Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Theatre Production Intern

🎯 Role Definition

The Theatre Production Intern is a foundational, hands-on role designed to provide aspiring theatre professionals with comprehensive exposure to the entire lifecycle of a live production. This individual acts as a key support pillar for the production and stage management teams, assisting in the journey from pre-production planning and rehearsals through to the final performance and strike. The position is a unique blend of administrative organization, practical backstage work, and creative problem-solving. It's an immersive learning experience where the intern gains invaluable insight into the coordination, communication, and technical execution required to bring a creative vision to the stage, all while working under the direct mentorship of seasoned industry professionals.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

University/College Theatre Programs (BFA/BA students)
Technical Theatre or Stage Management Certificate Programs
High School graduates with significant drama club or community theatre experience

Advancement To:

Production Assistant (PA)
Assistant Stage Manager (ASM)
Run Crew / Deck Crew Chief

Lateral Moves:

Front of House or Company Management Intern
Artistic or Literary Department Intern

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist the Stage Manager in the creation, maintenance, and distribution of daily rehearsal calls, production schedules, and performer contact sheets.
Diligently take and transcribe blocking notes during rehearsals, ensuring they are clear, accurate, and properly integrated into the master prompt book.
Prepare and organize the rehearsal space daily, which includes taping out the ground plan, pre-setting props, and arranging rehearsal furniture.
Track the movement and placement of all props, costumes, and set pieces throughout the rehearsal process, maintaining an updated and accurate tracking sheet.
Act as a "runner" for the Stage Manager during technical rehearsals and performances, relaying cues and information to actors and crew backstage.
Assist in creating and maintaining the "run sheets" for backstage crew, detailing scenic shifts, prop handoffs, and other essential backstage tasks.
Operate specific technical elements during performances as assigned, such as managing a followspot, executing simple sound cues, or assisting with scene changes.
Participate in comprehensive pre-show checks to ensure all props are in their designated locations and all set pieces are safe and operational.
Communicate effectively with the cast and crew, professionally relaying "time to places" calls and ensuring a smooth transition from backstage to onstage.
Help maintain the cleanliness and organization of all backstage areas, including dressing rooms, wings, green rooms, and storage spaces.
Support the light and sound board operators during technical rehearsals by helping to spike performer locations or assist in placing microphones.

Secondary Functions

Attend all production meetings, take detailed notes, and assist in the timely distribution of meeting minutes to the full production team.
Provide administrative support to the Production Manager, including photocopying, filing production-related paperwork, and organizing digital assets.
Assist various production departments (scenic, costumes, props, lighting, sound) with research, shopping, and sourcing of materials as needed.
Contribute to the load-in, build, and strike of the production, providing hands-on assistance under the supervision of technical staff.
Help manage and organize the theatre's inventory of stock scenery, props, and costumes for future use and easy access.
Support the wardrobe department with basic costume maintenance, such as performing quick repairs, steaming garments, and organizing costume racks.
Serve as a stand-in for actors during technical or lighting rehearsals when required, to allow the design and technical teams to continue their work.
Assist with general company management and hospitality for the cast and creative team, such as preparing coffee or managing sign-in sheets.
Observe and learn from various department heads to gain a holistic and well-rounded understanding of the entire production process.
Participate in all post-show duties as assigned, including the cleaning and proper storage of props and costumes to maintain their condition.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and/or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar) for creating schedules, tracking lists, and reports.
Foundational knowledge of stagecraft and theatrical terminology (e.g., stage directions, types of lighting instruments, parts of a stage).
The ability to read and understand basic stage plans, ground plans, and other technical drawings.
Familiarity with, or a strong aptitude for quickly learning, stage management or cueing software.
Basic hands-on skills, which may include light carpentry, sewing, or painting, are highly advantageous for supporting various departments.

Soft Skills

Exceptional organizational abilities and a meticulous attention to detail, crucial for tracking props, cues, and blocking notations.
Clear, concise, and professional communication skills, both written and verbal, for interacting with a diverse team of artists and technicians.
A proactive and resourceful approach to problem-solving, with the ability to think on one's feet in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Unwavering punctuality, reliability, and a strong professional work ethic that instills confidence in the production team.
The capacity to maintain a calm, positive, and composed demeanor under the pressure of tight deadlines and live performances.
A collaborative spirit and a "no task is too small" attitude, demonstrating a genuine willingness to support the team in any capacity needed.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent; often requires current enrollment in or recent graduation from a post-secondary program.

Preferred Education:

Actively pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree (BA or BFA) or a diploma/certificate in a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Theatre Arts / Drama
Stage Management
Technical Theatre / Production

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-1 years of formal experience.

Preferred:

Prior involvement in one or more productions at the university, community theatre, or even high school level (e.g., as run crew, assistant stage manager, or actor). A portfolio or list of past productions is often beneficial to demonstrate interest and basic experience.