Internships in Pittsburgh and surrounding area

[nmakos]

Hello,

I am a stage management student at Seton Hill University. I was wondering if anyone knew of any internships in Pittsburgh that either provide housing or pay enough of a stipend to cover travel. I am beginning a lease on an apartment that will carry through the summer (unfortunately), so something that would cover my gas to get to Pittsburgh with a 40+ minute drive would be nice. I have researched many of the theatres in Pittsburgh, however not many of them have a section on education or internships. I will be calling and inquiring for more information, however if anyone has any ideas, please do let me know

[PSMKay]

I would not try to drive that as an intern if I were you. My SM internships invariably started at 7 or 8am and ended after midnight 6 days a week. You do not want to be adding 1.5 hours of driving to that load.

[RuthNY]

You are most likely not going to find an internship in Pittsburgh that will cover your expenses, or be worth the 40+ minute drive. Most companies here hire interns for very little money, and as Kay said, expect hours of work that probably would be a problem for you during the school year.  But...I have sent you a PM, with a future opportunity, in the opposite geographic direction.

[KMC]

Kay and Ruth make some very good points, and I would add if you're looking for income to cover expenses an internship may not be the best place to start.  That said, if you're hell-bent on it, check out Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.  I did a Stage Management internship there 10-ish years ago and found it to be a very valuable experience.  I honestly don't remember what or even if it offered a stipend or housing as my motives were not financial (I am from Pittsburgh, so I had housing with family and public transportation) so I can't be of help on that side, but if you are looking for internships I'd suggest prioritizing educational/experience value over compensation.  If compensation is your goal I'd suggest another type of job. 

[RuthNY]

I agree with Kevin. But the summer schedule at PCLO would not permit you to travel back and forth. You'd have to be at work far too early, after shows at night. You'd WANT to live in (or nearer to) town.

Kay and Ruth make some very good points, and I would add if you're looking for income to cover expenses an internship may not be the best place to start.  That said, if you're hell-bent on it, check out Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.  I did a Stage Management internship there 10-ish years ago and found it to be a very valuable experience. <snip>

[lish]

Chiming in here as an SM for PCLO to agree with all of the above.     The internship gives you a great deal of experience at a remarkably fast pace, but you wouldn't want to be commuting that much for the days we put in.  About one or two weeks out of the year, we do 10-6 days.  The rest average 9am - 11pm if we are lucky.   The CLO interns do get a stipend of $100 a week, I believe.  But no housing is included and you have to factor parking downtown or taking a bus into that equation.    Again, it is a great opportunity.  One that you will walk away with many theatrical riches, but none that are monetary.  Well, I guess that doesn't really change over life anyway.   

Shoot me a message if you have any more questions about CLO.  I'll keep my eye out for other internship options.  I know the Pittsburgh Opera has a summer internship program but I'm not sure what that entails. 

If you decide to go for an internship, make sure you start applying as soon as they start opening for your best pick of options.  Probably around January.

- lish