Olney Theatre Center has internships available for high school and college students who are seeking hands-on experience at a non-profit regional theatre. Students can expect to gain experience in a fast-paced professional environment, develop connections with industry professionals, and learn more information about various career pathways in the performing arts.
These are unpaid, volunteer intern positions, and as such, Olney Theatre Center is relatively flexible when scheduling working hours. Internships are eligible for Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. With permission from the school, students may also complete internships for course credit.
How to Apply:
Interested in interning at Olney Theatre Center? Fill out the Internship Application Form, and either select a specific summer position or general interest in interning. You will be asked to upload a resume. Please note: Summer internships are available for application starting in January 2025. If you are interested in internships during the school year, please complete the General Interest section of the online form.
Summer Internship Opportunities
Registration is open now. Applications are due April 28th, 2025.
ARTISTIC INTERN
The Artistic Intern works closely with the Associate Artistic Director / Casting Director and other members of the artistic team to help with organizational and administrative tasks. This position will focus primarily on casting responsibilities, but duties may include supporting community engagement, education, and dramaturgy work. Tasks may also include data entry, scanning and printing, reading scripts, and other administrative duties related to the Artistic department. Interns will become familiar with the workings of a professional theatre company and learn more about an office setting. There may also be opportunities to help with the audition process by watching video submissions, monitoring audition calls or observing in the room, though this is not a guarantee of this position. Artistic department hours are from 10 AM to 6 PM on Mondays through Fridays, though internship schedule is flexible and only required to come two to three days a week based on individual availability and needs.
Requirements:
- Comfort working both individually and with a variety of team members
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal and people skills
- Some knowledge or experience with theatre as a whole
- An interest in learning how a theatre administrative office functions
- Must be in the 9th grade or higher
SOUND INTERN
The Sound Intern works with the Sound Supervisor and Associate Sound Supervisor to assist with setting up and taking down equipment for Olney Theatre Center’s summer outdoor performance series, Olney Outdoors. The intern can expect to gain experience working with microphones, backlines, cables, and sound consoles. The Sound Intern will be expected to work on select performances and their respective technical rehearsals. (Performances are often slated for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, with technical rehearsals slated for the preceding Wednesdays.) The internship will last a minimum of two weeks with the option to extend.
Requirements:
- Experience working with sound equipment
- Completion of courses in Sound Design and Technical Theatre
- Comfort working in the summer heat
- Ability to lift 50 pounds comfortably
- Eagerness to jump into new projects
- Comfort working both individually and with a variety of team members
- 18 years of age or older
COSTUMES INTERN
The Costumes Intern will work in the Costume Shop alongside the Costume Shop Manager, Costume Shop Associate, and Wardrobe Supervisor. The intern will assist in costume fittings and creation for the various productions over the summer. Additionally, the intern will assist the Costume Shop Manager with the organization of costume pieces for specific productions. The internship will span a minimum of two weeks starting in June, this time can be extended depending on the needs of the intern. During the internship, the intern will learn how to alter garments to fit a performer, how to rig garments for theatrical quick changes, and how to use hand and machine sewing to repair, alter, or build garments.
Requirements:
- A beginner's knowledge of hand and machine sewing
- An interest or knowledge of clothing history, theatrical history, costume crafts, jewelry making, and wig styling
- Ability to lift 50 pounds comfortably
- Eagerness to jump into new projects
- Comfort working both individually and with a variety of team members
- 18 years of age or older
SUMMER PROGRAMS TEACHING ASSISTANT
The Summer Programs Teaching Assistant works closely with our Teaching Artists and Educational Department to help run, organize, and instruct Olney Theatre Center’s three premiere summer learning programs: Summer Stock, Musical Theatre Intensive, and Summer Audition Studio. Assistants can expect to work alongside award-winning industry professionals and staff administrators to plan and assist with program activities and to organize the final presentation for friends and family. The Summer Program Teaching Assistant is expected to work for the two weeks of at least one of the summer programs. Assistants must be available Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm.
Requirements:
- Comfort working both individually and with a variety of team members
- Experience working with children
- Strong organizational skills
- Comfort with public speaking
- Some knowledge or experience with theatre as a whole
- Must be in the 8th grade or higher
