SM Internships??

[smwmu12]

So I am very interested in doing an internship before I finish my undergrad.

Does anyone know of any great theaters that offer internships to SMs??
It doesn't matter the city, or the cost. I would just love some great ideas!!!
 

-Julia

[thankyou5]

I would start by talking to your professors; see who they know and where they have worked.  As you will quickly find getting work is mostly based on who you know.  If the WMU in your screen name is for Western Michigan, I know that Mark Liermann has worked quite a bit in Chicago. 

Most large regional theatres offer season long or show long internships in stage management, where you will typically serve as a PA.  Many don't post on search sites so you will need to go to their websites to find requirements and deadlines.  Summer internships are the most competitive, so if you are able to take a semester off you may have a better chance of landing an internship, but you would have to check with your university.  A great resource for postings is ArtSearch, which usually has listings for summer stocks and many smaller theatres. Apply early as I found, in the past, that most places fill all of their slots by March.

[BeccaTheSM]

I worked last summer with West Virginia Public Theatre company, they do six shows--and as a PA or ASM you work on half of them with a Stage Management team. They provide housing and pretty good pay. The city, the company, and the housing are all really great. It's a really big facility: you'll learn about calling fly cues, as well as work with actors both equity and non-equity. You'll learn so much.

[SGU312]

I too am looking into internships for the summer. I am currently a sophomore in college getting a BFA in stage management. I am looking to build up my experience with something outside of school. I have already found a few places but I'm wondering if others on this site might have some suggestions (everyone on here has been super helpful so I thought I'd give it a shot). Ideally someplace/summer stock with an internship for stage management with a stipend and housing although those are not limiting factors.

rpicket6, I looked at West Virginia Public Theatre company and they did not have any info on an internship, should I contact them directly?

Thanks for any info!

[boolabella]

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, CT offers a wonderful summer SM internship.  The theatre is a new work festival and a cabaret conference so you wouldn't quite get the summer stock experience but it is an amazing process to witness as there is nothing like watching a playwright's wheels turn.  This is an unpaid internship and last I heard you have to pay for housing but it is an extremely respectable theatre with wonderful talent and many of the plays worked on over their summers move on to much bigger and better things like the Goodman and Roundabout.  They use AEA actors and currently working directors...not to mention, the theater is a short walk from the beach. 

[BeccaTheSM]

rpicket6, I looked at West Virginia Public Theatre company and they did not have any info on an internship, should I contact them directly?

keep S sane,

I would suggest contacting them directly. As a PA or ASM, it is not technically an 'internship'. It's a job, although the PA job is right on the border, I suppose. The Company Manager (if it's the same as last summer, which I think it is) is quite cool, and will not be offended or put off by an inquiry email.

[Candy0081]

Other great places to look for internships are playbill.com, backstagejobs.com and ArtSearch.  The first two are free, but there is a fee with ArtSearch.  Check with your school, many theatre departments have a subscription to the hard copy or to the online job ads.

Best of luck in your search!

[Rebbe]

Here are two recently advertised in the DC area.  May not be exactly what you are looking for, but can give you an idea of what's out there:

Professional Apprentice (full time, 2010-2011 season)
Imagination Stage, a professional children’s theatre in Bethesda MD , is looking for FT Apprentices to work in all aspects of theatre operations during the 2010-2011 season, while focusing in either Marketing, Development, Artistic Direction, Technical Theatre, or Education.  Apprentices should have a theatre background and commitment to sharing their skills and expertise with children.  BA required.  Compensation: $1400/month, health benefits and transportation allowance.  Theatre is accessible via Washington DC ’s Metro.  For application information, please visit our website, www.imaginationstag e.org and send applications to Julia Krebs, Apprenticeship Program Manager, 4908 Auburn Avenue , Bethesda , MD 20814 .  Email: jkrebs@imaginations tage.org.  Application deadline: March 15, 2010. 


Synetic Theater is seeking a stage management intern for its mainstage series.  This is a 30-40 hour/week internship, with the intern splitting time between working with the stage manager in rehearsals and performance, and aiding the production manager and technical director with production work.  This is an excellent opportunity for a college student or recent graduate to work closely with area professionals and develop professional stage management and production experience at DC's premiere physical theatre.  Attendance at all technical rehearsals and performances is required, remaining hours are flexible and subject to the skills and desired goals of applicant.  Position runs January 20th-May 22nd, with possible extension through June, if available.  Stipend provided.  Own transportation desirable, but not required.  Interested applicants should send cover letter and resume to Abby Lynch, Production Manager, at abbylynch@syneticth eater.org.

[sabby8118]

I am currently an intern at PCPA Theaterfest in Santa Maria, CA. I don't know how you feel about relocating to the west coast but I would highly recommend this program. There are contracts for the summer and also 9 month contracts for the year. You work as an ASM for the main stage productions which there are 3 a year and you work as the SM for staged readings and other conservatory performances. It is a conservatory so it's a great place to be just out of school because it's still a learning environment inside a professional company. The pay is also great and it's through scholarships with the school (so no taxes!!). I'd love to talk more if you're interested.

[DanaGalSM]

Yay for summerstock! I went two years ago to Williamstown Theatre Festival in Williamstown, MA. They have a great program. A few places to look into include Williamstown, Eugene O'Neill, and Santa Fe Opera. Have you checked ArtSearch? TCG.org. They are a wonderful resource. Backstagejobs.com is another resource. Theatre companies post ads for jobs, internships, fellowships, summerstock, etc. Good luck