From Drexel Co-op to The Philadelphia Orchestra: Joanna Scorese’s Story
July 21, 2025
We believe that careers in the arts don’t have to wait until after graduation. Joanna Scorese, now our Administrative Manager for Artistic Production, first joined us as a Drexel University co-op. From day one, she embraced the dynamic, behind-the-scenes world of artistic production and quickly found a passion for the operational side of the performing arts. Her journey is a great example of how our arts administration internships and early career opportunities can lead to meaningful, full-time roles in the field. Keep reading to learn more about Joanna’s path and what it’s like working in performing arts with our organization.
Please introduce yourself and describe your role within the organization. What is your favorite part about your job?
My name is Joanna Scorese and I am the Administrative Manager for Artistic Production. I ensure The Philadelphia Orchestra's operations run seamlessly, managing communications and scheduling, drafting contracts, and monitoring expenses with our external partners. I also oversee all things instrument-related, whether that be insurance, rentals, or the Orchestra’s own collection!
My favorite part about my job is that no day looks the same. One day I may be under the stage trying to track down a lost violin and the next I’m quite literally herding goats.
What is your favorite part about the organization?
I love that our organization encompasses so many areas of the performing arts. I consider myself a pianist first, but I do love going to Broadway shows and other special performances! Because we offer such a diverse array of performances, I’ve been able to expand my own tastes and genres as well.
Tell us more about your time here as a Drexel co-op with us.
I came across the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Personnel co-op by chance, as I was studying marketing. While it didn’t align with my major, I was intrigued by the possibility of working in a field I was already so passionate about. Going in with little experience in arts administration, this ended up being the perfect role to immerse myself fully in the industry. Working full-time in personnel for six months, I helped draft the weekly rotation of schedules, rosters, and memos provided to musicians and conductors, as well getting heavily involved in larger projects like auditions, summer residencies, and tours. I realized how much I enjoyed the operational aspects of performance, getting the satisfaction of hearing the orchestra tune up on stage after a busy week of preparations.
Knowing I played a crucial role in making such incredible music happen was enough for me to want to pursue arts administration as a career. It’s been about two years since I originally applied to the position on a whim, having no idea what a huge impact it would have on my life. Now I consider myself lucky that this experience led me to where I am today, with the same world-class orchestra I fell in love with in the first place.
Do you have any artistic inclinations/hobbies?
Growing up in a family of performers, music has played a huge role in my upbringing and who I am today. I was involved in theater as a child and was student director for my high school’s theater program. I also took piano lessons from second grade up through college and was in my university’s chorus. While I don’t pursue performance anymore, I still enjoy playing piano for fun and picking up other instruments when I have time!
What does the future look like for Joanna?
It’s so hard to say, especially as this industry was merely a vague possibility just two years ago! I’m currently continuing my business education through my MBA program with an arts administration minor. All I can say is that I love being surrounded by world-class music and performers and getting to be a part of making that world-class music available to so many audiences. Any future involving that sounds pretty good to me!
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Thank you, Joanna, for taking the time to speak with us. We're so happy you were able to launch your career in the arts with us!
You can find more information regarding internship, co-op, and job opportunities here.