Summer is here and so are our YAA Interns. They will be working hard to make sure that our Summer Performing Arts Intensives are a huge success. Learn more about one of our interns, Kathryn Bailey below!!

How did you find out about YAA?

I am from Northern Virginia, so I heard about YAA through word of mouth. I had a few friends in their production of Phantom of the Opera in 2012, and was blown away by the professional quality of the show. I then auditioned for their first summer institute, and tried to participate in as many of their programs as I could until I graduated high school, including Miss Saigon/Madama Butterfly, Requiem, and Songs for a New World.

What made you want to be an intern over the summer for YAA?

I learned so much during my time with YAA, and always said that I had hoped to give back in some way when I was older. When I realized that my interests have shifted towards the administrative side of the arts, I decided to reach out to YAA to see if there were any opportunities to get some experience in this field. So here I am, excited to learn and grow, and begin giving back to this incredible organization!

What are you most looking forward to for this summer's program?

I am looking forward to being on the other side of a program that gave me so much as a high school student, and means so much to me even to this day. I am hoping that the work I do, both for the organization and for the summer program, somehow positively contributes to the experience of the students.

Do you have a personal connection to the performing arts? If so, can you elaborate what that is here?

Of course! I have been involved with the arts, specifically music and singing, for as long as I can remember. I am currently in my last year studying vocal music education, and am excited to see where that leads me once I graduate! I plan to get my masters in Arts Administration once I graduate to involve myself in programs like YAA for the rest of my life!

If you're in school, where?

I will be a Senior at James Madison University in the Fall finishing up my bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that someone wouldn't guess about you.

I enjoy baking and decorating custom cakes for friends and family! (follow me on instragram @cakesbykathryn)