Savage, from an RMU student from New Brighton, Pa., was recently selected to participate in the Disney College Program for four months beginning this month. Savage, a sophomore with a 3.7 GPA, found out about the internship program after becoming a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

The Disney College Program is a paid internship that gives selected students the chance to work with world-renowned leadership and gain useful, transferable skills. While working in front line roles at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla., Savage will gain real-world experience as part of a team of cast members from hundreds of job disciplines. She will also have the opportunity to custom-design a learning curriculum that best suits her needs and interests, complete education courses and specialized learning activities, and possibly earn college credit while doing so.

“The Disney College Program is an outstanding opportunity for students to learn a variety of transferable skills from an industry leader, meet people from all over the world and earn college credit,” said Sharon Loeser, recruiter for the Disney College Program. “Dawn has the unique opportunity to make magical memories for guests of all ages who visit the Walt Disney World Resort.”

Savage, who’s currently studying theater, has been performing since her high school days, when she held roles in “Grease,” “Crazy for You,” “Singing in the Rain,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” More recently, she has been an active member of RMU’s Colonial Theatre. Her first show at RMU was “Hair,” where she played the role of Crissy. Since then, she’s starred in “Nunsense” as Sister Mary Luke, and then in “Aida” as an Egyptian/runway model. Savage also worked as a lighting assistant in the production of “Play in a Day.”

“My favorite part about acting,” said Savage, “is being able to make someone see or feel something.  There’s nothing better than being on stage and looking out into an audience full of tears or other emotions. And there is always something new and exciting to explore with each character you play.”

Kenneth Gargaro is assistant professor of communication at RMU and the director of several Colonial Theatre productions. “Dawn is a talented young lady with a fabulous country style voice,” he said. “I can certainly see why Disney selected her for the program.”

Says Rex Crawley, head of RMU Department of Communication, “Disney is one of the world’s greatest corporations,” he said. “I am confident that this experience will be a transformative one for Dawn.”

In addition to Crawley and Gargaro, Savage credits many people at RMU for helping her get chosen for the Disney internship, including Shelia Broman, Barbara Burgess-Lefebvre, Yvonne Bland, M.C. Kiliany, and Michelle Edwards. “Without all of these wonderful people and their support, not only for academic learning but experimental learning as well, I would not be able to take this journey,” said Savage. “I can't thank them all enough.”

After graduation, Savage sees herself working on stage, in a studio, or performing live somewhere in concert. “You never know where life will take you,” she said, “but I have high expectations. No one can ever take away the knowledge and education I’ve earned here at Robert Morris University.”