Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Theatre Intern

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a passionate, dedicated, and highly motivated Theatre Intern to join our dynamic team. This is a unique, hands-on opportunity for an emerging arts professional to gain comprehensive experience in the fast-paced environment of a professional producing theatre. The Theatre Intern is an integral support member, working across various departments—including artistic, production, administration, and marketing—to ensure the smooth execution of our season. You will be exposed to the entire lifecycle of a theatrical production, from initial concept meetings to the final curtain call, contributing directly to the magic our audiences experience. This role is designed for someone with a deep love for theatre, a strong desire to learn, and a proactive, collaborative spirit.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

University or College Student (Theatre Arts, Drama, Arts Administration)
Recent Graduate with a passion for the performing arts
Aspiring theatre professional seeking foundational experience

Advancement To:

Production Assistant
Assistant Stage Manager or Stage Manager
Company Manager or Arts Administrator
Marketing or Development Associate

Lateral Moves:

Literary Assistant or Dramaturgy Fellow
Education or Community Engagement Coordinator
Casting Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Provide direct support to Stage Management teams during the rehearsal process, including tracking blocking, setting up the rehearsal space, and preparing daily schedules.
Act as a Production Assistant during technical rehearsals and performances, executing backstage cues and assisting with scene changes.
Collaborate with the Props Master to source, build, or borrow props, ensuring they are available for rehearsals and properly tracked throughout the production run.
Assist the costume department with fittings, repairs, quick changes, and the organization and maintenance of costume inventory.
Attend and actively participate in all-staff and production meetings, taking detailed notes and distributing minutes to relevant personnel.
Support the technical departments (lighting, sound, scenery) during load-in, hang, focus, and strike of each production.
Conduct dramaturgical and production-related research for upcoming shows, compiling information packets for directors, designers, and cast members.
Assist the Company Manager with artist hospitality, including coordinating travel, housing, and creating a welcoming environment for guest artists.
Maintain the production calendar, contact sheets, and other critical production documents, ensuring information is accurate and up-to-date.
Provide administrative support to the Artistic and Managing Directors, including scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, and preparing materials.
Assist the marketing and communications team by distributing promotional materials, contributing to social media content, and supporting press events.
Read and provide coverage on new script submissions for the literary department, contributing to season planning discussions.
Support the Development department with fundraising initiatives, including donor research, event planning, and preparing mailings.
Serve as a vital communication link between different departments, ensuring information flows smoothly between artistic, production, and administrative teams.
Help maintain the cleanliness, safety, and organization of all performance and rehearsal spaces, including the stage, backstage, green room, and dressing rooms.
Shadow various department heads and key personnel to gain a holistic understanding of non-profit theatre management and operations.
Assist with front-of-house operations as needed, including box office support, ushering, and patron services, to understand the audience experience.
Help manage and organize the theatre’s archival materials, including scripts, production photos, programs, and press clippings.
Run essential errands for various departments, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to support all facets of the organization.
Assist the Education department with coordinating student matinees, workshops, and community outreach programming.
Maintain and update the master prompt book with all blocking, lighting, sound, and deck cues under the guidance of the Stage Manager.

Secondary Functions

Assist with archiving past production materials, including digital assets, scripts, photos, and reviews.
Participate in brainstorming sessions for future programming, season planning, and community engagement initiatives.
Support the execution of special events, including opening nights, donor receptions, galas, and community outreach functions.
Provide front-of-house support during select performances as needed to understand the full patron experience and assist house management.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and/or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive).
Basic understanding of stagecraft principles, theatrical terminology, and the production process.
Familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X) for professional or marketing purposes.
Experience reading and analyzing theatrical scripts.
Basic knowledge of theatrical lighting, sound, or projection equipment is a plus.
Experience with simple hand tools, basic carpentry, or sewing is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Exceptional verbal and written communication and strong interpersonal skills.
Impeccable organizational skills with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
A proactive, self-starting attitude with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
Strong collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively within a diverse team.
Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Grace under pressure, adaptability, and a positive, "can-do" attitude.
Discretion and the ability to handle confidential information with professionalism.
Punctuality, reliability, and a strong professional work ethic.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent. Currently enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, an accredited university or college program.

Preferred Education:

Pursuing or holding a Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.F.A.) in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Theatre Arts / Drama
Arts Administration / Arts Management
Stage Management
Technical Theatre / Production & Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-1 years.

Preferred:

Previous experience (academic, volunteer, or professional) in a theatre or live performance setting.
Demonstrated passion for and knowledge of the theatre industry.