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Theater Internship Job Descriptions
ARTS education
ARTS EDUCATION MANAGEMENT
This internship is for individuals looking for a well-rounded experience of how an education department functions. The education management intern reports directly to the Artistic Learning coordinator and takes on responsibilities in conservatory preparation and coordination; administration; and residency and Student Discovery Matinee tracking and coordination. This position requires knowledge of and some experience in administrative duties as well as computer skills. The education management intern assists with companywide projects and events, and maintains communication within the Artistic Learning staff. Positions available November through April and May through October.
Application deadlines are July 1 and April 13, respectively.
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ARTISTIC LEARNING (Summer shakespeare conservatory)
This internship is designed to train individuals in the field of arts education and in the professional theater by: assisting professional teaching artists in the classroom; serving as an active contributor to final camp productions; participating in career enhancement workshops; teaching morning warm-ups during conservatory; helping produce Student Discovery Matinee events; assisting as needed during opening nights and other company-wide events and street fairs; and participating in administrative and artistic aspects of the Artistic Learning department. This position is ideal for candidates interested in exploring their interest in arts education. Positions available June through August.
Application deadline is April 13.
Must be proactive and enthusiastic!
ARTS MANAGEMENT
ARTISTIC
This internship is for individuals looking for a well-rounded experience of how artistic/ production departments function. The artistic intern will report directly to the administrator and associate artistic director and take on responsibilities in company management, artistic administration, dramaturgical assistance, technical rehearsal support, and producing. This position requires a high level of professionalism and discretion, some experience in administrative duties, and strong computer skills; must have a driver’s license and access to a vehicle. The artistic intern assists with companywide projects and events and maintains communication within the Professional Immersion Program as a whole. Positions available January through June and May through October.
Application deadlines are September 1 and February 6, respectively.
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CASTING
Working with the casting director, interns oversee sign-ups, execution of general auditions, and show-by-show auditions and audition prep. Interns also accompany the casting director to the annual Theatre Bay Area auditions. This position immerses interns in the casting process of a LORT-B-level theater. Successful candidates have an interest in acting, directing, and arts administration and are highly detail-oriented. Administrative skills preferred. Position available September through February. Ten hours a week plus presence at auditions required.
Application deadline is May 1.
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DEVELOPMENT
This internship provides an in-depth view into the full range of development activities performed at a midsize professional theater. Intern responsibilities include assisting with the creation of reports to corporate partners; providing support at donor cultivation and other community events (many of which take place in the evening); helping to provide VIP-care to high-level donors; assisting with database maintenance and campaign communications; supporting grant research and submissions; sorting mail; and scheduling and creating minutes for department meetings. Interns may also assist with other companywide projects. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license; applicants with a car are preferred. Application deadline October 3. Position available October 10 through April.
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EVENT PLANNING
The event planning intern takes on a variety of tasks related to planning and execution of Cal Shakes’ annual black-tie fundraiser. The intern assists the donor relations and special events manager with solicitation of live and silent auction prizes, RSVP tracking, décor and entertainment selection, volunteer scheduling, and general administrative functions related to the event. The intern attends all planning meetings related to the event and plays a leadership role in the day-of event functions. Position available November through March.
Application deadline is October 15.
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MARKETING 
Under the supervision of the marketing/PR manager and publications manager, the marketing intern assists in developing and implementing the Main Stage season and Artistic Learning marketing plans. Duties include but are not limited to social networking management, researching local events for their marketing potential, writing and revising press releases and email marketing blasts, attending strategy meetings, copying and archiving photos and materials, developing subscription brochures, and other duties as assigned. Qualifications include a good command of the written English language (knowledge of style guides a plus), comfort with the Internet and Microsoft Office (particularly Word and PowerPoint), basic proficiency with design programs such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, access to a car, valid driver’s license, punctuality, attention to detail, ability to work independently, sense of humor, and the ability to multitask in a busy work environment while still meeting deadlines. Video editing experience is a plus. This position is available from November-April at 10-20/hrs per week, and May-October at 35/hrs per week. Positions available November through April and May through October.
Application deadlines are October 15 and February 6, respectively.
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PRODUCTION
COSTUME DESIGN
This internship integrates a young designer into the rhythm and protocols of a professional shop. The design intern is introduced to the preliminary design process and participates in design meetings and fittings as well as swatching, shopping, and pulling. Participants will get hands-on experience with stitching, alterations, craft work, millinery and fabric manipulation. The intern will also get an introduction to the technical rehearsal process as well as to the functions and operations of wardrobe, quick changes, and production meetings. They support the wardrobe supervisor during Student Discovery Matinees and are expected to participate in wardrobe stock maintenance. The intern works with Artistic Learning (education) interns to pull and put costumes together, and oversees borrowing and tracking of costumes to be used throughout all the conservatories. Design experience or completed upper-division design courses required for this position. Sewing experience is preferred. Applicants must be self-motivated, responsible, and highly creative.
Positions available May through September. Skills in sewing and construction preferred.
Application deadline is February 6.
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COSTUME SHOP (SUMMER)
This internship is an introduction to the workings of a professional costume shop. The costume shop intern works on all productions under the guidance of the costume director and in association with costume designers, professional drapers, and stitchers in costume craft construction. Interns are expected to participate in stock maintenance. The internship comprises two-three weeks of introduction to the administrative side of the shop; two-three weeks of working with the costuming craftsperson; two weeks of learning how to manage stock; two weeks of working with the stitchers; and two weeks of working with the cutter. Skills in sewing and construction preferred, as well as an understanding of costume history and terminology.
Positions available May through September. Skills in sewing and construction preferred.
Application deadline is February 6.
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COSTUME SHOP (WINTER)
This internship is an introduction to the workings of a professional costume shop. The costume shop intern works under the guidance of the costume director and in association with some costume designers and professional staff. Interns are also expected to participate in stock maintenance, costume reconstruction, wardrobe restocking, shop inventory, and special events. Skills in sewing and construction preferred. Understanding of costume history and terminology is a plus.
Positions available January through April. Skills in sewing and construction preferred.
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LIGHTING DESIGN
Under the supervision of the master electrician, the lighting design intern participates in the lighting hang and focus of each show with particular attention to design aspects. During the technical rehearsals, the lighting design intern shadows the assistant lighting designer during the first show and spends time on headset during previews learning to coach the followspot.. During the run they share responsibility for maintaining the show and running the light board and spot. Lighting design interns also have the opportunity to be the lighting designer/master electrician for five, one-hour-long abridged presentations of Shakespeare plays produced by our Summer Shakespeare Conservatory. This internship hones the skills of the theatrical lighting designer, imparting a working knowledge of design implementation and preparing the intern for work in the professional theater at the level of design assistant. Positions available May through September. Demonstrated experience in lighting design and electrics at the college level is required.
Application deadline is March 14.
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PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
The intern will report directly to the production manager, gaining experience overseeing LORT-scale theatrical productions. Duties include production planning, providing technical rehearsal support, attending production meetings, assisting with contracting and budget tracking, completing research projects, and other company management tasks. The intern should have strong administrative and organizational skills and excellent interpersonal skills. Positions available May through September.
Application deadline is February 6.
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PROPERTIES 
The Properties intern works closely with the properties master and artisan on the build of each show and the management of the prop shop. During the rehearsal process, the properties intern is assigned to build projects involving carpentry, sewing, and metalwork, and assists in procuring rentals and shopping for shows. The intern will also assist in maintaining the prop shop and storage. This internship provides a diversity of projects through the build of different shows, and establishes a basis of professional experience that will lead to a successful future in the theater. This position is also great for applicants interested in scenic design. Positions available May through September. Skills in one or more of the following areas are preferred: carpentry, paint, sewing, and metalwork.
Application deadline is March 14.
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SCENIC CONSTRUCTION/TECHNICAL DIRECTION
This internship is customized to the skill level and personal goals of the intern. Interns participate in the builds and changeovers for each show and learn new skills based on the needs of each show. Projects are assigned based on skill progression while the intern works with staff members highly skilled in a specific area of expertise to expand the intern’s skill set. Skills in scenic carpentry, rigging, and metalworking are gained or refined through working on individual and team projects for each show. Other areas covered in this internship can include: budgeting, AutoCAD, crew safety, communication with production and artistic staff, shop organization, team leadership, and crew scheduling. Position available May through September. Demonstrated experience in scenic construction required.
Application deadline is February 6.
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SCENIC PAINTING
The intern assists the scenic artist and technical director in the translation of scenic designs into large-scale, finished set pieces suitable for outdoor use. Using a variety of tools, the intern gains hands-on practical experience in paint techniques from color mixing, layout, textures to installation and touch-ups. Paint shop maintenance and crew safety are also emphasized. Applicants with an art background are encouraged to apply. Position available May through September. Painting experience required.
Application deadline is February 6.
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SOUND DESIGN/ENGINEERING
The sound design/engineering intern works closely with the sound engineer to set up and maintain the sound system for the theater and to implement the design of each show from rehearsal through tech and performances. Additionally, the sound intern helps program and run shows, gaining familiarity with sound cueing programs and equipment. The intern also serves as the sound designer for the five, one-hour-long abridged presentations of Shakespeare plays produced by our Summer Shakespeare Conservatories. This internship is designed to train the intern in systems, design, programming, and mixing. Positions available May through September. Demonstrated experience with sound design and/or sound board operation required.
Application deadline is February 6.
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STAGE MANAGEMENT
The stage management intern works closely with the stage manager and production assistant on all aspects of managing the rehearsal process for each Main Stage production. The intern learns professional methods of all stage management tasks, including preparing rehearsal reports; running rehearsals; taking line, rehearsal, and performance notes; and communicating rehearsal needs to various production departments. In tech and performance, the intern serves as an additional member of the backstage crew, assisting the production assistant with the run and maintenance of the show. Interns also serve as production stage managers for our Summer Shakespeare Conservatories. This internship is designed to be a training springboard to the professional stage management world. Positions available May through August and June through September. Demonstrated experience in college- or community-level stage management required.
Application deadline is February 6.
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WIGS AND MAKEUP
This internship prepares an individual to work as a professional theatrical hair and makeup artist. The wigs and makeup intern has the opportunity to work with professional theatrical hair and makeup artists to learn and develop makeup skills, hair and wig styling, and wig and facial hair construction. This position includes: construction, refurbishing, alteration, and/or preparation of wigs and hair pieces; and assisting the stylist with the maintenance of wigs and facial hair for Main Stage productions. This position will also include some running of performances, helping the actors in and out of their wigs, and quick changes. Applicant should have practical knowledge of cosmetology and basic hair and wig work. Previous backstage experience and experience with casualty makeup, prosthetics, character makeup, and facial hair is preferred. The ideal candidate must possess a calm professional demeanor, a willingness to learn, and the ability to follow through with details. Positions available May through October.
Application deadline is February 6.
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