SPOTLIGHT: Jessica Bustamante
Learn more about one of the 2017 Interns, Jessica Bustamante, in this SPOTLIGHT interview!
IVRT: Tell me how you first got involved with IVRT . . .
JB: I first got involved with IVRT when I was searching for summer internships on the Los Angeles County Arts Commission website. All the information I acquired about this theatre program was based on the things I read on the Commission website or the IVRT website. Once I applied for the internship and interviewed for them, I was able to gather more information about it and eventually started working for them!
IVRT: Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while working with IVRT?
JB: Donna Marie Minano was one of the first people I met during this internship, since she is my supervisor. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met in my life! She has made this experience so exciting and educational for me and I really appreciate this opportunity she’s given me. Plus, she’s really funny! Another person I met during this internship would be my fellow intern, Laurel Coddington. She’s super sweet, smart, and funny as well! Even though we’ve only known each other for a week, I feel like we’ve been friends forever. It’s been fun getting to know her and I can’t wait for future adventures we have together.
IVRT: What would you tell someone who is thinking about getting involved with IVRT?
JB: I would tell them to just do it! Even if you are not really an actor or a singer/musician, you will enjoy it! The staff is so sweet, the kids are fun to be around, and the things you learn can help you later in life. If you’re the type of person who loves theatre and music together, you will love this program!
IVRT: What might others be surprised to know about you?
JB: I guess the only thing people would be really surprised when they get to know me is that I have a big following on Tumblr (118,000 to be exact). I never thought it was a big deal, but whenever I mention it, it seems to really surprise people and they consider me a “famous” person (but I’m not! Lol).
IVRT: How would your friends describe you?
JB: They would probably describe me as weird. I am very eccentric sometimes and I do make odd jokes, but it’s all in good fun and they enjoy having me around (At least I hope so).
IVRT: What’s it like to be an IVRT Intern?
JB: Being an IVRT intern has been quite an adventure so far. I have learned so much during the week and I know I will be learning more in the next 9 weeks of this internship. It’s given me a lot of insight into how a nonprofit is run and it’s interesting to see what kind of work it entails. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s been a really great learning experience for me so far.
IVRT: What do you do when you aren’t working at IVRT this summer?
JB: I am either taking a nap after my shift, or I go to Disneyland with my friends! I also like to lounge around with my boyfriend and watch movies with him, especially since it’s been so hot lately and we don’t want to do too much.