Randolph student sets the stage for upcoming Endstation shows

Sam Sun ’17 paints part of the set for Hank Williams: Lost Highway, which will be performed in Thoresen Theatre this summer.

Sam Sun ’17 is spending the summer working with a professional stage crew and other college students from across the nation—and he didn’t even have to leave Randolph’s campus.

Thanks to Randolph’s new partnership with Endstation Theatre Company, Sun was able to take advantage of special apprenticeship opportunities offered to Randolph students. As one of Endstation’s 12 apprentices, Sun is painting the sets and preparing props for two of Randolph’s theatre-in-residence’s upcoming productions, Much Ado About Nothing and Hank Williams: Lost Highway. A romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing opens Thursday, June 23, and will be performed outdoors in Michels Plaza. Hank Williams: Lost Highway, a musical featuring country artist Hank Williams’ greatest hits, opens June 30 in Thoresen Theatre.

Sam Sun ’17 interacts with other members of the Endstation stage crew.

“This is a unique and exciting experience,” Sun said. “Painting is always a joy for me, and I like painting in this way because it’s very different from just painting on a table. I also get to see how others do their jobs, like the lighting crews and carpenters, and how we cooperate with each other.”

Sun has worked closely with Krista Franco, Endstation’s production manager and resident scenic designer. One of many applicants from across the nation for the apprenticeship this summer, Sun impressed Franco with his enthusiasm when he interviewed for the position.

“He seemed like a very teachable and intelligent individual, and those are the types of apprentices we like to look for,” Franco said. “Working with us, students can hone their craft and explore different areas in a professional landscape.”

In addition to the professional experience he has gained this summer, Sun has developed a strong background as both a stage crew worker and an actor at Randolph. A theatre major, he has been involved in many of the College’s productions, including recent roles as Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress and as Antonio in Twelfth Night.

“I never took theatre that seriously in high school, but after taking several classes at Randolph I just realized theatre was my passion,” Sun said. “My professors were very approachable and gave me great experiences, and they have been there to help and tell me about auditions, internships, and even apprenticeships like this one.”

Franco said Endstation has received a warm welcome and made a seamless transition as part of Randolph’s community. In return, she added, Endstation’s apprenticeships provide an excellent networking opportunity for Randolph students.

“When you do an internship or apprenticeship like this, you’re working with peers from all over the place and from big college theatre programs to smaller ones,” Franco said. “The people you work with today could be the people you work with later on in a career.”

For more information about Endstation Theatre Company or to purchase tickets to the upcoming shows, visit http://endstationtheatre.org/.