Interns Spotlight: Part One

Brooklin Alexander: Patron Services

Hometown: The Woodlands, TX

University: Texas A&M- Corpus Christi, class of 2026

What is your biggest takeaway from this summer so far? My biggest takeaway from the summer so far is that everyone is a part of something greater. Every person here is vital to creating the Alley magic and keeping everything afloat. 

What’s your favorite part of working in theatre? My favorite part of working at the Alley is all the opportunities we have to see art being created. We get access to the creative side, as well as the administrative side behind the scenes, which is really exciting to watch and take part in. 

Noel Desire Best: Development

Hometown: Houston, TX by way of Cape Town, South Africa

University: Howard University, class of 2027

What’s your favorite part of working in theatre? My favorite part of working in theatre is witnessing the powerful collaboration between actors, artists and even corporate professionals, all coming together to produce world-class theatre. What makes it even more special is that it’s not uncommon to meet people in this industry who are truly passionate about what they do!

What does your typical day at the Alley look like? After my daily dose of caffeine, I typically update donor information in Tessitura, assist the development staff with special projects, and attend meetings where I gain insight into development and the various roles that contribute to nonprofit leadership.

Flinn Burrell: Finance

Hometown: Houston, TX

University: Oklahoma State University, class of 2028

What is your favorite memory at the Alley? My favorite memory at the Alley is actually not related to this internship, but rather my time being in the young cast of A Christmas Carol! I fell down the stairs onstage during one of the shows and while it wasn’t funny at the time, I think back on it now and laugh. I even wrote my college essay about it!

Which play from the 2025-26 season excites you most and why? The play that excited me most from the 2025-26 season is The Body Snatcher! It sounds really eerie which is exactly what I like in plays!

Twyla Colburn: Literary

Hometown: Portland, OR

University: Princeton University, class of 2027

What’s your favorite part of working in theatre? The work of the theatre in creating shared moments of emotion and growth for audiences is life changing (I know it has been for me), and the chance to be in proximity to that process all day is simply unmatched. 

What does your typical day at the Alley look like? I usually start the day discussing plays with the rest of the Literary department or working on one of the many running tasks we’ve got for the summer – writing dramaturgy packets, putting together blog posts for the season, sending scripts out to readers, preparing for the Alley All New Festival, and all sorts of other exciting projects. In the afternoon, we occasionally listen in on rehearsals for readings or the upcoming production of The Mirror Crack’d. I try to end the day by reading a new script and writing a report on whether I think the Alley should consider putting it up!

Mak Secrest: Literary

Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

University: Louisiana State University, class of 2024

What are you most looking forward to in your summer with the Alley? I’m super excited to read more scripts and grow my mental library of favorites!

Which play from the 2025-26 season excites you most and why? I’m especially excited by English because it’s a brilliant example of how form and content can work together in an original and masterfully clever way. Reading English opened my eyes to the subtle and complex ways language shapes our identities. It has so much to offer audiences as it is not only thought-provoking but also emotionally moving and delightfully funny.

Look out for part two next week!