I was losing a sense of what I loved and had a passion for. I knew that this was happening, but it never fully hit me until this summer. Being surrounded by the 2nd co and everyone at the Peterborough Players reminded me of the good in the world and the reason I love performing so much. 

As an acting intern, I got to be a part of the staged show Cabaret and the 2nd co’s production of The Emperor’s New Clothes. I got to work side-by-side with professional actors, and was exposed to rehearsal settings that I hope to work in in the future. While the acting was a lot of fun, the most fun I had was in the shops and during changeovers into the next show. I was able to work on costumes, scenic, and props throughout the season which made me have a greater appreciation for the work that is put in to make a show happen. When I wasn’t acting on stage, I was backstage on “run crew.” I took care of props for one show; for others, I got to maintain wigs and do quick changes for the actors before they go on stage. 

One of the many things I learned from this summer was that my favorite power tool is the router, and that I have a knack for wigs. But of course, I learned more about my role as a performer and artist on and backstage. Also during this summer I finally got covid, which was literally the first week of being there. It was very unfortunate but provided a vital week of reflection. There was definitely a reason why I was in isolation for a week, in the middle of the woods, surrounded by these particular people during this specific time of my life. I won’t get into it, but it was a great time spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. 

There’s something about being amongst a small group of people in cabins, seeing each other 24/7 for 3 months in the woods, and getting to work on something we all love that was truly the best. Not only did I grow as an artist, but as a person too. I will forever be thankful and honored to be a part of the Peterborough Players and produce the work that we created. Thank you to the life-long friends and inside jokes, this one is for you.

Audrey Adji