Engineering students, prepare to be amazed! 🪩🎪
Cirque du Soleil: The Ultimate Engineering Playground
Molly Deptula, a young engineering student, turned her childhood dream into reality by interning with the iconic Cirque du Soleil. But this isn't your typical internship story—it's a tale of passion, determination, and the unexpected places engineering can take you.
As a four-year-old, Molly declared she'd join the circus, but fast forward to her college years, and she's pursuing a Multidisciplinary Engineering (MDE) degree at UConn. Her path took a thrilling turn when she discovered the Entertainment Engineering specialization, which combines engineering with the magic of entertainment experiences.
But here's where it gets fascinating...
At a UConn event, Molly's mom serendipitously handed her a paper about Entertainment Engineering, and her fate was sealed. She met Professor Ed Weingart, who inspired her with his teachings and projects. Just three days later, Molly committed to UConn, and now she's on the other side, inspiring the next generation of engineers.
The journey intensified at the USITT Conference, where she met Chuck McCafferty, the automation mastermind behind Cirque du Soleil's residency shows. A week later, an interview turned into a life-changing opportunity—an internship with Cirque du Soleil.
And this is the part most people miss...
Molly's internship wasn't just about engineering; it was a full immersion into the circus world. She worked on 'O', an aquatic spectacle at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Her days were a thrilling mix of day shifts, where she tackled projects and repairs, and show shifts, where she shadowed automation tracks and learned the art of controlling the machines.
The Cirque du Soleil community became her family, fostering a learning-focused environment. She could ask questions, take things apart, and explore the inner workings of the circus. From shadowing stage managers to spending time in wardrobe and carpentry, Molly experienced it all.
The controversy? Is it even work when you love it this much?
Molly's passion and curiosity were not only accepted but encouraged. The Cirque du Soleil team wanted her to ask questions and learn, creating an educational haven. She even got to work at each of the five major shows in Vegas and interact with the Blue Man Group, pushing buttons and moving things around during rehearsals.
UConn's MDE program played a pivotal role, offering a broad understanding of engineering and fostering intellectual curiosity. Molly's enthusiasm and work ethic impressed Professor Weingart, who believes her eagerness to learn is what landed her the internship.
So, what's the takeaway? Engineering students, embrace your passions, and explore unique specializations. You never know where your degree might take you—perhaps even to the center ring of the circus!
