Grand Ole Opry
Marketing & Social Media Intern | September 2024 – Present
Experience
As the marketing intern at the Grand Ole Opry, I have the opportunity to contribute across multiple areas of the marketing team. My role includes:
- Capturing and sharing show content
- Collaborating with artists onstage and backstage
- Crafting engaging copy to enhance our digital presence
- Scheduling and publishing social media posts
- Engaging with Opry audiences and fans
- Updating website ticketing and artist information
- Assisting with digital billboard partnerships
- And more!
Being part of the Opry’s marketing team allows me to combine creativity, storytelling, and strategy to celebrate the legacy of country music while connecting with fans in meaningful ways.
Opry 100 Live Celebration
In March 2025, I had the opportunity to work at the Opry 100 Live Celebration on NBC. My duties ranged from managing the red carpet livestream and engaging with fans in real time to assisting with social content and behind-the-scenes production. Working alongside industry legends like Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Dierks Bentley, and Carrie Underwood – to just name a few – was a great opportunity to learn.
Show Coverage
One of my weekly duties at the Opry includes covering the longest-running live radio show. From grabbing artist content backstage to sharing highlights from the iconic circle during the performances, I help bring the Opry experience to life online. My role includes live social media coverage on our stories, making a recap at the end of the night, coordinating artist content, and ensuring the legacy of country music is shared with audiences everywhere. Whether it’s a debut performance or a longtime member returning to the stage, every show tells a story and I love being part of sharing it.
Artist and Industry Collaborations
One of the more fun stories to tell from my job has been my work I’ve done directly with artists. From dressing rooms to media booths, I’ve had the opportunity to work directly with artists in ways that require both professionalism and adaptability. Whether it’s coordinating and creating unique interview moments, helping talent feel at ease on camera, or shaping content that captures their personality, I love being part of the process that connects artists with fans. These projects highlight my ability to work closely with talent while maintaining a clear creative vision behind the scenes.
Video Editing
I edit videos that capture the heart of the Opry, from quick-turnaround social clips to highlight reels that bring fans closer to the music and drive engagement. Whether it’s a fun artist interview or a behind-the-scenes look at an unforgettable moment, my goal is to create dynamic content that keeps the spirit of the Opry alive beyond the stage.
Opry NextStage Live
Working Opry NextStage Live was an exciting opportunity to highlight the rising stars of country music. From capturing behind-the-scenes content to assisting with live social coverage, I helped bring the energy of the night to fans in real time. Being part of an event that showcases the future of country music and seeing these artists step into the iconic Opry spotlight made for an unforgettable experience.
About
The Grand Ole Opry is the home of country music and one of the most iconic live performance venues in the world. A cornerstone of Nashville’s entertainment industry since 1925, the Opry has welcomed legendary artists and rising stars to its stage, keeping country music’s history and future alive. As part of Opry Entertainment Group, the brand extends beyond the stage with live broadcasts, digital content, and experiential marketing that connects fans worldwide.
Ryman Auditorium
Marketing Intern | September 2024 – May 2025
Experience
As the marketing intern at Ryman Auditorium, I contribute across multiple areas of the marketing team, helping bring the Mother Church of Country Music to fans everywhere. My role includes:
- Capturing and sharing show content
- Collaborating with artists onstage and backstage
- Updating website ticketing and artist information
- And more!
Being part of the Ryman’s marketing team gives me the chance to showcase its iconic legacy while finding new ways to connect with audiences and celebrate live music.
Show Coverage
From one-night-only performances to highly anticipated residencies, show coverage at the Ryman captures the magic of live music in one of the most historic venues in the world. Whether it’s a touring artist making their Ryman debut, a multi-night residency like Old Dominion’s “7-for-7”, or a special event like the Nashville Reunion Tour, every show brings a unique story to share.
My role in show coverage includes capturing key moments both onstage and backstage, engaging with fans in real time, and creating content that extends the excitement beyond the walls of the Ryman. Through social media updates, video highlights, and behind-the-scenes access, I help bring these unforgettable performances to audiences everywhere.
About
Ryman Auditorium isn’t just a music venue—it’s a living piece of history. Known as the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman has hosted legendary performances for over 130 years, shaping the sounds of country, bluegrass, rock, and more. From its roots as a tabernacle to becoming the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, it has been the stage for some of music’s most iconic moments. Today, the Ryman remains a bucket-list venue for artists and fans alike, offering an intimate setting with unmatched acoustics. Whether it’s a sold-out show, a behind-the-scenes tour, or a historic moment in the making, every experience is
Category 10
Marketing Intern | September 2024 – May 2025
Experience
As the marketing intern at Category 10, I support multiple aspects of the venue’s marketing efforts. My role includes:
- Assisting in opening weekend coverage to ensure a successful launch
- Capturing content of daily events and activities at Category 10
- Collaborating with event coordinators
- Adding and updating calendar information on the website
- And more!
Being part of the Category 10 marketing team allows me to contribute to the venue’s promotion, helping to highlight its events and performances while engaging with a diverse audience of country music fans.
Category 10’s Opening Weekend
I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the opening weekend at Category 10, Luke Combs’ bar just off Broadway. It was an unforgettable experience working alongside the social media team to bring this exciting new venue to life. Throughout the weekend, we engaged with fans through giveaways, special moments, and even had the chance to bring Luke Combs out on stage. We also celebrated Nashville’s gameday spirit and created unique experiences for everyone who visited. Looking back, it’s hard to believe that just seven years ago, I visited the Wildhorse Saloon during my first trip to Nashville, never imagining I’d be contributing to its reopening as Category 10.
Hat Wall Organization and Story Highlights
One of my key projects early in my time at Opry Entertainment Group was working on the iconic Hat Wall behind the Honky-Tonk Stage. This project involved opening hundreds of mailed packages from Luke Combs’ biggest fans around the world, each hoping their hat would be chosen to make the wall. I took ownership of several aspects of this project, including reviewing the heartfelt stories submitted by fans and deciding which hats would be added to the wall. I also organized the layout of the hats, assisted in attaching them to the wall, and selected stories to be featured on our social media platforms. This role allowed me to help showcase the personal connections fans have with Luke, creating a truly special display that celebrates their love for his music.
About
Category 10 is a music venue and bar located in the heart of Nashville, inspired by country music artist Luke Combs. Designed to reflect Luke’s musical journey and Southern roots, the bar offers a unique space for fans to enjoy live music, signature drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere. Featuring performances from both up-and-coming and established artists, Category 10 is a prime location for experiencing Nashville’s music scene. With a focus on high-quality service and entertainment, the venue provides an authentic taste of Nashville for both locals and visitors alike.
Madalynn Abele 