Isadora Swann

Experience

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  St. Micheals and St. Georges Ukrainian Orthodox Church School

  Aug 2018 - May 2019

  Assistant Choir Teacher

  Growing up in a Ukrainian Orthodox Church deeply rooted in cultural tradition, I was inspired by the dedication of my family. My grandfather had served on the church board, my cousins had taught in the Saturday School, and my Mom spent her free time managing the finances. I grew up attending the youth choir and Ukrainian Language Saturday School, and in high school, I sought to give back by becoming the assistant choir director, leading Ukrainian rehearsals for children aged 6-14. My responsibilities included organizing music selection in collaboration with the choir director, preparing weekly rehearsal materials, and fostering a supportive environment for the children. I took great pride in watching the children gain confidence, improve their Ukrainian language skills, and form lasting friendships. This experience deeply influenced my passion for teaching and mentoring and instilled in me a lifelong commitment to helping others grow through education and community involvement. Show less

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  Kokolulu Farm and Cancer Retreats, Inc.

  Jan 2021 - Apr 2021

  Farm Intern and Qigong Trainee

  In the midst of the pandemic, I took the opportunity to live and work on an all-natural farm in Hawaii. I had freshly turned eighteen and wanted more than anything to get out and see the world. These three months taught me about sustainable living agricultural practices, and healthy living, and reconnected me with the natural world. I worked hands-on planting, caring for banana trees, weeding, watering, cleaning the chicken coup, and maintaining compost practices. Every morning I trained in Qigong with the Chinese-trained master Lew Whitney. Standing in the temple he built, we meditated and learned energy healing techniques, and he told me about the composition of the human body and the world around us. This experience left me with the ability to experience the world empathetically by connecting to those around me. I learned a new way of working hard, in non-ideal circumstances through drought or hurricane, and came to appreciate the beauties and difficulties of the natural world. Show less

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  Topside Inn

  Apr 2021 - Jun 2021

  Hotel Staff

  As travel bans lifted and the pandemic lightened its grip on the United States, I traveled from Hawaii to Maine to work and live at Topside Inn. My favorite responsibility was as the assistant chef and waitress serving breakfast to the Inn's over 70 guests. As the day continued, I then worked alongside a team of interns to maintain over 50 rooms, aid in hotel customer service, and re-stocking. In the afternoons, I would bake a giant batch of cookies for all the guests as a nighttime treat. The months flew by as I learned how to manage multiple responsibilities, customer service skills, and culinary tips and tricks. Show less

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  Camp Green Lane

  Jun 2021 - Aug 2021

  Summer Camp Counselor

  Spending a summer immersed in the energy and excitement of camp life, I took on a multifaceted role that combined leadership, teaching, and caregiving. Living alongside campers ages 8-10, I provided around-the-clock care, leading activities, teaching classes, coaching sports, and even waitressing to ensure their experience was both enriching and seamless.Beyond daily camp life, I stepped into the world of performance as an assistant director and stage manager for the camp musical and skit, guiding over 30 campers, ages 7-17, through rehearsals and performances. I also had the opportunity to help teach drama and improvisation courses, fostering creativity and confidence in young performers. One of my most fulfilling contributions was serving as a songwriter for the camp’s beloved “Sing” night, where I helped craft lyrics that captured the spirit of camp and brought the community together through music.Through these experiences, I honed my leadership, teamwork, and adaptability, gaining invaluable skills in mentorship, performance direction, and creative expression. Show less

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  Far Corners Community Musical Theatre

  Jun 2022 - Aug 2022

  Assistant Director of Musical and Head of Costumes

  Living in a remote cloud forest of Costa Rica with a host family who soon became like my own was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Immersed in the language and culture, I improved my Spanish while working within a team of young women to bring theater and music to the local community.One of my main roles was leading theatrical rehearsals and warm-ups in Spanish for about 25 kids, ages 10-17. Guiding them through exercises and scenes, I adapted my teaching approach to ensure clarity and engagement, learning to communicate not just through words but through movement, expression, and patience.In addition to directing rehearsals, I took on the challenge of designing, organizing, and putting together costumes for an ensemble of 30. With limited resources, creativity became essential, and we ended up using coffee sacks from the local store as capes for all the kids! Beyond theater, I also had the opportunity to assist and participate in an adult choir of 12. I loved participating in the musical in this way, and stepping into this Spanish performance experinece tested my theatrical abilities. I learned to appreciate the natural world I was living within, communicate when I didn't have the language to do so, think and problem-solve on my feet as kids came to be with questions, and immerse myself in a new environment. I loved my time in Costa Rica, the late night Salsa dancing, making homeade tortillas with my host family, and sining along to Shakira. It was truly an experience I will never forget. Show less

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  The Yokohama Theatre Group

  May 2023 - Aug 2023

  Devising Intern

  While living in Tokyo, Japan, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in theater, education, and cultural exchange. As part of a summer production of Jekyll and Hyde, I worked alongside eight interns to plan, participate in, and lead theatrical devising rehearsals, shaping a unique interpretation of the story through collective creativity and experimentation. This process deepened my skills in artistic collaboration, storytelling, and leadership.In addition to my work on Jekyll and Hyde, I had the chance to observe and guest-teach a drama class of 25 students at Daito Bunka University’s Higashimatsuyama Campus. Stepping into an instructional role in an international setting challenged me to adapt my teaching style and engage with students from diverse backgrounds.One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience was teaching Ukrainian dance to 12 children, ages 7-10, at the World Peace Theater. Through movement and tradition, I introduced them to the rich cultural heritage of Ukrainian dance, fostering an appreciation for global artistic expression.Living in Tokyo while working on these projects reinforced my passion for theater, education, and cross-cultural exchange. The experience allowed me to grow as a mentor, performer, and artist, strengthening my ability to connect with others through the power of storytelling and movement. Show less

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  The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

  Jun 2024 - Aug 2024

  Government Relations and Protocol Intern

  Advocating for the arts has always been a core passion of mine, and working within the Government Relations Department at the Kennedy Center provided an invaluable opportunity to champion the arts on a national scale.Some highlights of my experience include meeting Justice Sotomayor and hearing her speak about the transformative power of the arts and utilizing my German language skills to give a tour to the First Lady of Germany. I also helped coordinate over 240 congressional meetings for students across the country to share their personal stories of how the arts have impacted their lives. One memorable moment was when a young girl spoke to her Congressman about how learning to play the flute had boosted her confidence.In collaboration with my talented co-intern, Sam Scafidi, I immersed myself in the political landscape. Our responsibilities included writing event briefings, creating lookbooks, drafting legislative hearing reports, and engaging with representatives from diverse sectors. This role constantly pushed me to expand beyond my comfort zone and area of expertise, and I found myself asking questions, making mistakes, and learning every day. One of my most rewarding weekly responsibilities was inviting congressional representatives to social impact performances dedicated to making the performing arts more accessible and free of charge. I was responsible for ticketing, writing and sending invitations, and serving as the primary liaison between representatives, artists, and event staff on performance days. This experience sharpened my skills in event planning, logistics, and stakeholder management, and has made me proficient in executing seamless, impactful events. Show less

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  The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company

  Sept 2024 - Feb 2025

  Journalism Fellow

  As a Journalism Fellow for Stage Raw and the Unusual Suspects Theatre Company, I had the opportunity to write and publish reviews for productions across Los Angeles. I was first introduced to theatrical criticism at the British American Drama Academy where we watched and analyzed London's productions on a weekly basis. This fellowship has allowed me to expand my artistic eye, increase my appreciation for design, and fine-tune my professional writing skills.My published works include a review of I, Daniel Blake at the Fountain Theatre, where I explored the themes of poverty, homelessness, and government aid. For another assignment, I interviewed designer Kaye Voyce to learn more about the process of costume design and working as a woman within the industry. Throughout the fellowship, I was mentored by Martín Hernández, a current LA theatre critic who guided me in analyzing and critiquing live theater, refining my writing, and navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. This experience not only helped me grow as a writer but also gave me a platform to contribute to the rich, dynamic LA theatre scene and shape my voice as an artist. Show less

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  USC School of Dramatic Arts

  Oct 2024 - now

  Seamstress

  Passionate about fashion and design since childhood, I began sewing on my mom’s machine in high school, creating everything from hats and bags to pillows. This love for creative expression has continued with my work at USC's costume shop, where I specialize in costume construction, alterations, and tailoring for main stage theatrical and musical productions. My experience includes precise stitching, fitting, and pattern making, with a strong focus on attention to detail. In addition to hands-on costume work, I manage costume inventory, optimize shop processes, and coordinate project management within a fast-paced environment, ensuring the seamless execution of productions. Show less

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  Ensemble Studio Theatre the LA Project

  Jan 2025 - now

  Producing Intern

  As an actress, playwright, and passionate advocate for community engagement, this internship has been an incredible opportunity to merge my creative and organizational skills. At EST/LA, I have played an active role in curating content for social media, enhancing the organization’s digital presence, and reviewing and evaluating play submissions to support the development of new works. Additionally, I assist in producing and hosting ongoing events such as play readings, talkbacks, and workshops that foster deeper connections within the theater community.A significant part of my role involves collaborating with the team to produce the annual Winter Play Festival, a multi-show event that brings together playwrights, actors, and audiences to amplify underrepresented communities and new perspectives through theatrical productions. My experience includes managing event logistics, coordinating with artists and vendors, overseeing production timelines, and ensuring smooth event execution from planning to performance. I thrive in dynamic, collaborative environments and am committed to supporting projects that foster both creative innovation and community engagement. Show less

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  University of Southern California

  Feb 2025 - now

  Arts in Action Student Coordinator

  After benefiting from several Arts in Action initiatives at USC, I’m excited to contribute to the team. Arts in Action supports students and faculty through grants for projects that collaborate with community organizations to address social and cultural issues with creative solutions. This ranges from creating narrative medicine workshops for cancer survivors, to commemorating LGBTQ+ spaces in Los Angeles through virtual reality. As the Student Coordinator, I manage grantee communications, develop archival processes, and plan activities for key university events, such as the Arts and Sustainability Fair and the Black History Family Reunion. My responsibilities include overseeing event logistics, securing catering and venues, ideating engaging artistic activities, and ensuring smooth day-of event operations. I work closely with our community partners to ensure successful, impactful events that align with our mission of creative problem-solving. Show less