C&IS creative media major, Leigh Baldwin, has joined the 70-year legacy of “The Tonight Show” as a general production and control room intern for a yearlong internship with NBCUniversal, beginning in the fall of 2024. With her family’s support, Baldwin lives in the Upper East Side of Manhattan and takes her classes online while simultaneously getting hands-on experience in the entertainment industry to shape her career.
“I have always loved theater and entertainment, so I knew I wanted to pursue this type of career in college,” Baldwin said. “With theater, I always loved being backstage (as well as onstage!). I really like being in control of a show and really making it 'come to life’. My initial thought was to pursue the film industry and be a director for big blockbuster movies. However, I quickly realized I prefer live production.”
The internship gives Baldwin the experience of working in a large production company, networking opportunities and the chance to pursue her passion. She gets to observe various aspects of production, from general on set duties to behind the scenes in the control room. As a general production intern Baldwin assists the staff with the everyday operations of the show that help it run smoothly and efficiently. She stands in during show rehearsals, pursues research projects for multiple departments and runs around the city for costumes and props. Baldwin even works with Kelly Powers, the supervising producer, at times. The work is fast-paced and exciting with Baldwin in constant motion.
“I am very active and spend most of the day on my feet,” said Baldwin. “During any downtime, I work on finding news headlines for the monologue writers, organizing and stocking the kitchen and copy room and helping reception with small projects.”
Baldwin’s internship wouldn’t have been possible without an industry immersion trip to NYC through C&IS in December of 2023. During the trip, she met several UA alumni who were excited to share their work and were willing to help, including one who notified her of the upcoming internship at “The Tonight Show.”
Baldwin’s work with Crimson Tide Productions as well as her experience as assistant stage manager for UA Production well-prepared her for “The Tonight Show.” Specifically, her work with Crimson Tide Productions allowed her to try several different positions within sports broadcasting and live production that helped cement her interest.
“With this internship I have now with “The Tonight Show,” I get to see what it’s like to work on a live entertainment production. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in New York so far and I have grown to love the idea of directing even more,” said Baldwin.