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Olney Theatre Institute Advanced Intern Training Program
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A Word About Internships
The Olney Theatre Institute Advanced Intern Training program provides hands-on advanced training in theater production and administration. The program allows students, graduates, and other interested candidates the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals in their field. This exposure to process and to our audience illustrates what theater means to the life of a community and how the community enriches its theater.
Olney internships are excellent springboards into a professional career in the arts. Olney Theatre Center interns have gone on to renowned graduate programs, major regional and Broadway stages, and freelance positions as directors, designers, stage managers, technical directors, technicians, theater administrators, and other industry leaders.
These internships require candidates:
- With a working appreciation of theater
- Who may be from a variety of disciplines
- Seeking a professional life in the arts
- Interested in being part of a vibrant regional theater operation
- Who are innovative thinkers
- Demonstrating high energy and initiative
- Able to focus on projects in many areas
- Able to maintain sensitivity to the demands and complexities of an artistic operation
- Exhibiting some knowledge of computers (Windows Microsoft Office Suite)
- Possessing a valid US Driver's License and good driving record
- Capable of accepting guidance
- Able to work on their own
OTC interns have gone on to attend renowned graduate programs, work in major regional and New York theaters, and freelance as directors, designers, technical directors, stage managers, and other career leaders.
Internship Descriptions
Costuming/Wardrobe Interns
The Costume Shop Interns work directly with the Olney Theatre Center Costume Shop in the construction and fabrication of costumes for the stage, plus the running, maintenance, and repair of costumes and wigs for the stage.
Reports to the Costume Shop Supervisor and Production Manager.
The intern will:
- Meet with the Costume Shop Supervisor, Designers, Directors, and Stage Managers as the working plots for new productions are developed
- Budget projects
- Learn the methods and skills necessary to produce costumes from project-specific time periods
- Handle some piece projects from inception to completion
- Attend and assist in costume fittings
- Learn the overview necessary for the daily operations
- Oversee wardrobe for assigned productions
- Observe how to maintain a full-season Costume Shop
- Be trained by a local professional in the maintenance and upkeep of wigs
- Repair and launder costumes as necessary
- Handle dry cleaning
Candidates should be:
- Interested in art and craft of costume design
- Trained in basic stitching and construction skills
- Organized
- High energy
- Fun loving and friendly
- Able to maintain sensitivity to the demands and complexities of working with actors
- Have some ability with numbers
- Comfortable with running a show on a full time professional schedule
Goal: This internship will strengthen the skills and teach about new garments, periods, and theatrical styles and is suitable for those working towards careers as First Hands, Crafts Specialties, Associate Costume Shop Managers and Wardrobe Managers.
Olney Theatre Institute/Education Intern
The OTI Intern works directly with the General Manager of National Players in the planning and management of the National Players touring company.
Reports to the General Manager of National Players.
The intern will:
- Serve as a staff member of the National Players and Education Department
- Assist in budget compilation, balancing, and implementation
- Help in correspondence with National Player venues including writing contracts, booking tour dates, and mailing publicity materials
- Create and maintain educational databases, and other office management responsibilities.
- Assist the General Manager with tour administration from the home office at Olney Theatre Center
- Assist in the teaching of workshops for National Player audiences and local schools
- Attend conferences to promote National Players
- Assist in casting for National Player companies
- Pitch in wherever needed by the General Manager or Director of Education
- Generate supplemental materials for funding opportunities
Candidates should be:
- High energy
- Problem solvers
- Highly organized
- Motivated
- Able to handle long hours
- Exhibit good verbal/written communication skills
- Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and general office skills (mailing/copies/fax…)
- Able to appreciate all aspects of a theater institution
- Willing to be an active member of a team
Goal: This internship is suitable for those working towards professional careers in Arts Management.
Production Management Intern
The Production Management Intern works directly with the Olney Theatre Center Producing Director and Production Manager in the planning and management of all aspects of the production operation.
Reports to the Production Manager.
The intern will:
- Maintains all production schedules
- Work production weeks and show openings as required
- Handle various independent projects from inception to completion with oversight
- Maintains budget tracking files for Production Manager
- Assist in all aspects of Auditions, from contacting actors to set-up and running
- Handle maintenance of casting files
- Attend local calls as a casting representative
- Assist in all areas of the operation as necessary
- Occasionally fill in as running crew, if required
Candidates should be:
- Detail oriented
- Able to multi-task and establish priorities
- Outgoing
- Educated in theatre
- Skilled in general office operations
- Strong in written and verbal communication skills
- In possession of a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook
- Willing to be an active participant in all aspects of theater
- Familiar with some technical aspects of theater
Goal: This internship allows the intern to direct their interests and is suitable for those working towards careers as Production Manager and Associate Producer.
Stage Management Interns
This program provides a training ground for the highly motivated person who is seeking exposure and hands-on stage management experience in a professional theater.
Reports to the Production Manager.
The intern will:
- Become an integral member of the stage management team
- Work alongside the Olney Theatre Center Stage Managers, Production Manager, Company
- Manager, and Producing Director
- Be involved in development and production of the shows to which they are assigned
- Run the backstage area for their assigned productions
- Assist in office work and other areas of production between projects
Candidates should be:
- Good-will ambassadors to all areas of Olney Theatre Center
- Great with people
- Creative problem solvers
- Able to handle irregular hours
- Maintain a sensitivity to the demands and complexities of the rehearsal and production process
- Educated in theatre; stage management experience in professional, college or community theatre is preferred
- Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and general office skills (mailing/copies/fax…);
- Microsoft Access is helpful
- Familiar with some technical aspects of theater
Goal: This internship is suitable for those working towards careers as professional Stage Managers. Interns are eligible to join the Actors' Equity Membership Candidacy Program leading to full membership.
Technical Interns
The Technical Intern works directly with the Olney Theatre Center Assistant Technical Director in the construction and fabrication of sets and props for the stage.
Reports to the Assistant Technical Director, Master Carpenter, and Production Manager.
The intern will:
- Meet with the Technical Director, directors, stage managers, and designers as the working plots for new productions are developed
- Use basic methods and skills necessary to produce sets tailored to original designs and production needs
- Handle some projects from inception to completion
- Learn the overview necessary for daily operations
- Observe how to maintain a full-season scene shop
- Work running crew on mainstage shows to understand the problems from execution to operation and gain experience as deck carpenter, light board operator, spotlight operator, etc.
Candidates should be:
- Familiar with basic construction skills and tools
- Organized
- Appreciative of theater arts
- Interested in craft and art of theatrical design
- Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and general office skills (mailing/copies/fax…);
- AutoCAD is helpful
Goal: The intern will strengthen skills and learn new and resourceful methods of stagecraft. This internship allows the intern to direct their activities and tasks as they identify an area of interest common to the needs of the theatre. It is suitable for those working towards careers as Master Carpenter, Master Electrician, and Technical Director.
Summer Interns
Summer internships for local talent with their own housing may be available on an as-needed basis. The Summer Intern works directly with the Olney Theatre Center Production Manager and Stage Management Staff during the running of a production. The intern will work as stage crew in one or more of the following areas: lighting, sound, wardrobe and/or backstage.
The Summer Intern reports to the Production Manager.
The intern will:
- Work on a production beginning with technical rehearsals, through the run of the show and will participate in the strike.
- Handle some projects from inception to completion.
- Observe how to maintain a production as it runs.
- Work on a running crew to understand the problems from execution to operation and gain experience as stagehand, light board operator, spotlight operator, wardrobe crew, etc.
- Learn how to run different technical aspects of a show while working with professional actors and crew members.
Candidates should be:
- Familiar with basic theatre skills
- Organized
- Appreciative of theater arts
- Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and general office skills (mailing/copies/fax…)
Goal:The intern will strengthen skills and learn how a professional theatre operates. This internship allows the intern to work closely with professionals in the field of theatre. It is suitable for those working toward careers in the theatre.<
Benefits
All year-round interns receive:
- A weekly stipend of $125
- Shared company housing on the theatre campus
- Shared use of the company vehicle
- One free personal pass to all OTC productions
- Complimentary and discount tickets to all OTC productions for use by family and friends
- One ticket to the Helen Hayes Awards, DC's annual theatrical gala
- Resume and career consultation at their request
- A letter of recommendation upon the successful conclusion of their tenure.
- Company Manager and National Players Apprentices receive an increased stipend and private company housing.
Acceptance of an internship requires a full-time commitment. Due to the variable hours of the program and the intense nature of the work, it is impossible to hold an outside job. Part-time work on or off campus that fits around the projected OTC schedules may be possible.
International Applicants
While OTC cannot sponsor foreign applications or assist in obtaining the required visa, we are willing to accept the application of anyone who already has the necessary permits to work in the United States (green card, appropriate visa, dual citizenship). Please contact your local officials or the U.S. embassy in your country for more information.
Affirmative Action
OTC is strongly committed to affirmative action throughout its Internship and Apprentice programs. In particular, the company recognizes a critical need to offer training opportunities to minority students and aspiring professionals who wish to enter the field of theater arts. As part of this commitment, OTC strongly encourages women and men who reflect the diversity of the Washington metropolitan area to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you offer internships in acting?
We do not offer acting internships at this time.
- Do I need to have any particular education or experience for these internships?
Most of our applicants are making the transition from the academic environment to professional theater. No particular degree is required for any of these internships. Internships in our artistic and administrative departments may also be suited to those taking a break from college. Our full-time internships are not generally appropriate for high school students. A background that includes practical theater experience is preferred for all internships, although not required for the marketing/PR internship.
- Can I hold another job during my internship?
OTC internships require a full-time commitment, often including evening and weekend work. Holding another full-time job is not possible during these internships. Part-time work on or off campus that fits around the OTC schedule may be possible.
- Should I send my portfolio with my application?
Please do not send your portfolio with your application. We happily accept any color photocopies or examples. We will contact you if we would like to see detailed examples of your work. Any works submitted with your application becomes the property of OTC and will not be returned.
- Who should I list as references?
Your references should be employers, professors, or mentors from different areas of your life who know you well and who can speak to your skills, abilities, and goals.
- Do I need to include a college transcript with my application?
No, college transcripts are neither required nor necessary for your internship application. Application requirements are listed under the How to Apply section.
How to Apply
Internship and apprenticeship applications are accepted year round but must be received 45 days before the starting date for consideration in current hiring cycles. Positions will be filled as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified. Receipt of application will be acknowledged.
Please do not call to check on the status of your application. However, if your situation has changed and you've accepted employment elsewhere, we would appreciate an email. Please make sure that your application includes all of the following items. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please see “Contact Information” for information to send your application.
- Personal Statement
- This statement should be 500 words or less and include the following:
- Your career objectives and how you expect to achieve them
- What you expect from an OTC internship
- Your academic credentials; your experience and/or education in theater
- The qualities you possess that recommend you as a candidate for an internship. Your personal statement should reveal information about yourself that may not be represented in your resume.
- Resume
- Three References
- Dates of Availability (especially for Summer Interns)
Contact Information
All materials should be submitted to Ryan Knapp, Production Manager. Please be sure to include what position you are interested in applying for as well as all information listed in the “How to Apply” section. Questions regarding the internship program can be emailed as well, but please read the “Frequently Asked Questions” section before sending any inquiries.
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