PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jacob Smith, TWDP Admin Fellow at Roundabout Theatre Company
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ยท
132 sec
Jacob Smith, a TWDP Admin Fellow at Roundabout Theatre Company, shares his experience with the fellowship program and its impact on his professional development in the arts sector. He highlights the valuable skills and knowledge he has gained, including event planning, donor research, and financial literacy.
- The TWDP admin fellowship provides paid opportunities for young professionals to pursue careers in theater and arts administration.
- The program offers practical experience in various aspects of theater management, as well as professional development training in areas such as financial literacy and emotional wellness.
- Smith expresses gratitude for the support and opportunities provided by the fellowship, and envisions a future career in major gift solicitation for the performing arts.
Jacob Smith
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to your questions.
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Hello.
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Good morning.
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My name is Jacob Smith, and I'm from the Bronx, New York.
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Thank you, chair Rivera and city council members, for inviting me to speak today.
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Approaching my last days as an undergrad, I had theorized what my future would look like and dreaded the unknown.
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I came across a job position posting for the TWDP admin fellowship, and my rumination was eased by the idea of a paid opportunity to pursue my curiosity and passion.
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I've loved theater since I first saw Annie off Broadway as a child, but my desire to pursue a career in the arts came from my semester abroad in London, which is when I first learned about arts administration, arts education, and all the work that happens behind the scenes.
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Reading the job description, I could see myself operating open night parties, building support for arts education through government and foundation outreach, and project managing the online auction for our annual gala.
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I've always had a passion for relationship building, so working in development felt right.
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I have learned so much more than I expected in these past 4 months about event planning, donor research, and cultivation.
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In addition to practical experience, WE Fellows also receive professional development training that includes financial literacy, emotional wellness, and networking opportunities.
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These sessions have not only diversified my skills as a professional, but have also provided me with the knowledge and resources necessary for managing life as a young adult.
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It has been extremely helpful to have multiple sessions on financial literacy, during which I've learned about credit, savings, and investment.
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It's also been helpful to have these the support from Roundabout's social work supervisor who has helped me create a necessary balance.
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I'm thrilled to be in the first cohort of the TWDP admin fellowship program at Roundabout for the next 8 months, working with such a supportive team, many who are here today, and experiencing the camaraderie of 4 other fellows across the organization.
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As time moves forward, I foresee myself working my way up to soliciting major gifts from generous constituents that I will get to know through our shared love of the performing arts.
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Thank you.