Ashlen Harris, Education Programs Intern

Meet Ashlen Harris, the Education Programs Intern at PCM. Ashlen is currently attending California Institute of the Arts studying Stage Management in the Theater school and plans on graduating in 2024.

Young woman in blue long sleeve shirt and black dress poses in front of a window

PCM: We know that you have a hunger for learning, what have been some of your favorite learning experiences? Have you had any surprising learning experiences at PCM?
AH: One of my favorite learning experiences was an opportunity to watch an orchestra tech rehearsal of The Light in the Piazza at LA Opera. I got to see what large-scale, professional theaters look like backstage, and I got to see some amazing performances by the actors.

The most surprising thing I’ve learned at PCM is the scale of planning that happens here. I would never have assumed that there are plans for improvements to the Conservatory that go 10 years out, or even more. Now that I know, it makes a lot of sense.

PCM: What brought on your passion for library sciences?
AH: I believe information should be accessible to all people. Libraries are one of the greatest resources in our communities. In my hometown (and many other places in this country), libraries are under threat of censorship. As I learned more about it, I realized I could do the most to protect people’s right to information as a librarian

PCM: What made you want to intern at PCM?
AH: I really like nonprofits; I’ve worked at nonprofits since I was 16.

Also, I was looking for something that wasn’t a theatre internship, since I get enough of that at school. I wanted to try something I hadn’t done before. The educational environment was also of interest to me because of my goal to work in libraries.

PCM: Who is your favorite musician and why?
AH: Ryan Ross; he wrote and composed my favorite album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out by Panic! At the Disco. I really like work that is heavily referential, and his references span multiple forms of media. I feel that he is extremely underrated and has been overshadowed by the success of his former bandmates.

PCM: What else would you like our community to know about you?
AH: Outside of school and work, I like to do fiber art, specifically weaving and embroidery. I have been sewing for over 12 years.