Meet the 2017-18 Apprentices: Jane Behre
Position: Sound Apprentice
Hometown: New Hope, PA
Education:
“I realized I wanted to pursue theatre as a career when I went to see HOW TO SUCCEED on Broadway, and there was a standing ovation in the middle of the show, and I thought ‘I want to be a part of that joy.’ I started off in stage management in high school/beginning of college--” (Jane attended Barnard College of Columbia University).
She laughed, “I took the sound design course thinking, ‘I’ll never use this.’ Then, the next year, my friend asked me to co-design a show, and I fell in love with it and never looked back. I ended up doing my thesis in sound.”
What attracted you to the Olney Theatre Apprentice Training Program?
“I knew that coming out of college, I needed more technical experience before I could get a job as a technician. I had gone to a BA program that focused on criticism. I needed more technical skills, and so this was perfect opportunity for me,” Jane explained.
“When I was doing my job search, I had this spreadsheet that I lovingly called ‘the beast.’ A lot of the programs that were recommended to me didn’t have a sound position, so when I was applying for stuff, I was applying to general production. I actually found out that the sound apprenticeship [at OTC] is actually one of the newest apprenticeships. It’s really exciting.”
What are you working on right now?
When I spoke to Jane back in early January she shared, “In terms of work stuff, we’re getting ready for AUBERGINE. It’s the first show that I’ll be mixing for. That was one of my goals in coming here, so that’s really exciting.”
As I share this with you now, Jane’s actually in the middle of mixing for the run of AUBERGINE in our the Mainstage Theatre.
What is something that you’ve learned through your experience here?
“I’ve learned that I know more than I think I do... I’ve learned to have more confidence in my work. I’ve gained the confidence to troubleshoot for myself without running to outside help, and I think that’s a great a step toward becoming my more professional self.”
How does OTC differ from other theatres?
“The high emphasis on education makes a difference. Jason [Loewith], at the beginning of each first rehearsal, emphasizes this is a teaching theatre. Each apprentice has an advisor, and part of their responsibilities is to form them into a more of a professional. They want to help you succeed (period).”
Describe your favorite place on campus.
Jane looked around and said, “This blue chair I am sitting in. I can see the TV. I can sit up. I can lie down...Just the porch in general. Especially at night when the office is all gone, it feels like home.”
Do you have any advice for the next sound apprentice?
“You know more than you think you do. It’s a two person department, so you get so much experience. Don’t be afraid to give your opinion or offer suggestions. You do get a say in things.
It’s a lot of responsibility, but if you have the confidence in yourself and knowledge, you’ll be fine. You’ll be able to step up to the challenge, and once you have that confidence in yourself and your skills, the rest is easy.”
