California Shakespeare Theater

:: Participation
:: Training
:: Application

PARTICIPATION

Through participating within a department, an intern receives on-the-job training and instruction while also being assigned tasks and projects to be completed individually. Participants in the Professional Immersion Program are integrated into the Cal Shakes staff, making contact with members of all departments. Interns have the opportunity to observe rehearsals and production/design meetings, and to shadow their supervisors’ execution of certain elements of their responsibilities. Adjustments will be made to the structure of the internship based on the individual’s skill level and personal goals for the experience.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Artistic
New Works/New Communities
Artistic Learning
Teaching Artist Fellowship
Stage Management
Scenic Construction
Costume Design
Costuming
Properties
Lighting Design
Sound

ARTISTIC 5.10-9.25.10
This internship is designed for individuals who are looking for a well rounded experience in how the Artistic/ Production departments function. The Artistic Intern will report directly to the Artistic Administrator and Associate Artistic Director and take on responsibilities in Company Management, administration, casting, New Works/New Communities, technical rehearsal support and producing. This position requires knowledge and some experience in administrative duties as well as computer skills. The Artistic Intern will assist with company wide projects and events and maintain communication within the Professional Immersion Program.

NEW WORKS/ NEW COMMUNITIES 5/17-8/21
Launched in 2003, our New Works/New Communities program brings disparate communities together to engage directly in the creation of new works of theater inspired by classic literature. In partnership with other arts and community-based organizations, we aim to make concrete connections between the work of classical writers and marginalized communities who do not see themselves reflected in those plays, or in theater itself. Through this inclusive and collaborative artistic process, we also hope to help nourish a cultural ecosystem that truly reflects the extraordinary diversity of the Bay Area. New Works/ New Communities interns will work with the Community Engagement Manager to produce and administer a wide array of programming including public Community Conversations, Steinbeck events in relation to the world premiere of John Steinbeck’s The Pastures of Heaven, and youth and community partnership projects. Successful candidates have an interest in community outreach and experience with diverse communities. Administrative skills preferred.

ARTISTIC LEARNING 5.17-8.21.10
This internship is designed to train individuals in the field of arts education and in the professional theater by allowing Artistic Learning interns to: work with professional Teaching Artists in the classroom; serve as an active contributor of final camp productions; partake in career enhancement workshops; teach morning warm-ups during conservatory; help produce Inside Scoop and Student Discovery Matinee events; assist as needed during technical rehearsals and opening nights; and participate in all administrative and artistic aspects of the Artistic Learning department. Artistic Learning interns will also cross-train into other administrative departments when not working in conservatory programs. This position is ideal for candidates interested in exploring their interest in arts education as well as the professional theater as a whole.

Pre-Camp:

Assist with administrative projects as assigned; complete camp logistics; Student Discovery Matinees; Inside Scoop; Main Stage technical rehearsals; script prep; Teachers’ Guides; summer staff and camper orientations; production prep: rehearsal props, set construction, rehearsal costumes, production meetings; Cal Shakes street team as assigned by Marketing; attend Main Stage Meet & Greet and first read-through; participate in trainings

Conservatory (Summer Theater Programs):

Oversee a group of student actors: build positive group dynamics within the ensemble; manage check-in and check-out; assist with BART pickup and drop-off needs
Assist Teaching Artists in classes: demonstrate skills within lesson; encourage participation
Create a lesson plan for morning warm-ups

Work closely with the director and Teaching Artist Fellow on all aspects of production for Conservatory performances.
Assist a Teaching Artist Fellow during Shakespeare prep class
Participate in load-in day and finalizing of production elements on behalf of the directors
Inside Scoop
Cal Shakes street team as assigned by Marketing

Post-Conservatory:

Process feedback from students and parents; return production materials such as props, costumes, etc.; Inside Scoop; Main Stage technical rehearsals; Cal Shakes street team as assigned by Marketing; attend Main Stage Meet & Greet and first read-through; assist with administrative projects as assigned.

TEACHING ARTIST FELLOWSHIP 6.14-8.13.10
(There is a stipend for the fellowship)
This fellowship is designed to train individuals who are already pursuing a path in arts education and will provide the opportunity to further an individual’s goal of becoming a Teaching Artist. By obtaining practical experience in a guided and supportive environment, Fellows will enhance their skills as Teaching Artists through the following arch of participation:

Observe and support professional Teaching Artists during summer classes
Share teaching methods and best practices by co-teaching key classes and leading warm-ups early on in the conservatory
Lead teach in two areas of performance discipline where assigned
Revise, reflect and refashion lesson plans to improve teaching skills as conservatory progresses
Lead teach a Shakespeare prep class—incorporate an intern as assistant
Lead teach a Master Class in one area of personal expertise
Lead teach community outreach classes in summer programs outside Cal Shakes

Teaching Artist Fellows will be assigned a mentor in a specific performance discipline (e.g., acting, stage combat, movement, text, voice, improvisation) who will guide them through the process of teaching that particular skill. Working closely with the mentor, Fellows will hone techniques through the development of lesson plans, which they will later execute as lead teacher. Mentors will also provide helpful feedback to shape teaching skills. Fellows will have 10-20 hours of lead teaching time in addition to assisting, research, developing lesson plans, and identifying possible outreach opportunities and developing curriculum.

Applicants for the Teaching Artist Fellowship MUST have demonstrated experience and interest in Arts Education, specifically teaching.

COSTUME DESIGN 5.17-9.25.10
This internship is designed to integrate a young designer on the verge of entering the industry into the rhythm of a professional shop and protocol.

Show 1:

Introduction to technical rehearsal process (shadowing)
Introduction to functions and operations of wardrobe, quick changes, & production meetings

Show 2:

Introduction to the preliminary design process: design meetings, shopping, pulling, fittings (shadowing & simple tasks)

Five-Week/Four-Week Conservatory:

Work with Artistic Learning Interns to pull and put costumes together
Teach costume design master class and lead projects with kids during rehearsals
Oversee borrowing and tracking of costumes that travel from camp to camp for all camps

Shows 3 & 4:

Participate as Second Design Assistant: Includes paperwork, shopping, pulling, fittings, budgeting, design and production meetings (responsibilities as assigned)
Support Student Discovery Matinees

Design experience or completed upper division design courses required to be qualified for this position. Must have a car for this position.

COSTUMING 5.17-8.21.10
This internship is designed to be an introduction to the workings of a professional costume shop.

Two-three weeks: Introduction to the administrative side of the shop
Two-three weeks: Working with costuming craftsperson
Two weeks: Learning how to manage stock
Two weeks: Working with the Stitchers
Two weeks: Working with the Cutter and First Hand

Basic skills in sewing and construction preferred.

SCENIC CONSTRUCTION/TECHNICAL DIRECTION or SCENIC CONSTRUCTION/SCENIC ARTIST
5.17-9.17.10
This internship is customized based upon the skill level and personal goals of the intern.

Participate in changeover period for each show
Learn new skills based on the needs of the show; individual projects assigned based on skill progression
Work with staff members who are highly skilled in specific area of expertise to expand skill set
Work with Technical Director to train other interns about safety and tools in the shop.

Areas of technical direction to be covered over the course of the internship:

Budgeting
Auto CAD
Crew safety supervision
Communication with Production and Artistic staff
Shop organization
Team leadership
Crew scheduling

Logistical concerns

Experience is required.

STAGE MANAGEMENT 5.4-8.21.10 or 5.17-10.17.10
The Stage Management intern works closely with the Stage Manager and Production Assistant on all aspects of managing the rehearsal for each Main Stage show. The intern will learn professional methods of all Stage Management tasks, including preparing rehearsal reports, running rehearsals, taking line notes, and communicating rehearsal needs to various production departments. In tech and performance, the intern will serve as an additional member of the backstage crew, assisting the Deck Manager and Production Assistant with the run and maintenance of the show. This internship is designed to be a training springboard into the professional stage management world.

PROPERTIES 5.17-9.17.10
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 will be assigned build projects involving carpentry, sewing, and metalwork, and will assist in procuring rentals and shopping shows. The intern will also assist in maintaining the Prop Shop and storage. This internship is intended to provide a diversity of projects through the build of different shows, and to establish a basis of professional experience that will lead to a successful working future in the theater. This position is great for applicants interested in Scenic Design.

LIGHTING DESIGN 5.17-9.25.10
Under the supervision of the Master Electrician, the Lighting Design intern participates in the lighting hang and focus of each show, with particular attention paid to design aspects. During technical rehearsals for the first show of the season, the Lighting Design intern will shadow the Assistant Lighting Designer during and spend some time on headset during previews, learning to coach the follow spot. The LD intern will learn to program the light board, take notes, and coach follow spots. During the show’s run, the LD intern will share responsibility for maintaining the show and running the light board and spot. Lighting Design interns will also have the opportunity to be the Lighting Designer/ Master Electrician for four–five, one-hour-long abridged presentations of Shakespeare plays produced by our Five- and Four-Week Conservatories. This internship is designed to hone the skills of the theatrical Lighting Designer, to impart a working knowledge of design implementation, and to prepare the intern to work in the professional theater at the level of Design Assistant.

Applicants for the Lighting Design Internship MUST have demonstrated experience in Lighting Design and Electrics.

SOUND 5.17-9.25.10
The Sound 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 will help program and run shows, gaining familiarity with modern sound cuing programs and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to be the Sound Designer for the five, one-hour-long abridged presentations of Shakespeare plays produced by our Five-Week and Four-Week Conservatories. This internship is designed to train the intern in systems, design, programming and mixing.

Experience preferred.