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Compensation:
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McCarter provides a $75/week expense stipend. Limited housing is available.
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Application Deadline:
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March 31, 2010
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To Apply:
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An application form and more information are available by writing to:
Intern Coordinator
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Email:
interncoordinator@mccarter.org
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McCarter Theatre, a Tony Award winner for outstanding regional theatre, is a non-profit, professional, LORT B+ theater company, and a presenter of world class artists in classical music, dance, jazz, world music, and other artistic disciplines. McCarter is committed on all levels of operations to fostering an increase in the participation of theater professionals of color within our company, including our Internship Program. We welcome and encourage applications from aspiring artists, administrators and craftspeople of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds.
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Background:
McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts is a nationally recognized, non-profit performing arts organization which presents an annual series of theater, music, dance and special events. McCarter's outstanding theater series was the recipient of a Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Over 200 events are produced annually at McCarter. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, McCarter Theatre is merely 50 miles from either New York or Philadelphia and reaches an audience of approximately 200,000 throughout the tri-state area. McCarter's budget exceeds $10 million dollars per year, and the Theater employs approximately 150 people at the peak of the season.
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Facilities:
Originally constructed in 1929, McCarter Theatre resides on the Princeton University campus. While the University owns the building, McCarter Theatre independently operates the building and maintains control over the programming. The auditorium seats 1,078 people and in 1992 an extensive renovation of the facility was completed. In conjunction with the Princeton University Department of Theatre and Dance, McCarter opened the 360 seat Berlind Theatre in fall of 2003.
The newly constructed production shops (scenery, costumes, and props) are located within three miles of the theater.
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Responsibilities:
McCarter Internships are for individuals who desire a challenging practical experience in the real world, and for those who are willing to devote their full energies to the internship.
The internships are full time positions. Since hours and duties vary with different departmental assignments, taking on additional work outside of the internship may be difficult, and will be permitted only in cases of need. After an initial orientation period, McCarter interns can expect that they will assume staff level responsibilities under the direct supervision of a Department Head. Interns can also expect to perform basic, everyday tasks for the benefit of the theater, such as answering phones, staffing student matinees, assisting the marketing and development departments with poster runs, etc. Administration interns will also assist in the box office. These tasks are not the primary focus of the internship, but are essential for the smooth operation of the theater. Interns are given the opportunity to learn how each department contributes to the whole of McCarter through seminars with department heads. Interns are also invited to attend selected staff, board and committee meetings to increase their understanding of how a large regional theater operates.
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Academic Credit:
Individuals who are interested in a career in professional theater and who are no longer in college, graduate school or in a formal training program are encouraged to apply to the program. In some cases, semester-long internships can be arranged. Academic credit for such programs is at the discretion of the sponsoring college or university and is arranged by the individual intern. The appropriate McCarter supervisor evaluates the intern’s performance as required by the college or university.
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Finances:
McCarter Theatre provides housing for its full-time, out-of-town interns. There is also a $100 per week expense stipend provided by the theater. It is possible for some interns to obtain employment within the theater for additional compensation such as working in our Company Store during performances and Front of House positions that would not conflict with regular intern duties. The normal duties of the internship must be completed before extra work can be taken on.
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Duration:
Most internships begin in August and extend through June of the following year. The casting internship begins in late June.
Travel expense to and from McCarter is the responsibility of the intern.
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Internship Descriptions
This internship offers far more creative scope and responsibility than the average casting internship in a New York office. The Casting Intern functions as the de facto assistant for all casting for McCarter Theatre Center. Over the course of the year, he or she will be responsible for checking availabilities, scheduling appointments, finding space and readers, managing submissions, writing breakdowns, filing, interacting with writers, directors, choreographers, musical directors, agents and managers. The Casting Intern will have responsibility for education program casting at McCarter as well as locating whatever non-equity talent is needed for each season. This includes the annual production of A Christmas Carol as well as other mainstage productions. The intern must be able to work independently, be detail oriented and not thrown by working under tight deadlines. The intern should have some knowledge of dramatic literature. This internship begins in late June.
This internship is designed to acquaint an individual with the fundamentals of fundraising for an arts organization, which includes individual, corporate, foundation and government support. The primary responsibility is donor record management using McCarter’s Tessitura software to record all gifts, manage daily balances, process acknowledgements, and update the database. Other responsibilities include compiling statistics, some exposure to grant writing including final reports, assistance as a development team member with special events, telefundraising and direct mail, and filing. The intern will have of opportunity to attend board meetings, committee meetings and department meetings. The intern should have good writing and interpersonal skills and a willingness to work independently as well as with board members, donors and volunteers. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel are required.
The directing/producing internship provides the opportunity to observe and participate in the day to day artistic activities of a regional theater and learn what goes into planning and producing a season that includes six mainstage productions and an active program for developing new work. It is designed for aspiring artistic directors/producers seriously working toward a professional career in the theater. Two interns will alternate between serving as assistant to the director on mainstage and/or second stage productions and working in the office of the Artistic Director and/or Producing Director. Administrative duties include participation in artistic staff meetings, script reading, report writing, New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia production coverage, correspondence and filing, data entry, production research and communication with artists and agents. Directing/producing interns will also direct a 10-minute play as part of the Education Department’s annual Youth Ink! Student Play Festival. In the past several years, interns have had the opportunity to work with directors such as Emily Mann, Lisa Peterson, Tina Landau, Gary Griffin, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Mark Lamos, Daniel Fish and Mary Zimmerman. Interns also fill key positions (such as Assistant Director, Production Assistant or Assistant to the Producer) for the McCarter IN Festival and for workshops and readings. The internship begins late July/early August and extends to June of the following year. Final candidates for this internship may be required to come to Princeton for a personal interview.
The Marketing/Special Events Intern is integral to the marketing and promotion of McCarter's season. The intern must be creative, hardworking and able to work independently and deal effectively with the public. The internship will focus on the following areas under the supervision of the Marketing Director:
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Advertising/Promotion: During the season, the intern will learn how to effectively promote theater, music, dance, jazz, cabaret, and world performances through print media, direct mail campaigns, and electronic promotions. Additionally, the intern will spearhead the young audience campaign: developing effective marketing for youth subscriptions, student tickets, and young professional events.
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Publicity/Public Relations: The intern will learn how to write an effective press release and will work with the PR team to develop community outreach efforts with the Princeton University campus, the Princeton area, and the greater Mercer and Bucks County areas.
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Special Program: The intern will be responsible for maintaining McCarter’s New Neighbor and Donation programs through the database system and direct mailings. He or she will also supervise and aid other interns in the distribution of McCarter News and other pertinent publications.
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Special Events/Group Sales: Under the supervision of the Group Services Director, the intern will be responsible for the planning and execution of various receptions and fundraisers throughout the year, as well as McCarter community development events including the Pride Night and After Hours parties. The intern will learn effective event planning by working with caterers, florists, and clients for these and other special theater events. The intern will also negotiate with area merchants and businesses to provide door prizes, decorations and other services to McCarter.
Additionally, the intern will have the opportunity to attend appropriate conventions, statewide marketing meetings, and other such Performing Arts marketing events. Applicants must have computer and writing skills, a valid driver’s license, and a car.
The literary intern will gain experience in the day-to-day administration of the literary office. Duties include reading and analyzing scripts submitted for production consideration, maintaining correspondence with agents and writers, database entry, assisting with play readings, coverage of New York and New Jersey productions and play readings, dramaturgical research and archiving, and other support activities within the literary office. The literary intern will also play a major role in dramaturging our Education Department’s Youth Ink! Student Play Festival. The literary intern reports directly to both the Dramaturg and the Literary Director, who work in close association with the Artistic Director’s office. The literary intern should have strong organizational and writing skills, and knowledge of theater history and dramatic literature. Applicants should include writing samples with their applications.
Under the direct supervision of the Education Director, this internship provides experience in all activities of McCarter’s thriving Education Department. The Intern will team-teach one of four companies for the First Stage Program, the Education Department’s full season after-school program. The Education Teaching Artist Intern will also serve as an assistant for our Creative Drama programs in the fall. The Education Teaching Artist Intern will team-teach two residencies in schools, as well as train to conduct workshops in conjunction with McCarter’s Theater Series productions. As part of the Student Matinee Program, the Intern will assist with preparation of school mailings, maintain all teacher contact, and coordinate staffing of the student performances. This Internship is designed for individuals who have experience as a teaching artist and are interested in refining their skills in an evaluative, supportive environment. The applicant should have a valid driver’s license, possess good inter-personal and customer service skills and be able to deal effectively with the public.
Under the supervision of the General Manager, this intern will observe and assist in the day-to-day running of McCarter, from pre-production budgeting through front-of-house management in our two theater facility. The general management intern will work on contracts, budgets, building operations, maintenance and security with the general manager; finances and record-keeping with the business office; developing and maintaining inventory control guidelines, records, and usher management plans with the house manager; and developing Company Store reports and inventories. There are also opportunities to work on pre and post-performance parties, galas, and other special events. This is a terrific opportunity for a person with interest in arts management and finance who is interested in working with many departments and learning all about the operation of a LORT B+ theatre. The applicant should have arts management interest, understand spreadsheets and possess the ability to work independently. Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel is helpful. Intern will be taught in-house software.
This internship provides training in the front-of-house operations of a two theater performing arts complex: the 1,100 seat Matthews Theatre; and the 370 seat Berlind Theatre. Responsibilities include the management of a volunteer corps, the training of ushers and concessions staff, maintaining concessions inventory, payroll and budget management and assisting with preparations of the front of house before performances and special events. This intern will develop skills in staff management, inventory and retail management, special events management and customer service. The applicant should enjoy physical activity and working with the public, possess good communication skills and be familiar with basic software applications.
The Stage Management Internship provides the opportunity to participate fully in the pre-production, rehearsal process, tech and running of McCarter’s Theater Series and our annual production of A Christmas Carol. The Stage Management Intern will work under the direct supervision of the Resident Stage Manager and have the opportunity to work directly with all the AEA Production Stage Managers and Assistant Stage Managers throughout the season. As time permits, the intern will participate in the McCarter Labs and various workshops throughout the season. As available, there will be “Operation Observation” opportunities backstage on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Lincoln Center shows as well as touring productions that perform at McCarter Theatre. Responsibilities include: assisting in all aspects of stage management, setting up and maintaining the rehearsal hall, maintaining an environment conducive to the artistic needs of the production, being on book, creating the paperwork necessary for running the production, creating the archival blocking book for A Christmas Carol, running the “deck” on all productions, re-stocking supplies and tracking the department's petty cash. The internship is designed for emerging Stage Managers with strong academic or entry level professional experience who are seriously working toward a professional career. Strong computer skills and a valid driver’s license are desired. The intern is eligible to participate in the Actors’ Equity Association Membership Candidate program and will be invited to attend selected Stage Managers’ Association meetings and functions. This internship begins late July/early August and extends to June of the following year.
This internship position is shared by the Stage Management Department and the Education Department. This internship provides the opportunity to participate fully in the pre-production, rehearsal process, tech and running of two of McCarter’s Theater Series productions and our annual production of A Christmas Carol. The Education Stage Management Intern will work under the direct supervision of the Resident Stage Manager and have the opportunity to work directly with all the AEA Production Stage Managers and Assistant Stage Managers throughout the fall. Throughout the winter and spring, the Intern will have the opportunity to stage manage all professional education productions, including one tour throughout New Jersey as well as the Youth Ink! Play festival, a festival of original short plays. As available, there will be “Operation Observation” opportunities backstage on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Lincoln Center shows as well as touring productions that perform at McCarter Theatre. Experience with educational theater is helpful, but not required. Strong computer skills and a valid driver’s license are desired. The internship is designed for emerging stage managers with strong academic or entry level professional experience who are seriously working toward a professional career. The Intern is eligible to participate in the Actors’ Equity Association Membership Candidate program and will be invited to attend selected Stage Managers’ Association meetings and functions.
This intern will work with our Costume Shop staff and Wardrobe Supervisor to experience and/or observe all aspects of planning, building, and maintaining costumes for a major regional theater. In addition, the intern will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of presented dance, music, and special events. Some prior experience constructing clothes/costumes, or demonstration of aptitude in this area is required.
This internship provides an overview of company management, business office procedures and the theater production process. The Company Management intern, working under the direction of the Company Manager and the General Manager, will be in direct contact with all Theater Series visiting artists to coordinate travel and housing and assist with all facets of artist hospitality in accordance with Actors’ Equity guidelines. Responsibilities include coordinating artist travel arrangements, contract preparation, scheduling and maintenance of artist housing, overseeing the use and maintenance of the company vehicle, tracking company management expenses, and attending to specific physical plant needs. Depending on the background, qualifications, and interests of the candidate, there will be opportunities to work on special projects assigned by the General Manager.
Working directly under the guidance of McCarter’s Managing Director, the Theater Management Intern will assist in many aspects of the operation of a non-profit corporation including, but not limited to, financial analysis, trend analysis, best practices research, theater union negotiations, contract administration, human resources, as well as other matters associated with the art and craft of managing a large regional theater. The Theater Management Intern will also observe and participate in the implementation of board, committee, and staff meetings and attend special activities, opening night performances, and fundraising events. This is the ideal internship for aspiring theater leaders who want to learn first-hand the day-to-day activities associated with overseeing the many departments of a theater, including marketing, fundraising and development, administration, education, artistic, and production. Candidates should be extremely personable, have strong written and verbal communication skills, and be effective at multi-tasking and problem-solving. The internship begins late-July/early-August and extends to June of the following year. Final candidates for this internship may be required to come to Princeton for a personal interview.
In the age of electronic communication, a great deal of marketing McCarter’s programs is done on the web. The Digital Social Media Intern, who works in close concert with the Marketing Director, Web Designer, and Information Technology Department, is responsible for supporting the marketing staff in increasing and maintaining McCarter’s online advertising presence, including analyzing online trends, creating mass e-mails, editing content, photography and video editing, generating copy, creating e-communications, and updating blog entries and content. A strong interest in web design, writing, graphic design, and a love for all types of social networking, including Facebook, Twitter, and blogging, are a plus. The internship begins late July/early August and extends to June of the following year. Final candidates for this internship may be required to come to Princeton for a personal interview.
The producing internship provides the opportunity to observe and participate in the day to day producing activities of a regional theater, and learn what goes into planning and producing a season that includes six mainstage productions and an active program for developing new work. It is designed for aspiring producers seriously working toward a professional career in the theater. Assignments will be wide ranging and embrace the producing office’s involvement in the full spectrum of theater management tasks, including casting, literary management, outreach and audience development tasks. Administrative duties include participation in artistic staff meetings, artist contracting, coordinating readings and workshops, script reading, writing for the blog and audience resource guide, report writing, correspondence and filing, data entry, production research, availability checks and scheduling for casting, and communication with artists and agents. The Intern will also serve as the Assistant Producer for the McCarter Lab Festival. Candidates should be extremely personable, have strong written and verbal communication skills, and be effective at multi-tasking and problem-solving. The internship begins in August and extends to June of the following year. Final candidates for this internship may be required to come to Princeton for a personal interview.
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