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Professional internships
What types of internships do you offer?
introduction to the program
Berkeley Rep provides a year-long internship program for serious-minded, highly motivated individuals who are ready to embark upon their professional theatre career. Interns are directly involved in the Theatre’s daily operations, provide important support for the award-winning company’s ambitious and innovative body of work and have the opportunity to work alongside an accomplished company of artists, administrators, guest directors and designers. Click here to see a few of the artists and theatre professionals with whom past interns have worked.
The internship program requires a full-time, 11-month commitment. Interns generally begin work in August or September and conclude their residency in June or July. They are paid a stipend for living expenses, and limited housing is available for out-of-state applicants. During their time here, interns are encouraged to fulfill as many career-building goals and objectives as possible, gaining both work experience and professional contacts through the program. In addition to their departmental responsibilities, the interns gain additional insight into the operations of a professional regional theatre through regularly-scheduled seminars led by guest speakers and members of the Theatre’s senior staff.
Berkeley Rep seeks applicants who have already acquired basic training and experience in their field and are ready for the next step toward a career in professional theatre. Ideal candidates should be willing to engage in the creative process, eager to test the limits of their own ingenuity and ready to join a professional, artistic community.
Sorry, we do not offer summer internships, nor internships in acting.
internship descriptions
Artistic and Administrative internships
Artistic and Administrative internships
Bret C. Harte Directing (Artistic Administration)
The intern will function as the personal assistant to the Artistic Director,
assisting in day-to-day duties and responsibilities (e.g. correspondence
and scheduling). The Bret C. Harte Directing intern will also work with the Casting Director preparing
audition materials, setting up audition appointments and may read with actors
in auditions. The intern will have the opportunity to read and critique
scripts, observe rehearsals, attend artistic staff meetings, organize events
around the plays (e.g. Page to Stage) and assist other artistic staff members
in various projects.
* This internship is not available for Season 09/10. Applications will not be accepted. Please check next year.
Development / Fundraising
Essential to anyone wishing to pursue a career as a non-profit theatre administrator is a knowledge of fundraising. The Berkeley Rep development internship focuses on special events, which support the department’s role in cultivating and stewarding individual and institutional donor relationships. The intern will work under the guidance of the Theatre’s special events manager, learning all aspects of planning and executing donor benefit and fundraising events, and will have the opportunity of executing events independently. The intern will also gain a broad perspective on all other aspects of the development department by assisting on various projects. Candidates should have a strong interest in an arts administration career. Computer experience is required.
Education
This internship is an opportunity for an individual to learn the inner workings
of a multi-faceted theatre education program. Programming at the Berkeley
Rep School of Theatre includes classes for youth and adults, a theatre youth
group for teenagers, a monthly series for families, a student matinee series
and many community outreach programs in local schools. In addition to assisting
in day-to-day operations, the intern will work on marketing, teen programming,
developing study guides, managing outreach visits for elementary schools
and other projects designed to fulfill the intern’s goals. Projects
will be designed to grow in size and responsibility throughout the internship,
depending on intern’s developing interests and skill level. While the
intern will have access to classes and interact with faculty members and
students regularly, this is an administrative—not teaching—position.
A working knowledge of basic Microsoft Office software required.
Graphics / Web / Publications
The graphics intern will work one-on-one with the art director to produce
marketing materials for print, including posters, ads, brochures, programs,
signage and other collateral. The intern will hone his/her layout skills
and learn how to prepare projects for professional printing. The internship
provides a smooth transition from arts training to practical experience
in a fast-paced environment, and by the end of the internship the intern
will have several high-quality portfolio pieces. Experience in graphics
and layout programs is required (InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator).
General marketing assistance will also be a part of this internship.
Literary / Dramaturgy
Includes reading and critiquing plays under consideration for the season,
assisting the Literary Manager / Dramaturg with the processing of new scripts, overseeing
script readers, maintaining a script library and other occasional projects.
There will also be dramaturgical support involved, including some writing
and research. Applicant should be extremely organized, and possess a strong
background in writing and knowledge of dramaturgy and theatre. Candidates
should submit, in addition to their other application materials, two samples
of critical writing (at least one must be about a play).
Company / Theatre Management
This internship centers around Company Management, intersecting with General Management duties as needed. The intern will work closely with the Company Manager on travel and accommodation of artists and will assist in organizing opening night parties and company-wide events. The intern will also work with the General Manager to assist in contracting artists, budget preparation and administrative-related projects as called for during the season. Candidate should be efficient in both Word and Excel. Good people skills and a valid drivers license are also required.
Marketing / Box Office
Berkeley Rep’s marketing and communications department functions as
a full service advertising agency with one client—Berkeley Rep. The
marketing/box office intern will participate in activities that go to the
identification, cultivation and retention of an annual audience of 150,000
subscribers and single ticket patrons. Activities range from the strategic
(e.g. campaign planning and creative development) to the tactical (e.g.
research, mailings, reporting), and include advertising, promotions, community
outreach, media relations, direct mail and viral marketing. The intern’s
weekly responsibilities will include sales reports, newspaper listings and
house seat logs, among others. In this department, where the scope of work
is great, ample opportunities exist for a motivated intern to work independently,
enabling her/him to pursue interests and develop skills relevant to the
Theatre’s needs. This position requires strong communication, careful
organization, attention to detail and proficiency with Microsoft Office
products. Box office experience is desirable.
Production internships
Stage Management
The internship provides a unique opportunity to assist the Actors Equity
Association (AEA) stage managers in all aspects of their work. Beginning
with attendance at production meetings, the intern will take part in the
rehearsal process, technical rehearsals and in many instances will work
on a production through the completion of the run. This demanding internship
will involve the intern in every facet of the production. Computer and word
processing skills are an asset.
Production Management
The intern will assist the Production Management department in overseeing
all technical departments. Administrative duties include contracting of
designers, scheduling of tech rehearsals, coordinating designer travel and
housing, transporting artistic personnel, facilitating various rentals and
special events for the Theatre, tracking expenses and assisting other departments.
The intern will attend all production meetings, technical rehearsals and
assist on facility rentals. Ideal candidates should display a broad knowledge
of technical theatre, as well as organizational and computer skills. Candidates
must have a valid driver’s license. Position requires evenings and
weekend hours.
Scenic Construction
The internship focuses on the further development of skills in scenic construction.
The intern will work with materials such as woods, metals and plastics and
face challenges as builder, welder and draftsperson. The scenic construction
aspects of the internship will take place in the scene shop facility.
Scenic Art
The intern will work as a full member of the Berkeley Rep scenic art team,
participating in all aspects of scenic painting. Strong drawing and color
mixing skills are required. Applicants with painting experience outside
of the realm of theater are encouraged to apply. Please submit a portfolio
for review. Due to the large numbers of applications received, portfolios
may not be returned in a timely fashion. Please do not send original
artwork.
Sound
This internship provides a comprehensive overview of Audio Engineering and Sound Design installation for a professional theatre environment. With the Berkeley Rep Sound Engineer(s), the intern is involved in the planning, installation, maintenance and technical rehearsals of all Berkeley Rep productions. The intern will learn to operate the house and ancillary sound systems of the Theatre, maintain and repair equipment and help with the upkeep of Berkeley Rep facilities’ audio and video systems. Other opportunities are determined on a show-by-show basis and may include assisting guest Sound Designers, recording and editing material for shows and events and acting as engineer / operator for show runs or rehearsals. The intern will also work with the School of Theatre on their productions.
Lighting / Electrics
The internship consists of serving as the assistant lighting designer for the mainstage season, as well as assisting the Master Electrician in setting up paperwork using AutoCAD, VectorWorks, Spotlight and Lightwright. In addition, the intern will be involved in all areas of electrics, including building practicals, hanging, focusing and running of shows. Some opportunities may exist to design for the School of Theatre and rental groups. Ideal candidates would have a background and interest in both electrics and design.
Properties
The internship provides hands-on work in properties construction, carpentry, crafts, soft goods, research/finding and administration. Applicants should have previous prop/prop-related experience, a strong work ethic, good communication skills and valid drivers license. A flexible, creative personality is essential. Applicants must submit a portfolio for review (digital format is preferred). Due to the large numbers of applications received, portfolios may not be returned in a timely fashion. Please do not send original artwork.
Costumes
The intern will work closely in hands-on processes with nationally recognized
designers and artisans. This internship will be targeted toward specific
experiences based on long-term career goals of recipient. All facets of
a professional costume shop are open for exploration.
current availability
We are no longer accepting applications for Season 09/10 internships.
how to apply
Applications are accepted no earlier than January 1 and ALL materials must be received by April 1 for positions beginning the following August. Telephone and personal interviews are generally held in late April and early May. Additional interviews will be held if openings occur during the season. Please send all application materials in ONE envelope.
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 e-mail, a letter or a phone call.
Click here for an application form. (PDF opens in new window)
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Please make sure that your application includes ALL of the following items. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application form
- Please make sure that all items are completed and that you include your address and phone number for the summer months.
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 a Berkeley Rep internship, your experience and/or education in theatre, the qualities you possess that recommend you as a candidate for an internship and how you heard about Berkeley Rep’s internship. Your personal statement should reveal information about yourself that may not be represented in your resume or recommendations.
Resume
- A resume of education, theatre experience, training and any related work.
Three letters of recommendation
- It is preferred that these letters be enclosed with your application materials, though they may be submitted separately from the rest of your application, and must be received by the April 1 deadline.
We will not consider incomplete applications for any internship.
Please mail ALL items to:
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Attn: Internship Coordinator
2025 Addison Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
Or, you may e-mail all items to Internship@berkeleyrep.org.
other important information
Academic credit
If your school would like to translate your internship experience into academic units, Berkeley Rep is happy to work with your school advisor. Please provide any paperwork with your application.
Living expenses
Compensation for the interns includes a stipend of $4,000 disbursed equally over the months of the internship.
Housing and transportation
Intern housing in Berkeley is available for a limited number of interns for the duration of the program and is within walking distance of the Theatre. Berkeley and the Bay Area have excellent public transportation—buses and trains. We recommend managing without a car since it is very difficult to park in Berkeley.
International applicants
Berkeley Rep is only able to accept applicants who have taken care of the necessary documents to work in the United States (i.e. visas, green cards, citizenship, etc.). The Theatre cannot sponsor or assist applicants in the visa application process. For more information, please contact the United States embassy in your country.
Affirmative action
Berkeley Rep is an equal opportunity employer and believes strongly in affirmative action. Berkeley Rep’s staff reflects the diversity of the Bay Area and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply.
Contact information
Questions? E-mail the Berkeley Rep intern coordinator at Internship@berkeleyrep.org. For more information on how to apply, please see “How to Apply.”
frequently asked questions
Do you offer internships in acting or directing?
We do not offer acting or directing internships; however, we do offer classes in both areas at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre.
Do you offer summer internships?
Berkeley Rep’s season runs August—June, which does not allow us to offer summer internships. All internships are 11 months unless otherwise arranged.
Can I participate in the internship during my college winter break?
Generally, no. Our internships run August—June. Occasionally, additional interviews will be held if openings occur during the season. Please check “Current Availability.”
What kind of education do I need to have?
The internship at Berkeley Rep is aimed for applicants looking to make the jump from the academic world to the professional world of theatre. While it is not required to have a college degree, we ask that applicants have some practical knowledge and experience in theatre. We do not accept high school students.
How do you decide which interns will get housing?
Housing is primarily granted on a first-come-first-served basis. However, we attempt to favor out-of-town interns over local interns.
Can I hold another job during my internship?
All Berkeley Rep internships are full-time positions. Production internships will require evening and weekend work. The Berkeley Rep internship and stipend are designed to cover basic living expenses. While it is possible to hold another part-time job with some intern positions, we strongly recommend against it. Applicants should secure independent funds for other expenses they may incur during their internship. There are also limited possibilities to obtain other paid work through Berkeley Rep itself.
Should I include a portfolio with my application?
Please check the description of the internship for which you are applying for specific requirements.
Who should I have write my letters of recommendation?
Ideally, your recommendation letters should be written by people who know you and your work well. Employers, professors, supervisors and mentors are usually the best. These should be people who have seen your past work and can speak of your potential for future work. These do not need to be theatre professionals since most skills can cross over career lines.
What are personal references; are they the same as my letters of recommendation?
Personal references could be colleagues, mentors or former employers that may speak to your character. These people usually know you on a more personal level. They should not necessarily be the same individuals that write your letters of recommendation and in most cases are not.
interns at berkeley rep have worked with many of these artists
DirectorsJo Bonney PlaywrightsDavid Edgar Artists under comissionGlen Berger |
Scenic designersChristopher Acebo Costume designersGabriel Berry Lighting designersBetsy Adams Composers, arrangers and sound artistsMarc Bennet |
