The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.), a fully professional resident theater company that makes its home at Harvard University's Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers a comprehensive internship program in management and production. Under the artistic direction of Diane Paulus, the A.R.T. is a permanent ensemble of actors, directors, designers, playwrights, technicians, and administrators. One of the few resident theater companies in the country performing in rotating repertory, the A.R.T. produces a variety of works throughout the year, including performances at the Loeb Drama Center and Zero Arrow Theater, and a number of special events. The A.R.T. also engages in national and international touring and has established its own professional theater training program in association with the Moscow Art Theater School, the A.R.T./MXAT Institute for Advanced Theater Training at Harvard University. Members of the professional company and staff teach courses on the practice of theater at Harvard College, its Summer School, and its Extension School.
The A.R.T. is dedicated to the development of three distinct categories of work in its repertory: classic texts, which through new interpretation speak to contemporary audiences; neglected works of the past, frequently involving music, which are of particular interest to present-day audiences; and new works, primarily American, which reach beyond traditional theatrical conventions. Among the directors who have worked with the A.R.T. are such internationally celebrated artists as JoAnne Akalitis, Andrei Belgrader, Anne Bogart, Lee Breuer, Liviu Ciulei, Ron Daniels, Michael Engler, Dario Fo and Franca Rame, Richard Foreman, Michael Kahn, Jonathan Miller, Peter Sellars, Andrei Serban, Susan Sontag, Slobodan Unkovski, Andrzej Wajda, Robert Wilson, and Robert Woodruff. Interns will benefit from direct experience under the supervision of highly qualified personnel. A.R.T. internships are open to any interested person and are directed toward undergraduate and graduate students as well as young professionals.
College credit is available for certain internships through the intern's sponsoring institution. Qualified applicants will be interviewed either in person or on the telephone if time and distance present a hardship.
In addition to interning with A.R.T. departments, qualified interns may have the opportunity to work in their field on their own with a production for the A.R.T./MXAT Institute for Advanced Theater Training (which offers master's degree programs in acting, dramaturgy, and special studies). This is an excellent opportunity for interns to apply their knowledge and gain additional hands-on experience.
The A.R.T. does not offer acting, directing, voice or movement internships. Foreign nationals are eligible, but you must provide your own visas. Neither the A.R.T. or Harvard can act as a visa sponsor.
Please also review the application requirements at the end of this page. Interns are selected on a rolling basis - there are no fixed deadlines. We encourage applicants to submit their materials as early as possible.
PRODUCTION INTERNSHIPS
Production Internships are available for variable periods during the production season, from September through early July. Stipends to cover basic living expenses may be available. Summer Production Internships are sometimes available depending on our production calendar. If you are only available in the summer, you are still encouraged to apply and note that on your application.
Stage Management
This intern assists the Production Stage Manager and staff in all aspects of the production process to gain knowledge about stage management in a repertory setting. This intern will learn about the Actors Equity Association-LORT contract and gain an understanding of the relation of technical elements to the production process; tracking textual changes; noting blocking; tracking props and aiding the Stage Manager with the creation of scene breakdowns, plots, and schedules. This internship requires a full-time commitment of at least six weeks, and if mutually agreeable, the responsibilities may be extended beyond rehearsals into performances. Qualified interns may also stage manage on their own for the Institute for Advanced Theater Training. Candidates with some knowledge of theater production and some stage management experience are preferred.
Production Management
Working closely with the Production Manager, this intern gains knowledge of and experience in production administration. Small projects, specific to each production, may be assigned to the Intern. Responsibilities include general office duties, research for props and scenery, providing rehearsal support, assisting with budgeting, and a little bit of everything production-related. Production Management interns will often be called upon to assist in all areas of production, including stage management, props, video, projections, and scenery.
Lighting
The lighting intern will get hands-on experience working with electricians and designers for an A.R.T. production. The intern will assist the lighting staff in special projects, electrics load-ins, and focusing and tech of shows. An intern will learn how paperwork, rental orders, and special effects are prepared and how the lighting staff works with the Lighting Designer. Candidates should have some basic knowledge of theater lighting and electrics.
Sound
The sound intern will gain an overview of theatrical sound design process and sound department operation in a regional theater environment by assisting the Resident Sound Designer and the Production Sound Engineer in inventory maintenance, rehearsal support, and production planning and realization. The intern will assist as needed in production load-in, tech, operation, maintenance and strike. The intern will also gain experience by assisting the sound designer and stage managers during production rehearsal processes, which may include duties as rehearsal engineer/operator. Preferred candidates should have a basic knowledge of sound system integration and implementation, be conversant in digital recording and editing technologies, and have some technical theater experience.
Paint
The paint department intern assists the Scenic Artist in the realization of set designs using a variety of paint techniques. The intern will obtain practical experience in the translation of the design into large-scale finished set pieces from color mixing through installation. This internship requires a commitment of sixteen hours a week for at least twelve weeks. Design work is not included in the responsibilities. Candidates with some knowledge of scenic art or fine art are preferred.
Scenery
The scenery intern develops scenery construction techniques or management skills within the context of a professional repertory scene shop. Working with the Shop Supervisor, the intern assists in the construction, finishing, and installation of scenery. Working with the Technical Director, the intern assists in the budgeting, purchasing and drafting processes. Candidates should have some knowledge of scenic carpentry and a background in technical theater. This internship requires a commitment of sixteen hours a week for at least twelve weeks.
Costumes
The costumes intern will work closely with the Costume Shop Manager and staff to assist in the construction process in a professional costume shop. Depending on the individual's interests and skills, the intern may assist in shopping, fabric modification, stitching, millinery, and crafts. If mutually agreeable, the internship may be extended to include dressing a production. Basic sewing skills are required for all candidates. Qualified interns may also design or run their own show for the Institute for Advanced TheaterTraining. This internship requires a commitment of at least three days each week for a minimum of twelve weeks, and a full time commitment for five weeks if dressing a production.
Properties
The properties intern, working closely with the Properties Manager and staff, develops knowledge of the workings of a professional prop shop. This intern will assist the properties staff in the construction, acquisition, finishing, and installation of set props, set dressing, and hand props. Attendance at production meetings, design meetings, and technical rehearsals may be included in the responsibilities. Candidates should have experience in carpentry, crafts, and technical theater and be prepared for a minimum commitment of sixteen hours per week over at least five weeks.
Running Crew
Running crew internships are intended to provide intensive hands-on training in backstage production. The intern will receive training and participate in load-in crew, running crew, and change-over crew. Running crew interns may work in one or more areas backstage (wardrobe, stage-hand, properties, electrics, flies), depending on their interests and the current production needs. Interns will usually run one or two shows. Applicant should be able-bodied and have a broad background in technical theater as well as some experience backstage. Internships may be part-time or full-time but must continue through an entire repertory period (usually two to three months).
ADMINISTRATIVE INTERNSHIPS
Administrative internships are available for variable periods throughout the year. Stipends are not available for these positions.
Artistic Management
The artistic management intern gains a working knowledge of artistic administration by assisting daily in the Artistic Director's office. The intern will maintain casting files, prepare production scripts, and generally assist the Artistic Coordinator. Candidates should be able to deal well with people, have proven abilities in organization and problem-solving, and have general office skills. Some background or interest in casting would be helpful.
Box Office
The box office intern will gain practical experience in the day-to-day operations of a computerized box office through assisting the staff in the sale and processing of subscription and individual ticket orders. Activities will be assigned depending on the intern's interest and experience. Interns should have general office, accounting, and public relations skills.
Financial Management
The financial management intern works under the guidance of the Comptroller and staff on all aspects of financial operations of the theater. The intern will also assist with the maintenance of general accounting records. Candidates for this position should have proven accounting, communication, and computer skills.
Fundraising/Development
The development intern works under the guidance of the professional development staff on all aspects of fundraising for the Theater. Responsibilities may include research on corporate, foundation, and individual prospects and assistance with special events. The intern will also assist with the maintenance of general donor correspondence and fundraising records. Candidates for this position should have proven communication and computer skills.
House Management
House management interns are involved in all aspects of artist- and audience-relations. At A.R.T., this includes front-of-house and event planning, company management, and building operations. Interns will work in all of these areas (and interact with virtually all A.R.T. departments) while focusing on one of them. Interns should be outgoing, creative problem-solvers and work well with all kinds of people. A flexible schedule is necessary for some internship tracks.
Dramaturgy/Literary Management
The dramaturgy/literary management interns assist the Dramaturg and Resident Literary Advisor through dramaturgical research and critical evaluation. Interns read and evaluate scripts submitted to the theater for possible development or production, assist the Literary Advisor in gathering research material for programs and other publications, and serve as assistants for the A.R.T.'s program of special events. Candidates for these positions should be familiar with the major dramatic authors as well as possess a demonstrated familiarity with the theatrical production process.
Marketing and Public Relations
Working with the Directors of Marketing, Public Relations, and Audience Development, the interns gain valuable experience in developing a long-term marketing and audience development strategy and running day-to-day operations. The marketing and public relations intern assists in the planning and execution of individual and group ticket sales initiatives. Candidates with business experience in general management, sales, marketing, or public relations are preferred. Candidates should work well with people and have general office skills. This internship requires a commitment of at least fifteen hours per week for twelve weeks.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
An application includes: a complete application form (available in pdf format - you will need Adobe Reader to view, enter data, and print it), a cover letter indicating specific area of interest and how this internship would be beneficial to both you and the A.R.T., an up-to-date résumé, and two letters of recommendation from people who know you and your work. Applications must be typed into the form on your computer (do not enter data by hand).
Important Note: On many computers you cannot save data entered into PDF forms unless you have the full version of Adobe Acrobat installed. Be sure to check your application form by re-opening the saved version before attaching the rest of your documents; you may need to print out the form and re-scan it to keep the data you have entered.
You must assemble your materials in the following order and scan or covert them to a single PDF file*, which you will attach to your submission e-mail. That e-mail should have the subject line ART Internship Application and be addressed to internship_app@amrep.org. We only accept applications by e-mail.
1. Application form
2. Cover letter
3. Résumé
4. Letters of Recommendation (see below for more on what these letters must contain)
Do not submit incomplete or partial application sets; all of the above are required.
* OPTIONAL: Dramaturgy/Literary candidates may attach a single additional PDF document with a writing sample. Costume, Props and Scenery/Paint candidates may attach an single additional PDF document with drawings, photos, etc.
Letters of Recommendation
Recommendation letters for A.R.T. Internships should have the name of the applicant, the name of the person writing the recommendation, and the internship category at the top of the page. All information will be held in the strictest confidence. They must be signed, dated and typed or printed on School or Company letterhead. The letters should address the following questions:
1. How long, how well, and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
2. How does he or she handle responsibility?
3. How does the applicant handle direction?
4. How does the applicant work under pressure?
5. Is the applicant self-motivated? Can he or she work effectively with little direction?
6. What leadership qualities have you observed in the applicant? How does he or she handle leadership responsibilities?
7. Are there any other relevant facts or considerations about the applicant that are relevant to this application?
Failure to fully follow these guidelines and instructions may mean that your application will be discarded entirely. Please check to be sure your materials are complete and in the correct order before creating and attaching your PDF. You will receive an automated e-mail confirming our receipt of your application once you submit your e-mail. Internships applications are processed on a rolling basis. Due to the volume we receive we cannot reply personally to every applicant or answer questions about applications once submitted. If you have not been contacted by the department(s) to which you apply within one month of submission, you should assume we will not be able to give you the internship(s) for which you applied. Please feel free to apply again in the future.
Thank you for your interest in the American Repertory Theater.
