Virginia Shakespeare Festival

Internships for Students, Actors, and Technicians

The Festival offers a number of internships, with a 2009 contract period running May 26 to July 24 (8 weeks) or August 3 (10 weeks).

Interns participate in an intensive training-production program, working six days a week. Internships come with a stipend and various benefits described below.

Advanced undergraduate Theatre students or those just graduating with BA or BFA degrees are encouraged to apply for internships.

 

2009 internship positions:
  • Acting (6)
  • Technical (8, including 2 ASMs)
  • Administrative (3)

Please visit our job opportunities and, if applicable, auditions pages for more detailed information.

What's the total compensation package for interns?
Acting Interns (8 weeks) receive a $1,000 stipend, Production Interns (10 weeks) a $1,200 stipend. All interns receive free housing (shared bedroom) and Workman's Compensation (during work hours), and may qualify for academic credits. Cooking facilities are provided, and campus food service is available for a fee. Transportation and incidental expenses are not provided.

Can students receive academic credit for these internships?
Yes. Students at the College of William and Mary receive transferable academic credits with payment of summer school tuition. Interns from other schools should consult their home institutions to pre-arrange academic credit for an internship.

What about health insurance?
Except for the Workman's Compensation provided during work hours, the Festival does not provide health coverage. Interns are encouraged to obtain a personal health plan that covers health emergencies.

Do I get any time off?
Interns work two out of three shifts, six days a week. Sunday mornings and Mondays are free time.

What about roles and assignments?
Roles for actors are determined at casting in mid-March (see the auditions schedule). Crew assignments for technical interns are specified by contract, also in mid-March.

Technical duties for acting interns are limited to strike or occasional set movement. Classes are provided in Voice, Speech, and Shakespeare text, run by AD of the company and other professional staff.

How will this internship affect my standing with Actors Equity?
The Virginia Shakespeare Festival is an AEA Guest Artist company, and so does not offer points toward the Equity Membership Candidate Program.