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The La Jolla Playhouse internship program offers an exciting opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain professional experience by working side-by-side with extraordinary artists, administrators and technicians.
The Playhouse offers both full-time and part-time internships over a minimum of twelve weeks. The program runs throughout the year, but can be extended or adjusted according to your availability and departmental need. There is no stipend; however, college credit is available. Interns will be given priority should part-time Playhouse employment become available. An application, personal statement, resume and two letters of recommendation must be received prior to consideration.
Internships are available in the following departments:
**Attention High School Students**
There are limited internships available for high school students.
Not all departments can utilize and train high school-age students. Please contact the Education Department to see what positions are available.
Fill out the Online Internship Application and please have two letters of recommendation mailed to:
La Jolla Playhouse
Attn: Internship Program
P.O. Box 12039
La Jolla, CA 92039
Questions? Email Jennifer Stoessner, Education Programs Associate, at
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Artistic Department
Qualifications
Potential interns must have a strong theatre background and interest in exploring the day-to-day operations of an artistic department. The successful candidate must have excellent computer, writing and organizational skills, and should have an interest in casting, new play/musical development and artistic administration.
Responsibilities
Interns will assist the Artistic staff in a variety of administrative tasks, from general correspondence to local casting. Other duties may include assisting the Artistic staff in a new play workshop, script reading, dramaturgical research and occasional errands.
What to Expect
One of the country's leading regional theatres, La Jolla Playhouse produces adventurous, eclectic plays and musicals year-round, with an emphasis on the development of new works. Our administrative office is a dynamic, fast-paced environment, providing artistic interns the opportunity for a broad range of experiences with some of the top resident and visiting theatre artists in the country. Artistic interns are given access to rehearsals (when allowed), tech rehearsals, invited dress performances, previews and the opening night parties. Positions are full-time or part-time, and are available year-round.
Dramaturgy
Qualifications
Potential interns must have a strong theatre background, excellent reading, writing and analytical skills, and extensive research experience. Computer and organizational skills are essential. An interest in new play development is a plus.
Responsibilities
Dramaturgy interns assist the Literary Manager and Director of Play Development in the reading and evaluation of scripts, dramaturgical research, ongoing organization and maintenance of the Playhouse library, and other administrative tasks. The intern may also serve as an assistant to the dramaturg during a production.
What to Expect
Interns will have exposure to literary management and dramaturgical processes, and will gain experience as a script evaluator and researcher, as well as experience in the day-to-day workings of an artistic department. Dramaturgy interns are given access to rehearsals (when allowed), tech rehearsals, invited dress performances, previews and the opening night parties. Positions are full-time or part-time, and are available year-round.
Production Management
Qualifications
An upper-level undergraduate or graduate student who has a strong background in stage management or production management. Intern must also have good organizational and communication skills and must be able to work independently.
Responsibilities
Duties my include data entry of accounts, office correspondence, filing and troubleshooting. Intern will be privy to confidential information and must be able to exercise professional discretion. May be required to serve as run crew for a show in the season.
What to Expect
Intern will be exposed to the production of a show from beginning to end. Expect to work as run crew for a production. Will gain a strong understanding of production management. Will have contact with directors, stage managers, designers, actors and technicians. Positions available in the spring, summer, winter and fall semesters. Year-long positions will also be considered.
Props
Qualifications
An undergraduate or graduate student who has a background in scenic design or prop construction. Must have a basic knowledge of tools, painting and sewing. Intern must have a willingness to learn new skills and must have a sense of humor.
Responsibilities
Intern would be in charge of the general maintenance of the work place (i.e. re-stocking, clean up). Would assist the Props team on large projects. Would be involved in prep work, finish work, shopping and research.
What to Expect
The intern will gain knowledge of all aspects of prop work: tools, techniques, construction, molding, casting, welding painting, sewing and upholstery, as well as learn safety lessons. Positions available in the spring, summer, winter and fall semesters. Year-long positions will also be considered.
Run Crew / Wardrobe
Qualifications
An undergraduate student with some experience running shows. Must be able to follow directions, be punctual and responsible and be able to work an eight-show week, Tuesday through Sunday.
Responsibilities
Bring all your black clothes! Work with stage management during tech, previews and performances.
What to Expect
A great behind-the-scenes perspective and contact with the exceptional artists, creative teams, and stage management staff. Positions available in the spring, summer, winter and fall semesters. Year-long positions will also be considered.
Costume Shop
Qualifications
An undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in costume design or construction. Must have worked as a stitcher or in an entry-level position in a costume shop. Must be eager to learn, responsible and have good communication skills. Must be able to take direction. Computer and spreadsheet skills a plus.
Responsibilities
Intern will work under the supervision of the shop staff on the building of costumes, both new construction of costumes and alterations. Will work on both home and industrial equipment. Will also be responsible for some craft work, depending on production needs. Intern may assist in the design process and should be resourceful in researching costumes and time periods. Understanding of costume history and terminology a plus.
What to Expect
Intern will learn excellent construction skills and will build period and modern dress clothing in a professional shop. Intern will strengthen skills and learn about new garments, periods and theatrical styles. Positions available in the spring, summer, winter and fall semesters. Year-long positions will also be considered.
Scene Shop
Qualifications
An upper-level undergraduate student who has a background in carpentry. Must have a basic knowledge of power tools. Must have a willingness to learn new skills. Must be able to lift at least 75 pounds and freely climb ladders and stairs.
Responsibilities
Intern will work under the supervision of the shop staff on the building of scenic units. Intern will assist with load-in, set-up and strike of shows and shop clean-up.
What to Expect
Intern will learn excellent wood construction skills. Intern may choose to learn new skills or methods in welding, rigging, drafting, mechanics, pneumatics or hydraulics from theatre professionals, depending on intern's skill level and interest. Full-time positions available in the spring, summer, winter and fall semesters. Hours can be flexible around interns’ schedule if full-time is not an option. Year-long positions will also be considered.
Scenic Artist
Qualifications
An undergraduate or graduate student who has a background in scenic design or technical production. Should have a basic knowledge of painting. Intern must have a willingness to learn new skills and take direction well.
Responsibilities
Intern will assist the scenic artists with various scene painting techniques from the start of a process through completion.
What to Expect
Under the supervision of staff scenic artists, interns will learn the artistic process by attending design presentations, creating finish samples, working from renderings, using paint equipment and applying their knowledge to paint scenic elements for La Jolla Playhouse shows. Part-time positions available in late summer and fall. Winter and spring positions also considered.
Sound
Qualifications
An undergraduate or upper level high school student with experience in technical support of sound for live theater. Must be reliable, able to lift 50 lbs and work at theatrical heights. Must have good organizational skills and enthusiasm for the field.
Responsibilities
Intern will work under the shop foreman loading in, striking and maintaining sound, video and comm systems.
What to Expect
Intern will learn from the ground up (literally) how a theater sound shop operates, including choosing equipment and software, rigging, cabling, tuning and focus, inventory control, computer networking, interacting with other shops, designers and directors. Every effort will be made to accommodate the intern's interest in any aspects of the artistic and technical process.Stage Management
Qualifications
An upper-level undergraduate student who has experience and interest in stage management. Must be highly motivated and eager to learn. Must be willing to work six days a week and be present at all rehearsals and performances.
Responsibilities
Bring all your black clothes! Work with stage management during rehearsals, tech, previews and performances.
What to Expect
Intern will learn how to run rehearsals from professional union stage managers and will be involved in all aspects of production. Positions available in the spring, summer, winter and fall semesters. Year-long positions will also be considered.
Education and Outreach Administrative Education Internship
Qualifications
A motivated individual with a background and passion for theater and education. Administrative and computer skills a must, including a working knowledge of Excel and Word. Intern must have strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Must be able to handle many tasks at once, work independently and be open to a flexible work schedule.
Responsibilities
Intern will be expected to assist the department with special events at the Playhouse, including pre and post performance events and programs. Administrative and organizational support with school programs in the community such as residencies, annual POP Tour, Young Performers' Workshop, Conservatory and daily office-related tasks.
What to Expect
Intern will gain knowledge of the day-to-day operations of the Playhouse and its education and outreach programs. Will work with teaching artists, stage management, La Jolla Playhouse staff, parents, children and patrons. Expect to work hard, interact with theatre professionals and be inspired to further the field of Theatre Education. Full and part-time positions available in the spring, summer, winter and fall semesters. Year-long positions will also be considered.
Summer Program Internship
Qualifications
A motivated individual with a background and passion for theatre and education. Intern must have strong interpersonal and organizational skills in working with children, grades 2 through 12. Experience in a summer camp or counselor position helpful.
Responsibilities
Interns will be expected to assist teaching artists for either of two summer workshops: Young Performers’ Workshop (for students in grades 2- 12) and Conservatory (for students in grades 10 - 12). Activities include assisting courses in acting, musical theatre, movement and playwriting. Interns will provide administrative support to teaching artists as well as working with students on a daily basis.
What to Expect
Intern will gain knowledge of the day-to-day operations of the Playhouse and its education programs. Will work with teaching artists, La Jolla Playhouse staff, parents and children. Expect to work hard, interact with theatre professionals and be inspired to further the field of Theatre Education. Young Performers' Workshop runs daily for four weeks and the Conservatory runs for six weeks. Full and part-time positions available for summer months.
Public Relations
Qualifications
An undergraduate or graduate student interested in public, community and media relations for the arts. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and basic computer skills. Must be good with people and have an interest in theatre communications. Personal vehicle, a sense of humor and a flexible schedule are also a plus.
Responsibilities
Public relations interns will have the opportunity to be intimately involved in the day-to-day workings of a world-renowned theatre's communications department. Work involves development and distribution of press kits and press releases, maintenance of press archives and clippings, compiling program material, attending department meetings, errands and various administrative tasks. Other opportunities outside of the Public Relations department include participating in the development and distribution of marketing and promotional materials, representing and promoting La Jolla Playhouse productions at community events in the San Diego area and assisting the artistic department in various rehearsal-related tasks.
Expectations
Intern should be a self-motivated student with a keen and lively interest in learning about the world of public relations and the theatre. Full-time and part-time internship opportunities available throughout the year.
Marketing
Qualifications
An undergraduate or graduate student interested in marketing, graphic design and/or advertising. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a basic knowledge of computer applications (Word, Excel). A person with an interest in the theatre with good people skills. A sense of humor is a must. Knowledge of or experience with DreamWeaver, Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop is a plus. A personal vehicle for distribution of La Jolla Playhouse marketing and sales materials is a plus, but not a requirement.
Responsibilities
To assist the communications department in the daily tasks of marketing and graphic design. Communications interns have the opportunity to be intimately involved in the inclusive workings of a world-renowned theatre's communications department. A marketing internship involves graphic design and assistance, management and distribution of promotion materials, representing and promoting La Jolla Playhouse productions at community events, attending department meetings, maintaining records, market research and other administrative duties.
Expectations
Intern should be a self-motivated student interested in the learning process of graphics and marketing in the performing arts. Full-time and part-time internship opportunities available throughout the year.
General Management
Qualifications
An undergraduate student interested in arts administration including artist contracting, budgeting, external business communications, artist/agent relations, union relations and human resources. Students in finance, business and arts administration are encouraged to apply. Must have excellent written and verbal communications skills and computer skills including Excel, Word and Outlook. Personal vehicle, a sense of humor and flexibility to do a wide variety of tasks are important.
Responsibilities
Intern will work on the following projects: aid with first rehearsal duties and contracting actors and authors, assist in coordinating out of town auditions, assist in contract drafting and offer process, manage union and counsel files regarding Actors' Equity and LORT, research tasks via internet and historical records, help create new systems for organizing production information, keep current files on productions, aid with posting open job descriptions, respond to external information requests, as well as general office duties (filing correspondence, faxing, copying, errands).
Expectations
Intern will work on multiple projects simultaneously—prioritizing is important. 20 hours per week is desired. It is preferable to have hours spread evenly among the days of the week due to daily tasks, between the hours of 10:00 am - 5:30 pm.
Company Management
Qualifications
Interns must have strong personal and organizational skills. Must be able to represent La Jolla Playhouse to all visiting artists in a professional and friendly manner. Intern must be detail oriented and must be able to handle many tasks at once as well as work independently. Must be able to handle a flexible work schedule. Intern must have a current driver's license, a good driving record and, for insurance reasons, be over the age of 21.
Responsibilities
Intern will be expected to be a very good troubleshooter and be able to work well with vendors and guest artists. Intern will run errands and assist the department with special events.
What to Expect
Company management is a high-energy department. Intern will gain a thorough and unique knowledge of the day-to-day operations of the Playhouse. Will meet and interact with professional artists and La Jolla Playhouse staff. Intern will help with daily tasks and support and plan large events for the organization. Intern will assist company management with coordinating and arranging housing, creating welcome packets, safely driving company vehicles, and acting as a liaison between La Jolla Playhouse and all visiting artists. Expect to work varied hours and to be in constant demand. Company management is full of excitement and fun—there is rarely a dull moment. Full-time positions open in the summer, fall and winter.
Finance
Qualifications
An undergraduate student interested in the financial aspects of arts administration including audit preparation, accounting, budgeting, cash management, financing, vendor communications, payroll and benefits administration. Students in finance, business and arts administration are encouraged to apply. Must have pleasant phone manner, excellent written and verbal communications skills and computer skills including Excel. Familiarity with accounting software a plus. Aptitude for detail, a sense of humor and flexibility to do a wide variety of tasks are important.
Responsibilities
Intern will work on most activities of the finance department including data entry for accounts payable, cash disbursements and deposits, account reconciliation, research and general office duties (filing, faxing, copying and errands).
Expectations
Intern will work on multiple projects simultaneously, will assist the finance staff with routine tasks and special projects. Flexible weekly schedule of 15 to 25 hours per week. Opportunities available throughout the year.
Fundraising / Special Events
Qualifications
A graduate or upper-level undergraduate who has an interest in theatre administration and/or fundraising, including special events. Intern must have strong written and verbal communication skills, be detail oriented, have basic knowledge of computer/word processing and be willing to perform a wide variety of tasks. Flexibility and willingness to learn new systems and physical tasks are essential.
Responsibilities
Intern will help support and staff special events. Intern will also assist with general office correspondence, department mailings, prospect research, data entry, photocopying and filing.
What to Expect
Interns will sharpen administrative skills, further develop communication skills and have multiple opportunities for responding flexibly and responsibly to deadlines, highly varied tasks and the needs and personalities of different people. Intern may expect to increase his/her understanding of how to conduct a fundraising campaign, familiarity with special events, institutional marketing and public relations, as well as what resources different people—staff, artists, trustees, volunteers, audiences and the larger community—contribute to make not-for-profit arts organizations successful. Position may be either part-time or full-time.
Operations and Facilities
Qualifications
A student with an interest and experience in facilities operations.
Responsibilities
Intern will aid in operation's organization and running of a theatre facility including key distribution, cleaning schedules and maintaining building financial records. Intern will also aid operations staff with various tasks.
What to Expect
Intern will gain valuable knowledge the general operations of a large regional theatre. This is a part-time internship position—approximately 20 hour per week is required—and may be combined with another internship.
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