Community engagement is a value that drives Ruby Mejia, a Chapman Theatre and Integrated Educational Studies student in the Class of 2026; it has played a pivotal role in her decisions to pursue her first internship and a career in performing arts education.

Ruby Mejia

Ruby Mejia ’26

“It’s so vital to connect with the community through theatre,” Ruby says as she reflects on her internship experience with Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

During her freshman year, Ruby discovered the opportunity through a career announcement on Canvas, Chapman’s online learning communication system. Though she was unsure that her qualifications would stand out when compared to other candidates, Ruby decided to apply because of her passion for Segerstrom’s mission. After choosing to pursue the internship, Ruby worked with Connor Bogenreif, the College of Performing Arts’ (CoPA) Assistant Director of Career Development and Alumni Engagement, to refine her resume and cover letter. With a tailored application submitted, she was invited to interview for the position, and within 24 hours of the interview, Ruby was offered the role of Education Intern for the summer between her freshman and sophomore years.

Ruby shares about her Segerstrom internship experience

Ruby shares about her Segerstrom internship experience

Throughout the course of the internship, a typical day for Ruby included chaperoning students, assisting teaching artists, and supporting the operations team to ensure the day ran smoothly. When asked why the experience was especially impactful, Ruby shares, “It was the ability to observe what was happening, and the growth of each student that impacted me the most.”

Through her observations, Ruby was reminded why she had chosen to pursue a Theatre degree, and what makes that area of study worthwhile: “It was so beautiful to see how something such as performing arts could connect so many different people.” This internship experience strengthened Ruby’s desire to be involved in performing arts education post-graduation and led her to add her Integrated Educational Studies major. 

Recently, Ruby had the opportunity to apply her love for community engagement, education, and theatre during CoPA’s Fall 2025 production, The Little Prince. As a dramaturg working on the show, one of her responsibilities was to help the cast interact with the local community, so she and her team facilitated a character meet-and-greet for young audience members and created an educational packet about the production.

“That was another full circle moment for me–I gained experience from the internship; I changed my major; I found a path that I really, really enjoyed; and then I was able to translate that into doing something with CoPA,” Ruby says.

Ruby watches The Little Prince's cast meet-and-greet

Ruby watches The Little Prince’s cast meet-and-greet

As Ruby prepares to graduate, she continues to be inspired by the lessons she learned during her internship with Segerstrom and throughout her time at Chapman. Currently, she works as a House and Stage Manager for CoPA, an intern for Newport Harbor High School’s Theatre Department, and a cast member at Disneyland. 

After graduation, she hopes to continue working with Disney to educate young students and share the magic of performing arts. Her message to readers is: “Don’t take performing arts for granted. It’s something that can be very impactful in an academic, emotional, and social developmental way. It has such a unique impact on so many different people.” 

Ruby working at Disneyland

Ruby working at Disneyland

Ruby’s story highlights how Chapman uniquely supports interdisciplinary career pursuits such as performing arts education. Her desire to serve the community by channeling her passions is shared by many of her fellow students, and it is this collective commitment that makes CoPA an exceptionally supportive and dynamic environment to pursue a performing arts career.

 

To learn more about Chapman’s B.A. Theatre program that Ruby is part of, visit our website.