The Uptown Players Internship Program offers a rich and challenging experience for qualified college and graduate level students who are preparing for careers in professional theatre, as well as early career professionals with a range of experience from beginning to advanced skill levels. Interns have the opportunity to refine their skills through close interaction with production staff and artists. Because Uptown Players functions with a relatively small staff, interns are valuable additions to our staff. Student interns will be expected to organize their time well, communicate efficiently and appropriately with others, respond to requests in a timely manner, and present themselves in a professional and focused manner at all activities.
At a minimum, applicants must:
· possess the knowledge and experience necessary to intern successfully in the theatre;
· be socially mature and self-confident;
· be able to digest new information quickly and apply it productively;
· be consistent and dependable in their work habits, as well as self-reliant and flexible;
· have good communication skills;
· enjoy multi-tasking and creative problem-solving; and
· work comfortably and effectively in a highly collaborative environment.
Internships are entry-level positions with a variety of tasks, allowing the student to gain experience in the professional theatre. Increased responsibilities during the course of the internship depend upon a student's performance and the needs of the theatre.
Uptown Players interns are compensated with complimentary tickets, professional development and networking opportunities such as staff meetings, meet-and-greets, artist hours, plus a monetary stipend based on the number of hours worked per production. For production internships, EMC weeks are available. School credit is available for all internships based on school policies. Interns, age 18 and up, are accepted.
To apply for an Uptown Players internship, please send your resume and areas of interest to Jeff Rane at jeff@uptownplayers.org by February 23rd. Interviews will take place between March 11 and March 22. Candidates will be notified no later than March 26 for the summer season.
Intern Positions Available for Summer of 2024 Productions
The Prom, The Boys in the Band – June 3 through August 16, 2024
MARKETING/PR
Observe strategies and procedures for marketing and publicizing the season; assist with website updates, social media, distributing promotional materials, creating weekly newsletters; assist with special events, including opening nights and designer run/some rehearsals. Requirement: 12-20 hours per week with some weekday/daytime hours.
STAGE MANAGEMENT/PRODUCTION
Assist stage managers throughout the production process, beginning with pre-rehearsal preparations and continuing through technical rehearsals and opening night. Beginning with attendance at production meetings, the intern will take part in the rehearsal process, technical rehearsals and will work at least one production as a crewmember. This internship will involve the intern in every facet of the production. Duties may include: organization and tracking of props; creating contact sheets; being on-book; and serving on running crew. You may be called upon to perform such duties as: running props, shifting scenery, follow spot operator, or dresser.
COSTUMES
Assist the resident costume designer with costuming main stage or festival productions. Intern Duties & Responsibilities may include assisting with the pulling of costumes, shoes, accessories, etc. for productions, running shows where quick changes might be necessary (extra stipend involved when a show requires costume intern to assist with quick changes), assisting with the organization of the costume storage, maintaining costumes throughout the run by tending to show notes, repairs, etc., production laundry (washing, drying, ironing, & steaming), stitching: alterations & builds as assigned. craft-work as assigned: millinery, cobblery, metal-work, leather-work, etc., stock organization: re-stocking & some re-organizing. Intern reports to the wardrobe manager.
LIGHTING
Lighting intern works 30 hours per production load in/load out period. Opportunities to work as a board or spot op during tech week and performances exist. Stipend paid. Intern reports directly to Master Electrician. Intern Duties & Responsibilities may include assisting with maintaining the lighting inventory, attending all light calls to hang, focus, & gel instruments, attend production meetings, and assist during cueing and tech week as needed. Prior light rigging help a plus, but if a candidate does not have prior experience, they may still be considered if they have a good work ethic, are willing and able to learn, have sufficient time to devote to learning the proper skills.
AUDIO
Sound Internship offers professional experience for qualified college students who are interested in pursuing careers in theatrical sound design or engineering. Interns are entrusted with a great deal of responsibility and have the opportunity to play an integral role over the course of load-in and tech. Duties include taking sound cue notes during rehearsals, working with the music director on orchestra set up for musicals, sound cue editing and creation, programming of the Midas M32 sound board prior to tech for each production, and assigning and testing body mics. Minimum hours would be 20-25 per production.
SCENIC/PROPS
Scenic/prop internships last for a period of no less than 60 hours per production worked. Most internship hours will be fulfilled Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. Intern will report directly to the Master Carpenter. Opportunity exists to work backstage crew during tech week and performances. Prior scenery construction and design education or experience is a plus. Intern Duties & Responsibilities may include assisting with set and props construction, base painting constructed pieces (possible detail & finish painting for advanced painters), maintain inventory of set pieces and props in storage.
