Lighting and Set Design Intern - Ford’s Theatre Society

The Ford's Theatre Intern Program offers challenging and diverse experiences related to its unique mission as a professional theatre, historic site, world-class museum and learning center. Qualified college students, graduates and career-changing professionals who are actively pursuing careers in related fields are welcome. Internships at Ford's Theatre require a commitment of at least 20 hours per week and include an available stipend to help offset travel and other expenses.



Ford's Theatre Society values diversity in its workplace. We will consider all qualified applicants for our internship program without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a covered veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.



Ford's Theatre internships are designed to:

- Bridge the gap between collegiate work and professional life by working with some of the best in the business in a challenging, diverse atmosphere.

- Help build professional networks with relationships initiated during the internship.

- Broaden the intern's knowledge base and understanding of professional theatre and historical museums through discussions and work with Ford's Theatre staff, guest artists, and other members of the community.



In order to facilitate the professional development and educational nature of Ford’s Theatre Internships the following features may be provided as part of the internship program:



Lincoln Lectures

Lincoln Lectures are opportunities for interns to receive a complete understanding of the operations of Ford's Theatre outside of their department. Lincoln Lectures provide exposure to the varied skills that are required to operate a professional theatre and historical site. Many lectures are round table discussions that include senior staff, the Director, guest artists and others. In these lectures, interns may be able learn about a variety of career paths and perspectives on not-for-profit arts organizations while gaining insight into the inner workings of Ford's Theatre. Other Lectures may provide the opportunity for career development through work on interview preparation, resume and cover letter writing, and skill building.



Ford's Shadowing

To further enhance the intern experience, every intern may be provided with the opportunity to shadow in other departments. These shadowing opportunities provide a direct look into the daily operations of each department, no matter the primary internship. This means that a Development intern could have the ability to sit-in with Production for a day and experience a tech rehearsal and possibly be a part of Production planning meetings. Each shadowing opportunity may help an intern explore their interests while also providing a complete picture of Ford's Theatre.



Benefits for a Ford's Theatre Intern

Internships at Ford's Theatre require a commitment of at least 20 hours per week and include an available stipend to help offset travel and other expenses. School credit may be offered, depending on the internship. Opportunities will be made available for interns to view and explore all that Ford's Theatre has to offer. Staff guided tours would lead interns through the historic theatre as well as backstage and through the museums and galleries. Interns may be provided opportunities to attend select performances at Ford’s Theatre, which could include special presentations and Dress Rehearsals.



Lighting and Set Design Intern

The purpose of this internship is to provide an introduction for the emerging designer to Lighting or Set Design in a professional, regional theatre environment. This internship position reports to the Production Supervisor.



Opportunities for learning will come from:

- Attending production meetings with the Production Supervisor as intern's schedule allows

- Assisting the Production Supervisor and crew in pre-production activities as intern's schedule allows

- Assisting with load ins, focus, technical rehearsals, and previews

- If asked, take design notes



The preferred candidate should:

- Demonstrate experience in theatre at a university level or community level

- Have a general understanding of theatrical hardware, modern theatrical practices and of modern theatrical construction techniques



Those interested in the Lighting and Set Design internship must submit three references along with a cover letter and resume.



To access the application, please visit https://www.fords.org/work-with-us/lighting-design-intern/.