Internships
EST internships give participants experience in the production process and a general understanding of how a professional theater company functions. In addition to departmental duties, all interns attend a weekly Lab, tailored to the interests of the group, which can include lectures and Master Classes with esteemed EST member artists, and which culminates in a showcase, developed and produced by the interns as an ensemble.
EST’s Internship Program is divided into three sessions: Fall, Spring and Summer. Click the session name for more information.
Click here for application instructions.
Fill out the online application by clicking here.
Fall and Spring Internships
Fall and Spring internships are designed to give participants experience in the production process and also a general understanding of how a professional theater company functions. Each intern is assigned to a specific “track” to give practical experience in their personal area of focus. All interns also attend a weekly Lab, tailored to the interests of the group, which can include lectures and Master Classes with esteemed EST members and which culminates in a showcase, developed and produced by the interns as an ensemble company.
Fall and Spring Internship Tracks:
Production/Technical: Work with the Season Producer and EST Staff to manage the EST readings, workshops and productions. Work directly on the productions (including setting-up and maintaining rehearsals and production spaces, building and organizing props, and assisting during tech) and interact with artists involved. Stage Management experience is a plus. Work with the Producer, Designers, Technical Directors, Production Managers and Stage Management on EST readings, workshops and productions. Experience with lighting, sound and/or carpentry is recommended. Evening availability and an interest in serving on running crew are essential to this track.
Marketing: Responsibilities include maintaining and updating the website, maintaining social media platforms, creating mass e-blasts, and assisting with video production and editing. Work directly with the Marketing Manager and Executive Director, as well as the rest of the Artistic and Administrative Staff at EST. Be creative, gain skills and experience, have a great time with a strong cohort of interns, and learn at one of the nation’s leading developmental and producing theatre companies. Knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word), database programs (OvationTix), internet research tactics, and social media platforms is a plus. An interest in theatre management and administration and prior experience in the arts are preferred.
Development: Work directly with the Development Manager and Executive Director, along with EST’s full Artistic and Administrative Staff. Development responsibilities include processing and acknowledging donations, researching potential funders, gathering grant materials, planning and helping to run special events (such as galas, VIP receptions, post-show parties, etc.), creating publications, letters and proposals, communicating with donors, and more. Very hands-on, this internship will give you the opportunity to be creative and proactive, and will teach you invaluable skills for future jobs in communications and fundraising, as well as providing you with hard samples for your portfolio and major accomplishments to list on your resume. Strong writing skills are a must. Knowledge of MS Excel, MS Word, database programs (OvationTix), internet research tactics, and social media platforms is a plus. An interest in theatre management and administration and prior experience in the arts are preferred.
Database Coordinator (Marketing and Development Intern)
Work closely with the Development Manager, Marketing Manager, and Executive Director, along with EST’s full Artistic and Administrative Staff. Responsibilities include maintaining EST’s database (on TheaterMania’s OvationTix cloud-based system), completing regular audits to clean records and remove duplicates, processing and acknowledging donations, assisting with ticket sales and other Box Office initiatives, adding old records to database, categorizing profiles for accurate reporting, pulling and analyzing reports, pulling and prepping mailing lists, preparing external lists for batch uploads to database system, special projects in Marketing and Fundraising as needed, and limited general EST internship duties. This internship will give you the opportunity to be very hands-on and take initiative at a small, Off-Broadway theatre company. It will teach you invaluable skills for future jobs in communications, and provide you with hard samples for your portfolio and major accomplishments to list on your resume. You will also connect with artists and other administrators, as well as your sizable cohort of interns, building a strong network for your future. Ideal candidate is organized and very detailed-oriented. Advanced knowledge of MS Excel is preferred. Basic knowledge is acceptable as long as candidate is a fast learner. Knowledge of MS Word, database programs (OvationTix), and internet research tactics is a plus. Previous database, marketing, or fundraising experience not required, however an interest in theatre management and administration and prior experience in the arts are preferred.
Literary: Work with Literary Manager to receive and process script submissions, read and critique scripts, and maintain the submission database. A+ writing skills and experience in play development or playwriting are essential.
Theatre Management: Work directly with the Executive Director, as well as the Finance Director, Development Manager, and other EST Staff (Artistic and Administrative). Duties include organizating files, funder/donor research, assisting with grant applications and proposals, preparing materials for Board meetings, planning and helping run special events such as VIP receptions, benefits, Opening Night parties, etc.), special management projects as needed. Learn all about running a theatre from the leaders of this 34-year-old institution. Strong writing skills are a must. Knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word), database programs (OvationTix), internet research tactics, and social media platforms, is a plus. An interest in theatre management and administration and prior experience in the arts are preferred.
Summer Internship
Like the Fall and Spring internships, the Summer internship is designed to give participants experience in the production process and also a general understanding of how a professional theatre company functions.
Summer Internship Tracks:
Producing: Work with the Season Producer and EST Staff on managing readings and events as well as preparing EST’s two theater spaces for the upcoming season. Stage management, carpentry and/or electrics experience are a plus.
Marketing: Responsibilities include maintaining and updating the website, help to plan and manage focused marketing campaigns that include readings, workshops, productions and festivals. Assist in maintaining all social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Four Square), creating mass e-blasts, and assisting with video production and editing. Knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word), Photoshop, In-design, I-movie, OvationTix, internet research tactics, and social media platforms is a plus. An interest in theatre management and administration and prior experience in arts marketing are preferred.
Development: Development responsibilities include processing and acknowledging donations, researching potential funders, gathering grant materials, planning and helping to run special events (such as galas, VIP receptions, post-show parties, etc.), creating publications, letters and proposals, communicating with donors, and more. Strong writing skills are a must. Knowledge of MS Excel, MS Word, database programs (OvationTix), internet research tactics, and social media platforms is a plus. An interest in theatre management and administration and prior experience in the arts are preferred.
Literary: Work with Literary Manager to receive and process script submissions, read and critique scripts, and maintain the submission database. A+ writing skills and experience in play development or playwriting are essential.
Database Coordinator: Work on maintaining EST’s database, completing regular audits to clean records and remove duplicates, processing and acknowledging donations, assisting with ticket sales and other Box Office initiatives, adding old records to database, categorizing profiles for accurate reporting, pulling and analyzing reports, pulling and prepping mailing lists, preparing external lists for batch uploads to database system, special projects in Marketing and Fundraising as needed, and limited general EST internship duties. Ideal candidate is organized and very detailed-oriented. Advanced knowledge of MS Excel is preferred, knowledge of MS Word, OvationTix (preferred), and internet research tactics is a plus. Previous database, marketing, or fundraising experience not required, however an interest in theatre management and administration and prior experience in the arts are preferred.
Theatrical Facilities Management Intern: Responsibilities include supporting and expanding public relations with artists, media contacts and the general public. Assist in managing facility operations, communication, assist with productions, and help research, acquire and organize of all supplies and stock . Assist during events and receptions
To Apply
Fill out the online application by clicking here.
Deadlines
The deadlines for each session are as follows:
- Fall – July 15
- Spring – November 25
- Summer – April 1
If you have any questions please contact Ryan Hugh McWilliams at ryan@ensemblestudiotheatre.org.