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2026 Bexar County Internship Program

We are excited to announce that the 2026 Bexar County Arts Internship Program interns have officially been selected!
 
This year, 14 arts organizations from across Bexar County will welcome talented student interns as they begin their summer experiences on June 1, 2026. We look forward to seeing the creativity, leadership, and collaboration that this year’s cohort will bring to our local arts community.
 
Join us in celebrating the start of another incredible summer of arts learning and professional development
 
For questions, contact Education Project Coordinator, Cecily Kadilis at 210.223.3333 ext. 7002 or [email protected].

Learn More

 

2026 Bexar County Arts Interns

Alamo City Arts - Abram Estrada
Abram Estrada

Abram Estrada is a Communications major at Texas A&M University–San Antonio with more than 10 years of experience in the music industry as a working artist and traveling DJ. His diverse background as a music producer, live event DJ, and guitarist has equipped him with a unique blend of technical production knowledge, live performance experience, creative collaboration, and event operations expertise.

Throughout his career, Abram has developed hands-on experience in event curation, logistics, backstage production, and sound engineering while supporting live events across San Antonio and beyond. Passionate about creativity, collaboration, and community engagement, he continues to combine his industry experience with his academic background to grow as a music and arts professional.

Abram Estrada
Artpace - Sofia Salmeron
Sofia Salmeron

Sofia Salmeron is a rising senior at Trinity University double majoring in Art and Communication and minoring in New Media. She has been working as a teaching assistant for art camps & classes for three years, and is excited to bring her education experience and love for art to this internship. In her free time, you can find her playing video games, doodling in her sketchbook, or just hanging out with her cats.

Sofia Salmeron
Artvango - Olivia Raffaniello
Olivia Raffaniello

Olivia Raffaniello is a sophomore at Trinity University, majoring in Psychology and Communications. She is an active artist and musician and hopes to bridge her passion for creation and mental health care through this internship. Olivia strongly believes in the transformative and healing powers of self-expression, and is excited to channel this belief into Artvango this summer!

Olivia Raffaniello
Cactus Pear Music Festival - Grace Roeber
Grace Roeber

Grace Roeber is a music education and vocal performance student at Abilene Christian University. A mezzo soprano and cellist, she is active in ACU Opera, A Cappella Choir, and the Abilene Civic Orchestra. Grace enjoys being part of collaborative performance environments and contributing to engaging experiences for both performers and audiences. Grace is honored and excited to be supporting Cactus Pear Music  Festival operations and gaining valuable hands-on experience at the Cactus Pear Music Festival this summer!

Grace Roeber
Children’s Chorus of San Antonio - Zoey Koehl
Zoey Koehl

Zoey is a San Antonio native currently pursuing a degree in Vocal Music Education at Oklahoma City University. She is excited to serve as a summer intern with the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio through the Bexar County Arts Internship Program. Zoey spent many of her early years performing in musical theatre before discovering her passion for music education. She is committed to sharing her love of music and helping young people find their own voices.

Zoey Koehl
Classic Theatre - Elle Schmal
Elle Schmal

Elle Schmal is a stage manager and technical theatre artist currently pursuing a BFA in Technical Production with a minor in Spanish at Texas State University. Her recent stage management credits include Spring Awakening as Production Stage Manager, as well as assistant stage management work on productions in theatre, opera, and dance. In addition to stage management, Elle has experience in props, electrics, sound operation, and production management, with skills in theatrical design, lighting, carpentry, and collaborative production work.

Elle Schmal
Contemporary at Blue Star - Katherine Perez
Katherine Perez

Katherine Perez (They/Them) is a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where they are pursuing a Bachelor’s in Art History. After graduating, they plan to continue their education by pursuing a Master’s in Art History. As an intern for The Contemporary at Blue Star, they hope to gain experience in arts communications and advocacy. 

kathrine Perez
The Orchestra San Antonio - Josiah Benavides
Josiah Benavides

Josiah Benavides developed a deep appreciation for music through early exposure to a wide range of genres and his experience as a percussionist in middle and high school. Exploring diverse instruments and musical styles shaped his view of music as a source of connection, creativity, and shared joy. He is currently pursuing a degree in Marketing with a minor in Nonprofit Management at UT San Antonio. As a Development and Community Relations Intern, Josiah brings experience in media relations and fundraising, along with a strong interest in community engagement. He is passionate about helping the Orchestra of San Antonio create meaningful and memorable experiences for audiences, families, and donors alike.

Josiah Benavides
OPERA San Antonio - Akemi Nuñez-Martinez
Akemi Nuñez-Martinez

Akemi Nuñez-Martinez is a junior music marketing student at The University of Texas at San Antonio pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Since beginning her violin studies at the age of 10, she has developed a deep passion for music, the arts, and preserving and expanding their reach within the community. With experience in social media management, content creation, and community engagement, Akemi is passionate about using digital marketing to connect audiences with the arts. She has worked with local businesses and arts organizations to create engaging social media campaigns and foster meaningful community experiences. As an intern with Opera San Antonio, she is excited to combine her passions for music and marketing while supporting the organization’s mission to make opera accessible, engaging, and inspiring for the San Antonio community!

Akemi Nuñez-Martinez
San Anto Cultural Arts - Marcela Hernandez
Marcela Hernandez

Marcela Salome Hernández (they/them) is a queer Chicane poet, writer, activist, and involved community member from San Antonio, Texas. Currently enrolled at UTSA, Marcela is a Mexican-American Studies major, fighting for social justice through their education and creative writing. Marcela is a facilitator of free community and youth workshops at San Anto Cultural Arts Center as well as Tree of Life Arts Education—using poetry and creative writing as a way to ensure all Chicanes have a safe space where their voices are elevated. Their poetry plays a vital role in preserving the culture and heritage of San Antonio. As the Grand Slam Champion for Fresh Ink Youth Poetry Slam, Marcela inspires other young people to express their creativity through writing. Marcela will continue to show up for their community and guide them in strengthening their own cultural pride through creative writing.

Marcela Hernandez
Teatro Audaz - Abigail Padilla
Abigail Padilla

Abigail “Abby” Padilla is a sophomore at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a UTeach Theatre Education degree with focuses in acting, lighting, and theatre education. She hopes to become a middle school theatre teacher, combining her passion for storytelling, creativity, and mentorship. As a summer intern with Teatro Audaz, Abigail is excited to continue developing her theatrical and technical skills while learning more about collaborative production processes. She is inspired by Teatro Audaz’s mission to celebrate underrepresented communities through meaningful, culturally rooted storytelling and values theatre that is honest, heartfelt, and community-driven. Outside of theatre, Abigail enjoys spending time with her pug, Minion, and lives by the motto, “Everything happens for a reason.”

Abigail Padilla
Texas Fashion Industry Initiative - Violet Sapien
Violet Sapien

Violet Sapien is a marketing student at the University of Texas at San Antonio with a strong passion for fashion, media, and creative storytelling. She has experience in creative direction, digital branding, social media strategy, and event coordination, with a particular interest in helping grow and modernize the Texas fashion industry. Violet is passionate about building meaningful community connections through fashion and creating content that feels both culturally relevant and visually impactful. Through her internship with the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative, she hopes to further develop her industry experience while contributing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the evolving fashion landscape in Texas.

Violet Sapien
Wonder Theatre - Mia Lopez
Mia Lopez

Mia Lopez is currently a student of Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies at Pace University’s Pforzheimer Honors College. She has been a performer since 2021 and is a former student of the Wonder Theatre Academy. She is so excited to be home for the summer, working with the amazing kids and staff at the Wonder Theatre!

Mia Lopez
Agarita Chamber Players

Ryan Healy is a rising senior at the University of Houston's BFA Acting program. Originally from San Antonio, Ryan has always had a passion for the stage. Some of his favorite plays he's been in include: Romeo and Juliet as Romeo, The Grapes of Wrath as Tom Joad, and as an ensemble member with PUSH physical theatrics production of The Circadian Project. Ryan also loves working with the camera in a multitude of freelance film projects. Ryan hopes to pursue a career in the arts and is ecstatic to be working with the Agarita Chamber Players.

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2025 Bexar County Arts Interns

Alamo City Arts - Sarah Zamora
Sarah Zamora

Sarah Zamora is a student at San Antonio College, majoring in the Kinesiology program. The arts and expressions of all kinds have always held a special place in her heart. She looks forward to the coming months under this internship! Her goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the arts community at its most fundamental core.

Sarah Zamora
Artpace - Breony Jones
Breony Jones

Breony Jones is a San Antonio-based fine artist and illustrator, currently pursuing her BFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work explores themes of identity, faith, and storytelling through both traditional painting and character-driven illustration. Online, she documents her creative journey and builds community under the alias The Bree’s Knees, where she shares behind-the-scenes process, personal reflections, and encourages others to grow in their artistic practice.

Breony Jones
Cactus Pear Music Festival - J. Refugio Valenzuela Jr.
J. Refugio Valenzuela Jr.

Refugio is a senior at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry Studies. His passion for music and his commitment to learning about industry make him a wonderful fit for this internship. He will be supporting festival operations this summer, gaining valuable hands-on experience while contributing to the success of our concerts and educational programs. Please join us in welcoming Refugio to the CPMF family—we’re thrilled to have him on board!

J. Refugio Valenzuela Jr.
Children’s Ballet of San Antonio - Nawalli Rubio
Nawalli Rubio

Nawalli Rubio is currently a junior Computer Science and Cybersecurity Undergraduate student at St. Mary’s University. Though college supports her passion in the technology field, she remains connected to her roots and experiences in dance and arts. Having danced with the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio from 2016 up until college, she is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the amazing team that brings magic through dance to the community! 

Nawalli Rubio
Children’s Chorus of San Antonio - Milena Sousa
Milena Sousa

Milena Sousa is a Music Education major at the University of Texas at San Antonio, set to graduate in December 2025. She currently serves as President of both UTSA’s Sigma Alpha Iota chapter and the ACDA Student Chapter. Her experience includes ensemble performance with the UTSA Choirs, her church choir, and the San Antonio Mastersingers, as well as social media management for the UTSA Choirs and School of Music. Milena is passionate about choral music and music education, and she’s excited to join CCSA this summer to help bring meaningful choral opportunities to youth across San Antonio! 

Milena Sousa
Classic Theatre - Elia Contreras
Elia Contreras 

Elia Contreras is a Freshman Vocal Performance/Opera major at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. She has been fortunate to perform for the past 10 years around San Antonio with the Wonder Theater, Carver Community Cultural Center, and in the Alamo Heights school district. Some of her favorite roles include Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney), Into the Woods (The Witch), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour Krelborn), and A Chorus Line (Zach). At the Boston Conservatory, she has performed and/or been a part of 10+ recitals, operas, productions, musicals, and concerts. Along with performing, she loves to help out with tech, play soccer, travel, and flip ice cream at Amy’s Ice Creams. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Playhouse!

Elia Contreras
Classical Music Institute - Alyssa Requejo
Alyssa Requejo 

Alyssa Requejo is an undergraduate student at the University of the Incarnate Word, acquiring a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Management and a minor in Psychology. Her hope as the Development and Community Relations intern is to capstone her experiences from the UIW Facilities Management department by applying the knowledge she has learned to assist the Classical Music Institute in its journey of cultivating access to musical education and performance in the Bexar County community.

Alyssa Requejo
OPERA San Antonio - Madeleine Phipps
Madeleine Phipps

Madeleine Phipps, originally from Austin, transferred to UTSA and currently is a junior studying Vocal Performance. After 4 years in various opera programs she is thrilled to spend her summer working with OPERA San Antonio. She loves spending her time off reading with her two bunnies or going swimming with her friends. 

Madeleine Phipps
San Anto Cultural Arts - Marcela Hernandez
Marcela Hernandez

Marcela Hernández is a student at UTSA majoring in Mexican-American Studies. Their work focuses on preserving history and elevating the voices of marginalized groups. Marcela is the Grand Slam Champion for Fresh Ink Youth Poetry Slam and hopes to inspire more young people to express their creativity through art. This year they started teaching poetry workshops with nonprofits like San Anto Cultural Arts Center and Fresh Ink. They believe that visibility is power and that everyone’s voice deserves to be heard.

Marcela Hernandez
SAY Sí - Tobias Ryan
Tobias Ryan

Tobias Ryan is a Fine Arts Major specializing in drawing with a minor in Business at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Currently supporting their education through working with elementary children and waitering. After college, Tobias is pursuing a teaching career locally.  In their free time, you’ll find Tobias cuddled up with their cat, playing the electric guitar, or deeply focused on a good book/ video game.

Tobias Ryan
Teatro Audaz - Liam Meister
Liam Meister

Liam is a current underclassman pursuing a dual degree at the University of Michigan- even though he's a born and raised San Antonian. A theatre kid to the bone, he's a former Texas Thespians State Thespian Officer and O'Connor HS Theatre President; he's had a few notable appearances at the Majestic-Empire Foundation's 2024 JOCI Awards, 6A UIL One Act Play State competition, and Texas Thespians Festival's Mainstage. He's still mourning the long hair he kept for 4 years until this February. @liam._.meister 

Liam Meister
Texas Fashion Industry Initiative - Antonio Arce
Antonio J. Arce

Antonio J. Arce, a Houston native, has always moved through the world with curiosity, creativity, and a touch of the unconventional. Drawn to the arts from an early age, his passion eventually led him to the world of fashion—a realm he entered with a single step and was quickly swept away by its expressive force. For Antonio, fashion is more than fabric and form; it’s a celebration of individuality, a canvas for self-expression, and above all, a space to create with joy.

Antonio J. Arce
Wonder Theatre - Gwynny De La Rosa
Gwynny De La Rosa

Gwynny De La Rosa is so overjoyed and honored to be selected as the Wonder Theatre’s Summer Intern! Gwynny has loved performing arts all her life, and developed her passion for it in the Wonder’s own Academy! She hopes to learn and grow as an artist and as a teacher through working with some amazingly talented kids and adults this summer! Thanks to her incredible friends/family! Special thanks to Melissa Treviño and Kahlee Moore!

Gwynny De La Rosa
Youth Orchestras of San Antonio - Natalie Piedra
Natalie Piedra

Natalie Piedra is a 2024 graduate of TMI Episcopal. She is a proud YOSA alumna and was a part of the 2024 YOSA Germany Tour. She recently completed her freshman year at Belmont University, where she is pursuing a degree in Classical Violin Performance under Boris Abramov. At Belmont, she performs in the University Symphony Orchestra, which was featured in Amazon Prime's Christmas at Belmont alongside Cody Fry and Ashley Cooke. Her early training included studies with Philip Johnson and Dr. Eugene Dowdy. As a former YOSA musician, she is excited about the opportunity to give back through this internship and support the next generation of musicians.

Natalie Piedra

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