Get ready for a thrilling journey as we dive into the world of engineering and the circus! A tale of an engineering student’s dream come true awaits!
Molly Deptula, a Multidisciplinary Engineering (MDE) major at UConn, had a unique summer internship with Cirque du Soleil, fulfilling a childhood dream. You see, Molly had a vision at age four, a vision of joining the circus, perhaps as a substitute for the tattooed lady, but little did she know, her path would lead her to an even more extraordinary role.
Among six lucky interns, Molly was assigned to the automation team, a blend of traditional circus arts and cutting-edge technology. “Automation is like magic,” Molly explains, “making things move without a physical touch.”
At UConn, Molly’s passion for entertainment experiences and engineering converged in the Entertainment Engineering specialization. This program offers a well-rounded engineering education with a twist – the freedom to explore multiple fields and specializations.
“It was like a sign!” Molly exclaims, recalling the day her mom handed her a paper about Entertainment Engineering. “I knew instantly that this was my calling.”
Last March, Molly’s path crossed with Chuck McCafferty, the head of automation for Cirque du Soleil’s residency shows. After an extended interview, Molly received the call – an offer to join the legendary circus.
Cirque du Soleil’s Las Vegas shows became Molly’s playground. She was assigned to “O,” an aquatic spectacle at the Bellagio Hotel. Her days were a blend of day shift operations and show shift shadowing, learning the intricacies of automation and the circus community.
“The day shift was like a family reunion,” Molly shares. “We’d troubleshoot, build, and repair, always eager to explore and learn.”
But here’s where it gets controversial… Molly’s experience went beyond the technical. She shadowed other departments, spent time with stage managers, artists, and even dabbled in carpentry. It was this tight-knit community that made her feel at home, proving that engineering and the circus are a perfect match.
And this is the part most people miss… Molly’s internship wasn’t just about the work; it was about the educational focus and the passion of the Cirque du Soleil team. “They wanted me to ask questions, to learn, and to grow. It was an environment that nurtured my curiosity.”
Molly’s summer wasn’t limited to “O.” She had the opportunity to explore all five shows along the Vegas strip, even working a shift at each. And her experience with the Blue Man Group was equally surreal, with the chance to push buttons and move things around, all while rubbing shoulders with the Blue Men themselves.
The stories Molly brings back are a testament to her hard work and the power of education. “UConn’s program empowers me to explore and understand a vast array of things. It’s this zest for life and intellectual curiosity that keeps me going.”
The Entertainment Engineering specialization aims to provide hands-on, project-based learning, preparing students for their future careers. Ed Weingart, the head of the specialization, praises Molly’s enthusiasm and work ethic, crediting her ‘try to stop me from learning’ attitude for earning her the internship.
So, what do you think? Is engineering and the circus a match made in heaven? Or is it a surprising combination? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!