Showing Up Authentically: FSU Student Performs Summer Internship at DC’s Ford’s Theatre
Oct 6, 2026 2:00 PM
By Megan Knox ‘24
When Frostburg State University's Chris Parris ’27, a strategic communications major, applied for a summer internship through Broad Futures, Inc., he never anticipated ending up at one of the nation’s most historic cultural landmarks.
Ford’s Theatre partnered with Broad Futures Inc., a company that empowers neurodivergent young people to reach their full potential while also educating and supporting employers to build inclusive and accessible workplaces. After applying this past spring, Parris was matched with the theatre known as the site of the tragic assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.
“When I found out I was placed at Ford’s Theatre, I was honestly stunned,” Parris said. “It wasn’t even on my original scorecard, but looking back, it turned out to be the exact environment I needed to grow both personally and professionally.”
While Parris sought to steer away from his communications track, it was his background in strategic communication that made him stand out to recruiters. His FSU coursework in intercultural and organizational communication equipped him to navigate workplace dynamics and connect with diverse audiences. And his personal passion for U.S. and military history sprouted from elementary school when he helped his father with his family’s genealogy research.
“Digging into family roots with my dad early on gave me a deep appreciation for human stories,” he said. “I knew I wanted to add history as a second minor and eventually pursue graduate work in public history, so gaining direct experience in a museum setting was my top priority.”
At the famous theatre, Parris found immediate opportunities to merge his skills with his passion for historic preservation.
Initially assigned to the box office in the theatre’s Atlantic Lobby, Parris found himself struggling to find his footing. Experienced staff members frequently answered more questions quicker than he could, leaving him feeling unproductive. Rather than letting the frustration linger, Parris voiced his concerns to his supervisor. Recognizing his enthusiasm and potential, his supervisor reassigned Parris to the third and fourth floor exhibits called “Aftermath of the Assassination and Abraham Lincoln in Pop Culture.”
“Speaking up made all the difference,” Parris said. “Once I moved to the upper exhibit floors, I got my first real, hands-on experience in historical interpretation. I was directly engaging with visitors, sharing history and feeling like an active part of the team.”
Joining Ford’s Theatre Accessibility Committee, Parris put his personal insights with neurodiversity into action after seeing how intense foot traffic and high stimulus from the popular exhibits could easily overwhelm guests with sensory sensitivities. He advocated for more sensory-friendly programming and recommended establishing designated sensory-friendly rooms within exhibit buildings and during live performances.
“When you’re in patron services, you observe how people experience space,” Parris explained. “For neurodivergent visitors or anyone prone to sensory overload, having a dedicated space to pause and decompress can make the difference between an overwhelming visit and a meaningful one.”
After returning to FSU after his internship, Parris credited much of his positive experience to the culture fostered by the Ford’s Theatre staff. His colleagues created a warm, accommodating environment where authentic self-expression was welcomed and encouraged.
For other neurodivergent students navigating internships and career opportunities, Parris offered some straightforward advice.
“Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself in the workplace,” he said. “Masking your individual needs just leads to burnout. Having ADHD, autism, dyslexia or any other condition doesn’t make you any less capable than anyone else. Showing up authentically and asking for what you need allows you to thrive.”
For more information on internship appointments for neurodivergent people, visit broadfutures.org.