Internship Spotlight: Raphael Abeytia, The Rialto Theatre

Raphael Abeytia BSBA ‘24 (Accounting & Marketing) is a Marketing Intern at The Rialto Theatre in Tucson, Arizona.

What was the process for getting this internship, job, or summer experience?

I am in the Business of Entertainment club, and at one of our meetings, the speaker mentioned that they got an internship at the Rialto Theatre by just emailing the marketing director directly. So, I did the same and she responded back to set up an interview time. I met with the marketing director at the time and her assistant for an interview over spring break. They told me after the interview that I got the internship and that I would start after school ended in May.

What was a typical day like?

I would go to the office every Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Their workday typically started at that time anyway and would continue into the night. I would get started by looking at the calendar and seeing what posts needed to be made on Facebook or Instagram. I would then choose a post and do research on the artist or comedian in order to write the post for them. I would also choose a piece of media (video, photo, poster, etc.) to go with the post. I would get the post approved and then I would boost the post using Meta's ad manager.

I am still in the internship and my days look about the same. Now, I go two days a week for two hours and write posts. I am continuing this internship until the end of the school year.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

My favorite part of my internship was getting to know more about the entertainment and theatre industry. My career goal is to work in the entertainment industry, so I am getting a lot out of this internship. I enjoy learning all of the terminology, getting to know the booking process for bands, the different promotion channels available to use, and getting to hear some new music! I also get to go to shows for free if I ask ahead of time, so that pretty cool too.

Did you feel supported by the company or organization you worked with?

I feel extremely supported by the Rialto Theatre. Everyone there is genuinely interested in me and always includes me in conversations. I have been told that I have been doing a great job multiple times. Everyone is happy to answer any questions I have about my job or about how the Rialto Theatre functions. I have gotten to know everyone pretty well. As a gay man, I feel complete acceptance at the Rialto Theatre. I am also not the only queer person on staff, so I appreciate that as well.