Internship & Apprenticeship Program

Internship & Apprenticeship Program

Algonquin's Internship & Apprenticeship Program is for individuals who desire a challenging and practical experience. Throughout the year, AAT accepts applications from high school and college students who are seeking an opportunity to learn and work in our theatre from a business and professional development perspective.

AAT's produced Main Stage performances work closely with the Education Department. This model gives AAT an opportunity to educate students in all areas of the performing arts including performers, production technicians, stage managers, directors, arts educators and administration. Further, interns perform basic staff level tasks such as answering phones, staffing events, working in the box office, front of house duties and managing a theatre as a business by function of the 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation standards. Interns are invited to attend selected staff, board and committee meetings to increase their understanding of how the theater operates.

The types of internships available will vary each season, but there are generally opportunities in all departments. Throughout the internship process, student will be assigned to a field supervisor who will evaluate in the following areas: adaptability, communication, teamwork, motivation, work ethic and time management, critical thinking, knowledge of industry, quality and quantity of work, dependability, motivation, public relations and ingenuity. Student interns are required to journalize their education experience, as well as log hours of operation. Interns are highly encouraged to take pictures, create a documentary, and notate interviews or testimonies of their internship experience.

The overall goal of our internship program is to build connection of local, aspiring and established artists, which we refer to as an ensemble of quality theatre professionals within our company and on our stage.

To apply, AAT requires an application to be filled out. Student or student advisor should fill out the application and have it emailed to [email protected].

For an opportunity to be included in the upcoming semester, please have your application returned to us as soon as possible. Upon receiving your application, we will follow-up by scheduling a meeting.

Responsibilities

Internship descriptions will vary based on the area of the internship. Many of our internship positions rotate and align with other departments as needed. Interns are often assigned to:

Education Department: Performing Arts Academy

Teaching artists customize classes for children that range from 7 to 16 years of age. As a student leader, interns act as a role model among the students who participate in educational programming. Responsibilities include assisting with lesson planning, lead warm ups, demonstrate theatre activities, coordinate a class presentation, administrative tasks and reinforce safety protocol. Student intern will be required to consult daily with the Education Director and is encouraged to observe all positions throughout the process. Interns will study the modules of managing and leading a classroom.

The Algonquin is a registered provider of professional development through the New Jersey Department of Education (Provider No. 2871).

Production

Production internships & apprenticeships are available depending on our production calendar, but generally 4-6 times a year. Interns can expect to be involved in all areas of stagecraft: crew, set construction, painting, sound, lighting, and in some cases, costumes and props. Candidates should have some knowledge or interest in technical theater. There is plenty of opportunity to work behind the scenes by learning the process of putting a performance together. Some of our students have interned as stage managers and assistant directors as well. Based on availability and interest, interns would be assigned to a role where they will work alongside production members of the operating production. If you were assigned to one of the upcoming productions you would need to be available for all production services (i.e. performances, Tech Week, Brush-Up & Strike).

Marketing & Public Relations

Be a part of the marketing team and gain extensive experience in marketing, sales and design. Here's an opportunity to not only learn by doing but also network to build a trajectory as a professional marketer or communications consultant in the arts. This internship will provide experience with all facets of publicity, promotion, branding, social and direct-mail marketing essential to the ticket sales of a performing arts center. You will also assist with the programming for upcoming seasons and box office operations.

Box Office & Front of House

Ushers, ticket takers, box office and will call (customer service), concessions and merchandise, and greeters are all roles that help to open the house for a production on time and a professional representation of the business. These roles are filled as needed by show or for any number of running performances by series (i.e. Broadway, Orchestra, Jazz & Concert) within our performance season.

Development & Special Events

This internship is designed to acquaint an individual with the fundamentals of fundraising for a theatre, including individual, corporate, foundation, government and capital giving. You will gain an understanding of how to write effective grant proposals and work on projects that will range from planning, organizing and executing special fundraising events, to donor gift processing, involvement with the annual gala and various mail campaigns.

Compensation & Credit

Academic credit is available at the discretion of the sponsoring high school, college or university and arranged on a case-by-case basis. AAT does offer paid professional development opportunities, but paid opportunities do not always apply to all internship positions. Throughout the duration of the program, the intern will be considered for our apprentice program. Apprenticeships are a continuation of professional development and accompanies a compensation under the terms of a contract. Paid roles, i.e. teaching artist (professional development) and production roles.

The overall goal of our internship program is to build a connection of local, aspiring and theatre professionals. Other perks, i.e. free-of-charge tickets to select performances, invitations to special events and educational workshops. Upon completion of the internship program interns may also request to receive a letter of recommendation for their portfolio or creditable recognition.

Duration

Interns are asked to commit to one of the following semesters: Fall (Sept. to Dec.), Winter/Spring (Jan. to May) or Summer (June to Aug.). Hours can be arranged to be flexible (but not flexible for all roles), and may include evening and weekends around Algonquin Arts productions.

Requirements

The Algonquin Arts Theatre Internship & Apprenticeship Program is for students or early career applicants who have a strong interest in the theatre arts, be a minimum 14 years of age and the ability to provide a resume and two references. Experience is not necessary.

Application

Interns are required to complete and return a application to [email protected].