Boston Theatre Internships: A Comprehensive Guide

For students and aspiring theatre professionals in Boston, internships offer invaluable opportunities to gain practical experience, build networks, and launch careers in the performing arts. This article provides a detailed overview of theatre internships in Boston, drawing upon information relevant to various roles, organizations, and educational programs.

The Importance of Internships in Arts Administration

Many arts administration degree programs consider practical experience crucial for students before graduation. For example, students in the Arts Administration program are often required to complete an internship. These internships consist of two courses. The first course helps students develop their professional awareness and skills to find an internship. The second course takes place during the semester following the first, alongside the internship itself.

Students prepare to secure suitable placements by researching the arts employment landscape, honing their interviewing skills, conducting job searches, and working with a network of organizations and alumni. However, some students with extensive professional experience may be eligible for a waiver. Students with four or more years of full-time, paid, professional arts organization work experience may waive the internship requirement with the program director’s written consent. If the internship is waived, students must take an alternative elective to broaden their understanding of arts administration, potentially even from other departments within the University with advisor approval.

Exploring Internship Opportunities

Theatre internships in Boston span various disciplines, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse interests and skill sets.

Arts Administration, Marketing, and Production Management Internships

These internships typically last one semester (Fall/Spring/Summer) and require a commitment of at least 15 hours per week. While they may offer a travel stipend, they do not guarantee employment after completion. However, students may be able to receive school credit for these internships, subject to their college's policies.

Interns in these roles can expect to assist with general office duties and manage a variety of tasks throughout the semester. Ideal candidates possess a passion for theatre, strong writing and computer skills, and an outgoing and enthusiastic personality. Computer literacy and experience with Microsoft Office are essential, while familiarity with Adobe Photoshop is a plus, and some graphic design experience is preferable.

Production Management Internships

Production Management interns support the production management staff in coordinating, designing, and executing mainstage productions, special events, and auditions.

Stage Management Internships

Stage Management internships offer hands-on experience working alongside professional stage managers and run crew on mainstage productions. These internships provide essential knowledge of the responsibilities within a stage management team for professional plays and musicals. These internships are offered on a show-by-show basis and require a commitment to a full 8-week production schedule, including rehearsals, tech, and performances. A mix of daytime, evening, and weekend availability is typically required. A Stage Management internship comes with a travel stipend, and does not carry promise of employment after completion, though they may be used for school credit (if your college permits). Applicants should include their full availability and any potential conflicts with the production schedule. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Spotlight on Boston Theatre Companies and Organizations

Several theatre companies and organizations in Boston offer internship programs.

Lyric Stage Company of Boston

The Lyric Stage Company of Boston is committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture, reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of the community it serves. While specific internship details weren't provided, they often seek individuals for roles such as Box Office and/or Front of House staff. These positions typically require approximately 10-20 hours per week during the production season, with evenings and weekends required.

Company One Theatre

Company One Theatre actively seeks local actors and offers opportunities for various roles. While not explicitly an internship, involvement with such productions can provide valuable experience.

Wheelock Family Theatre

Wheelock Family Theatre offers an Emerging Arts Leaders (EAL) program, providing various internship opportunities. Past EAL participants have taken on roles in marketing, social media, graphic design, teaching assistance, and technical theatre. The theater is committed to accessibility and inclusion.

Voices from the Field: Internship Experiences

Ma’chel Martin Jr. attests to the value of apprenticeships. "The Williamstown apprenticeship was important for my pursuit of a professional career. I worked with inspired students and professionals. I've never felt so supported."

Alumni Success Stories

Graduates of theatre programs in Boston have gone on to work in a wide variety of organizations, including:

American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge
Armory at Park Avenue in NYC
Improv Boston
MTV-Viacom
Broadway and Off-Broadway productions

Theatre alumni also develop careers in non-profit and for-profit organizations as lawyers, educators, managers, and business entrepreneurs.

Read also: History of the BU Bridge

Casting Calls and Performance Opportunities

While not direct internships, auditioning for local productions can be a valuable way to gain experience and network with theatre professionals. For example, Company One Theatre held auditions for "You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World" by Keiko Green. The play involves a multi-racial family navigating a terminal diagnosis and complex relationships. Roles included M (a nonbinary character), Greg (the father), Viv (the mother), Lila (the sister), Will, and Janet.

Current Students and Recent Graduates: A Glimpse into the Talent Pool

The following profiles showcase the diverse backgrounds and aspirations of students and recent graduates involved in theatre in the Boston area, many of whom participate in internships and similar programs:

Jordan Ahnquist and De’Lon Grant: Featured in a production of Big River.
(Name withheld): A rising sophomore at Hofstra University studying Television, with experience in television production and radio.
(Name withheld): A rising senior at the University of Vermont studying Early Childhood Education, passionate about integrating the arts into general education.
Maggie: A rising senior at Emerson College working towards a BFA in Musical Theatre, with experience as a performer and music director.
(Name withheld): An actor born and raised in Boston, currently a second-year at SUNY Purchase, also a musician specializing in piano/keyboard and producing.
(Name withheld): Emerson College student pursuing a BFA in Theatre: Directing Concentration.
Natalie Fadlon: A theatre artist and storyteller from Waltham, Massachusetts, studying Theatre Studies and Writing at Ithaca College.
(Name withheld): A rising junior at Brandeis University majoring in mathematics, with experience in stage management.
(Name withheld): A rising Junior at the Boston Conservatory studying Musical Theatre, hoping to spread her love for the arts.
Beck: An experienced actor interested in behind-the-scenes creativity and arts education.
Lauren Grill: A rising Senior at Boston University majoring in Film and Television with a minor in Education, with experience producing shows for BU On Broadway and studying abroad in London as a Production Intern for Opera Holland Park.
Austin Kelly: A rising Junior at Northwestern University majoring in Theatre with a minor in History, primarily a playwright, also an actor, performer, and stand-up comic.
(Name withheld): A rising sophomore at Drexel University in the Entertainment and Arts Management program, with experience in acting and technical aspects of theatre.
Aaron: A rising senior at the Boston University School of Theatre, getting his BFA in Acting, with experience teaching acting to various age groups.
Cameron McDonough: A rising junior at University of Massachusetts Amherst double majoring in Theatre and Education, with experience as a performer and stage manager.
(Name withheld): A rising senior at Emerson College majoring in Theatre Education, with experience in production management and teaching theatre.
(Name withheld): A musician, theatre artist, and educator from the Boston area, studying Theatre Education at the University of New Hampshire, passionate about creating inclusive and positive learning spaces.
Eden: A rising senior at Emerson College studying Psychology, Theater Education, and Communication Disorders, aiming to become a Drama Therapist.
(Name withheld): A rising junior at Muhlenberg College double majoring in Theatre and Dance, with experience in performance, choreography, and teaching dance.
William: A rising senior at New York University studying Politics and Producing, involved in the NYC theater scene, with experience as a Production Manager.
(Name withheld): An actor, playwright, choreographer, and journalist from Miami, Florida, a recent graduate of Emerson College, with experience in marketing and social media.
Nathan Persampieri: A graduate of Merrimack College with a degree in Social Justice and minors in Communications and Media, passionate about advocating for people with disabilities and DEI issues.
(Name withheld): An artist, actor, and educator heading into her senior year at Emerson College, working toward a BFA in Theatre Education and Performance, with experience in youth theatre.
(Name withheld): A rising junior at Brandeis University, with experience in lighting design and technical theater.
Skylar: A rising senior at Boston University studying Deaf Education and Psychology, with experience in acting and musical theatre.
(Name withheld): A rising sophomore at University of Connecticut majoring in Acting, with extensive performance experience.
(Name withheld): A recent graduate of Suffolk University with a degree in Theatre with minors in Arts Administration and Film/Media, also a playwright.
(Name withheld): A rising senior majoring in Theatre at Wheaton College, with experience in various aspects of theatre production.
(Name withheld): A rising senior at Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, majoring in Education and Human Development with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, with experience in acting and singing.
(Name withheld): A rising senior studying Film and Television at Boston University, involved in theatre with BU Stage Troupe.
(Name withheld): A rising Sophomore Theater Arts Major at Boston University in the School of Theater, planning to pursue a career in acting, directing, playwriting, and theater making.
(Name withheld): A rising Junior at Syracuse University, studying Musical Theatre, working to raise awareness about anxiety and depression in youth, also a children’s book author and singer songwriter.
Kennedy: Made her regional theatre debut in Wheelock Theatre’s production of Ragtime for their 2018-2019 season.

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