2023 Internships

Acting

Four acting interns will be accepted for the 2023 Season. Our program provides acting interns the experience to work closely with professional artists and artisans to allow networking possibilities and to strengthen their craft with opportunities to perform in a repertory company. Acting interns are auditioned then cast in mainstage productions. Interns also rehearse and perform in the annual Fringe Show, a production dedicated to intern performance and design. Acting interns also participate in Master Classes taught by the season’s acting professionals on topics ranging from clowning to scene work, and the business of acting to Shakespeare’s verse. Acting interns are paid a weekly stipend of $100 and non-locals receive free housing.

Stage Management

Three - four interns will be accepted to work on the Mainstage and Fringe Show productions. Stage Management interns work directly with our Professional AEA Stage Managers and non-Equity ASMs. Stage Management interns are paid a weekly stipend of $100 and non-locals receive free housing. Their duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Setting up rehearsal spaces and maintaining the rehearsal environment.
• Assisting with normal stage management duties.
• Taking line notes, and being on book for rehearsals.
• Assisting during understudy rehearsals.
• Assisting with floor management during the run of the show.
• Assisting Stage Management with paperwork - prop lists, contact sheets, calendars, etc.
• Serving as a member of the run crew (if needed).
• Assist on any special projects on an as-needed basis.

Production

SCS accepts costume design, costume shop, wardrobe, lighting, prop, and production management interns. As a production intern you will work directly under the Costume Shop Manager, Master Electrician, Props Master, or Production Manager based on your interest. For those interns who wish to take on crew positions there will be hourly pay offered.

• Costume Design: Two - three interns are selected to support season costume designers on one summer production each. Responsibilities vary with each designer and can include the following: assist in finalization of the costume designs for season, including rendering/sourcing/researching; pull rehearsal costumes; shop for costumes, fabric, notions, etc. online or in reality; attend production meetings; organize costume plot, ditty bags, inventory sheets; attend run-throughs and dress rehearsals to support costume designer. Potential for designing the costumes for the intern Fringe Show. 
• Costume Shop: Preparation and execution of costumes for the summer productions. Skills in sewing, stitching, and construction are preferred.
• Wardrobe: Assists in preparation of wardrobe facilities and tracks for summer season. Maintains costumes by cleaning, steaming, and ironing. Fitting costumes onto actors and assists in dressing actors before and during performances.
• Lighting: Participates in load-in and focus for season productions. Shadows Master Electrician and lighting designer during technical rehearsals. Potential for paid position running the light board or spot light during performances. Potential for designing the intern Fringe Show.
• Sound: Participates in load-in. Shadows the Sound Engineers and Sound Designer. Potential for a paid position running the sound board. Potential for sound designing the intern Fringe Show. 
• Props: Participates in the build of properties for each show. Assists in maintaining the prop shop and storage. Skills in carpentry, paint, and sewing. Potential to help design props for the intern Fringe Show.
• Production Management: Assists with production planning, technical rehearsal support, attending production meetings, budget tracking, completing research projects, and other management tasks. Skills in administration, technical theater, organization, and communication.

Directing and Dramaturgy

Based on production needs, directing and dramaturgy interns will be accepted to support professional directors and dramaturgs working on the productions. Directing internships are largely observation-based, but responsibilities vary depending on the director and production needs. Dramaturgs will be assigned projects and research based on the scope of work outlined by the dramaturgy staff.

Administration

One enthusiastic arts administrative intern will be accepted for the 2023 season. 

The admin intern will have hands-on experience with the ins and outs of running a theatre company. The admin intern will help in Marketing, Development, Education, and general theatre administrative tasks. If the admin intern is interested in pursuing theater education, there are opportunities to develop lesson plans, production resource guides, and more.

Key Summer Dates

• Shops Begin Work: June 6, 2023
• Rehearsals Begin: June 6, 2023 for acting interns; and May 30, 2023 for stage management interns.
• Shops Close: August 1, 2023
• Fringe Show Opens: August 16, 2023
• Season Closes: August 27, 2023
  • Semi-flexible internship start and end dates

How to Apply

We will be notifying applicants by April 2023 if you are selected for an internship for the 2023 Summer Season.

All applicants must apply via the online application below which includes contact information, the upload of a 500 word or less personal statement, and resume. All applicants also must provide the names and contact information for three references, along with a brief description of their relationship with the referrer.

The personal statement should be 500 words or less and may include the following: your career objectives and how you expect to achieve them, your experience and/or education in theatre, and the qualities you possess that recommend you as a candidate for an internship. Your personal statement should reveal information about you that may not be represented in your resume or references.

***Additional Materials***

Costume Design Internship Applicants should submit an electronic portfolio of work either with the online application, by providing a website address, or by emailing a file.

Click here for our General Audition info: SCS Season 2023 Auditions

Design Internship Applicants must submit an electronic portfolio of work, either submitting a website address below, uploading a portfolio (file size no larger than 5MB total), or emailing your portfolio to intern@santacruzshakespeare.org.

***Application deadline will be Monday, February 13th by 11:59pm PST.***

For more information or to ask questions, please contact us at intern@santacruzshakespeare.org.