Meet Lexi Jenks ’21
Lexi Jenks ’21
Theatre Business
Lexi Jenks heard about Seton Hill through her high school best friend and decided to apply because it had all of the things she was looking for: a small, liberal arts school with a theater program. “I had such a good feeling driving up the Hill for my first visit and the rest of the tour was awesome. Later, I attended Griffin for a Day and that solidified my decision to come here,” says Lexi.
Lexi was initially drawn to Seton Hill for the Theatre Business program, which allows her to explore her passion for theatre without needing to pursue a performance, acting or singing track. “My ultimate career goal is to be doing something I enjoy that also challenges me and allows me to grow professionally, and Seton Hill is preparing me to do just that,” said Lexi, “I enjoy the Theatre Business program at Seton Hill because of how varied it is. I am able to take courses in theatre, business and communications, and I also have a minor in English so I am able to explore many different opportunities.”
In addition to everything Lexi is learning in the classroom, she is also able to expand her knowledge and skills through her extracurricular activities. Within the Theatre department, Lexi has assisted with stage management and she is also a member of the Student Theatre Activities Council (STAC). “Being a part of stage management has really helped me grow as a leader. We are the ones facilitating conversations between the cast and crew, so it gives us the opportunity to take on leadership and demonstrate what we are learning in the classroom. I’ve always been quiet so being in a group like this has pushed me out of my comfort zone in a good way,” says Lexi.
As an example, in spring of 2020 through STAC, Lexi was on the stage management team and was able to help fully produce and cast “The Auburn Cycle,” an original student work by Cameron Nickel ’20. “We were able to put on one show before COVID shut everything down, but it was a really cool experience to be a part of. In addition to working with students and faculty, we were able to work alongside an alumnus, James Scharer ’18, who directed the play,” says Lexi.
Lexi, who also recently became a Student Ambassador, says the biggest challenge for her has been trying to find a balance between her academics and extracurricular activities. “It’s so easy to get involved at Seton Hill because everyone on campus is so welcoming, but it can be hard to make time for everything. However, my professors are always very supportive. It’s clear to me that my professors want to help and see me succeed,” said Lexi, “Seton Hill’s academic resources have also been very helpful, especially the Writing Center, which I started working at this past semester.” Lexi says working in the Writing Center has been beneficial because not only does she get to help her peers but she’s seen an improvement in her own writing since she started working there.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, theaters shut down and Lexi was not able to pursue an internship with a theatre company in marketing or communications like she had intended. However, because of Lexi’s interest and background in writing she was able to secure two internships: one editing for “Study Breaks,” an online magazine fully written and illustrated by college students across the country, and the other at Pie Press Publishing based in Johnstown, Pa. “Although I am still interested in marketing and communications, I have been enjoying my internships and I’m starting to consider a possible career in publishing,” said Lexi.
Lexi’s opportunities are endless because her education and experience at Seton Hill is preparing her for the world in which she will live.