Finding Passion for the Heart of Our Communities

Kenzie Evilsizer is a senior at Anderson University studying public relations with a concentration in social media management. Thanks to the help from her advisor, Stefanie Leiter, Evilsizer had an opportunity to intern with Anderson’s Mainstage Theatre. 

Anderson’s Mainstage Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Anderson, Indiana, and has been one of the oldest nonprofit communication theatres in the state since 1959. Evilsizer took on a position in communications, where she filled roles in social media, marketing and public relations. 

While working on projects that involved everything from donor fact sheets to full campaigns using the standard public relations RACE (research, action, communication, evaluation) model, she notes that creating a content calendar with sample social media posts to improve their online image and communication was a favorite assignment. 

Evilsizer shares that her work style has been unique compared to other internships she has experienced withwork was almost exclusively remote and self-driven. She enjoyed being able to have the space and freedom to take creative initiatives in the projects she was doing. 

One clear thing is Evilsizer’s passion for nonprofit work. One of her favorite things about Mainstage is that they are completely volunteer-based. Volunteers run the actors, choreographers, directors, maintenance and everything in between. She has enjoyed learning how this organization can be successful by running on volunteers, donations and ticket sales. Evilsizer states, “I enjoyed seeing the shows because it reminded me of the passion for the work that I’ve been doing with Mainstage.” 

Evilsizer would like to use communications as a means to help nonprofit organizations and foundations reach their fullest potential. She believes that onprofits are the heart of the community, and communication is one of the most foundational things an organization needs to succeed. Without communication, there is no outreach, and without outreach, there are no donors or volunteers, who are the heart of nonprofits.

Evilsizer has learned so much from her time with Mainstage that will help translate into life after graduation. She is most thankful for the portfolio she has been able to build, such as managing client relations and understanding the leadership required behind nonprofits. 

Heidi Vickers is a senior from Lowell, Indiana, majoring in public relations and dance. Heidi Vickers is an associate with Fifth Street Communications, a student-run public relations agency at Anderson University.