As sophomore Chase Dodge laid on her bed to relax, she suddenly heard a loud ding from her phone. Her eyes widened with excitement as she opened up the email from the Center Theater Group Youth Ambassador Program, which read, “Welcome to the program.”
“By being a part of this internship, I hope to improve my leadership and see all aspects of the entertainment industry such as film and theater,” Dodge said. “I find it really cool that I get the opportunity to meet a new group of people, since most of the students are from schools all across Los Angeles.”
CTGYAP is a seven-month long paid internship program for high school students to learn about the film industry and improve their cooperation and communication skills. Members begin each meeting discussing the importance of leadership. The program consists of a community engagement team and a social media team. By being part of the social media team, Dodge has learned about marketing through creating online advertisements. She is the only member of the program who attends TCHS.
Dodge found out about the program from her mother, who recommended her to try out. Additionally, her father, being a screenwriter, showed her that film was a feasible career choice. To be considered for the internship, she submitted a written resume and a letter of recommendation. After becoming a finalist, she attended a group interview with the other members and program staff.
“Dragonflicks helped me realize that there are more paths into the entertainment industry than just movie studios,” Dodge said. “ I don’t think I ever would have tried out for the internship had I not already been a part of Dragonflicks. I think the internship has allowed me to grow as a team player as well as a leader.”
Dodge has been a member of Dragonflicks for two years, because TCHS does not have a class dedicated specifically to film. During her time in Dragonflicks, she has learned about production, something she hopes to apply to her interest in film.
“When I watched ‘E.T.’ back in fifth grade, I thought that everything about the movie was perfectly crafted,” Dodge said. “It portrayed people’s emotions well while also being a story about an alien. Similar to those like Steven Spielberg and Taika Waititi, I would like to create something influential that would cause people to have emotional reactions to my work.”