Bucks County Playhouse Internships

[CTI]

Posted: 3/27/12 at 3:22pm

Description:
THE BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Bucks County Playhouse Internship Program offers you the opportunity to work alongside professional artists and managers in New Hope, Pennsylvania at what is known as "America’s Most Famous Summer Theatre." Interns will have the opportunity to become integral players in the revitalization and renovation of this historic theatre, set to re-open for performance nearly 73 years to the day from when the gristmill-turned-theatre’s doors first opened. The goals of our program are threefold: We want to provide you with insight into various career paths, facilitate opportunities for you to make professional contacts, and equip you with marketable skills for jobs and graduate programs in theatre and theatre management. Our comprehensive program provides hands-on experience in theatre administration and production. Through such features as our Bucks County Playhouse Mentorship and the In-House Meeting Swap, Bucks County Playhouse interns gain a wealth of insight and invaluable guidance in their careers. If you are an undergraduate, early-career professional or graduate student, read on about our exciting program!

A BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE INTERN:

An essential goal of our program is to equip you with marketable skills by giving you project-specific tasks under the guidance of your department staff. A Bucks County Playhouse intern will gain experience primarily through these projects, and by handling various day-to-day administrative duties. As a Bucks County Playhouse intern, you are completely integrated in the daily functions of the company and are considered a vital member of our staff. You will work closely with your department, participating in all bi- monthly department meetings, as well as all full-staff events and special events.

BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE MEMBERSHIP:

During your time at Bucks County Playhouse you will be paired with a mentor. Through regular check-ins with the internship coordinator, you get a chance to discuss your interests and make requests for a mentor. This part of our program is intended to help develop relationship-building skills and foster professional relationships that can possibly last beyond your time here at Bucks County Playhouse.

IN-HOUSE MEETING SWAPS:

To accommodate our interns' growing interests and curiosities as you uncover the various facets of our theatre company, we have implemented a feature of our program that allows you to get a direct look into the mechanics of each department, no matter for what internship you have been hired. So if, for example, you are an artistic intern with a budding interest in fundraising, you get the chance to sit in on development meetings. Or if you are a general management intern, and you want to experience a production meeting, you are more than welcome! Such features of our program aim to give our interns as dynamic an internship experience as possible.

BENEFITS OF A BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE INTERNSHIP:

? A weekly stipend is offered, but Interns can opt for college credit instead.
? Complimentary tickets to all Bucks County Playhouse productions
? Interns are provided access to affordable shared housing during their stay with Bucks County.
? Discounts and special offers with theatre concessions/merchandise, local businesses & attractions.
? We understand and are happy to accommodate the need for paid part-time employment outside the company.

APPLICATION & DEADLINES COMMITMENT:

Internships are offered for the Fall (September to December), Spring (January to April), and Summer (May to August) sessions. Full-time internships range from no less than 30 to 40 hours a week. Part-time internships range from no less than 15 to 29 hours a week.

DEADLINES:

Summer 2012 Session (May to August): April 30, 2012
Fall 2012 Session (September to December): July 31, 2012
Spring 2013 (January – April): November 30, 2012

A COMPLETE APPLICATION:

We strongly advise that you submit all of these components at the same time. If necessary, letters of recommendation can be sent separately. Please be sure to clearly indicate BOTH your name and internship session on your letters of recommendation if they are sent separately. These are the components of a complete application:

1. A letter of interest (Please indicate what department you are applying for)
2. A resume (theatre and/or professional)
3. At least one letter of recommendation
4. A writing sample (for artistic only)

Upon receipt of your complete application, we will be in touch regarding the availability of internships or to request additional information.

SUBMIT APPLICATIONS to INTERNSHIP COORDINATOR Via:
Email: [e-mail]
Mail: 70 South Main Street
New Hope, PA 18938
ATTN: Internship Coordinator
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

INTERVIEWS:

In person or phone/skype interviews are available for either New Hope or New York applicants.
For more helpful information before submitting your application, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.


BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE INTERNSHIP POSITIONS:

Artistic

The Artistic Intern assists the Producing Director, Artistic Associate with all aspects of managing the artistic and literary departments. There is one full-time position available. Responsibilities include:
? Production Research
? Script maintenance for all productions
? Writing for theatre newsletter and blog
? Creation of theatre lobby displays
? The opportunity to work with casting
? General administration
Qualifications:
Candidates must have strong literature and/or theatre background. Must have excellent research, writing and analytical skills. Intern must also have strong word processing (experience with Final Draft software a plus) and organizational skills. Please submit a non-creative writing sample and references along with your application.

Company Management

The Company Management Intern reports directly to the Associate General Manager/Company Manager. This internship provides a focus on theatrical company management. Responsibilities include:
? Assisting the General Manager with contracts, travel arrangements, accommodations, auditions and house seat requests
? Attending to the needs and requirements of artists
? Attending rehearsals and performances
? Maintaining management and production files
? Database management
Qualifications:
Candidates should have a warm personality, good communication skills, excellent organizational and time-management skills, be computer and internet savvy and have a genuine enthusiasm for theatre.


Development

The Development Intern assists the development department with all aspects of fundraising. Responsibilities include:
? Researching potential individual, foundation, corporate and government funders
? Developing fundraising materials
? Assisting in coordinating special events such as donor receptions, play readings and fundraising benefits
? Assisting in planning and coordinating large mailings
? Regularly communicating and providing ‘concierge service’ for major donors
? Organizing and maintaining donor database and files
? Providing administrative support including telephone and mail correspondence, filing, copying and writing
Qualifications:
Candidates should be self-motivated, independent and organized. Must have excellent research, writing, editing and communication skills. Must also have strong computer skills. Experience with fundraising & ticketing software a plus.


General Management

The General Management intern works closely with the General Manager and Associate General Manager. This internship provides a focus on financial management for the theatre. Responsibilities include:
? Assisting General Management with fiscal operation and personnel management
? Assisting in facilities rental and management
? Attending to daily financial processes and controls
? Assisting with contracts and the monitoring of payment schedules
? Audit organization and prep work
? In addition, the intern provides general administrative support including telephone, filing, copying and correspondence.
Qualifications:
Candidates should possess excellent writing, communication and organizational skills, be computer and internet savvy, and be able to work independently. A well-rounded theatrical/office management background is preferred.


Marketing

The Marketing Intern works closely with the Marketing Director and Marketing Associate. This internship provides a focus on marketing for the theatre. Responsibilities include:
? Assisting the Marketing Manager with the planning and implementation of seasonal and production marketing strategies
? Helping to identify and research new audiences
? Maintaining press and photo archives
? Managing database and website content
? Miscellaneous graphic design and PR responsibilities as relevant
? Assembling and implementing mailings
? Assisting with Box Office Operations
Qualifications:
Candidates should have excellent writing and organizational skills, be computer and internet savvy (knowledge of Ticketing software a plus.)


Production

The Production Intern will assist the Production Management office in:
? Assisting in all aspects of creating sets, costumes, props, sound, and lighting for all Bucks County Playhouse productions.
? Areas of work may include constructing sets; hanging and focusing lights; building and shopping props; learning stage rigging, assisting in the wardrobe, hair and sound departments, working load ins/outs, participating on running crews in all departments, and learning directly from our talented designers and technicians.
? Internships may be tailored to the specific interests and abilities of the intern.
Qualifications:
This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in hands-on work in production.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What type of internships do you offer?

We offer internships in the following areas: Artistic, Company Management, Development, General Management, Marketing and Production Management.

Do I need to include a writing sample if I am applying for the production internship?

We strongly urge you to submit a writing sample for all internships. A writing sample is absolutely required for the artistic and development internships; your application will be considered incomplete without one.

What kind of writing sample should I submit?

The writing sample should be critical in nature and in the 500 to 1,000-word range. Possibilities include a short essay, an article or a review. We prefer that you do not submit a creative writing sample—no short stories or excerpts from plays, please.

What is the best time to submit my application?

We prefer for applications to be submitted a month in advance of the deadline. If you submit your application earlier than this, it is advisable to follow-up a month before the deadline to make sure your application is on file.

When should I expect to hear back?

We will notify you via email that we received your materials within two weeks of submitting your application. Interviews are scheduled as early as one week after the application deadline, and as late as two months after the deadline.

Are there exact start and end dates?

All start and end dates are flexible. We do ask that you please indicate in your cover letter or application form if you are not available for any portion of the internship session for which you are applying.

Do I need previous experience?

We are looking for candidates who have demonstrated a strong interest in theatre either in school or professionally. Our interns have a wide variety of skills, backgrounds and experience.

Are the internships full- or part-time?

We offer both full-time and part-time internships depending on your schedule. Our administrative office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm. Full-time interns work no less than 30 to 40 hours per week, and part-time interns work no less than 15 to 29 hours per week. During the season, Artistic, Production Management and Company Management interns are expected to help with rehearsals and performances outside of regular office hours.

Can I receive academic credit for my internship with Bucks County Playhouse?

Yes, by arrangement with your institution.

What if I have additional questions?

Please note that we do not accept phone calls regarding internships. If you have additional questions, we are more than happy to take them via email. Please email any questions you may have to [e-mail]. We look forward to hearing from you!