Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do your internships and fellowships run?
A: Our professional internships, both administrative and production, and fellowships
are season-long commitments. For example, for 2010 – 2011, this means
that most interns/fellows will begin in August/September 2010 and end in June/July
2011. There are a limited number of summer internships in the Education Department
which run from June – August 2010.
Q: If a portfolio is required, may I send hard-copies?
A: Yes. However, do not send originals as they will not be returned. Candidates
should also avoid sending large pieces. Electronic attachments and/or links
to on-line portfolios are preferred.
Q: How are interns compensated? Is housing available?
A: Interns and fellows receive $150 weekly to help defray the cost of living
expenses. No taxes are deducted from this amount. Housing is provided for
all out-of-town interns and fellows. STC housing is fully-furnished, includes
all utilities, and is located in a residential neighborhood of Capitol Hill
within walking distance of the Administrative offices as well as the Metro
subway system.
Q: Can I hold another job during my internship/fellowship?
A: Due to the rigorous work schedule in all departments, interns/fellows should
not depend on supplemental income from an additional job. However, some interns/fellows
have been able to take part-time shifts in house management, box office or
teleservices when their schedule allows.
Q: How does the application process work?
A: Candidates will receive a confirmation e-mail upon receipt of all application
materials. If you are invited to interview, you will be contacted directly
by the Training Programs Manager. We begin scheduling interviews in February.
Not all candidates are invited to interview/audition. While every effort
is made to inform candidates of their status, it is not always possible due
to the high volume of applicants. Hiring decisions are usually made by May.
Once a position has been filled, all other candidates will be informed that
the position has been filled.
Q: Are in-person interviews scheduled?
A: Due to the high volume of applications, all scheduled interviews take place
over the phone. Specific departments may invite second interview candidates
to an in-person interview if necessary.
Q: Do you accept videotaped auditions for the acting fellowship?
A: No. All auditions for the acting fellowship are invite-only and in-person.
Q: How competitive is admission to the internship and fellowship programs?
A: Each year, we receive roughly 600 - 1000 applications for approximately
20 internships and fellowships.
Q: Do you offer summer internships?
A: Each summer, the Education Department invites a number of college students
to help facilitate its summer education programs: Camp Shakespeare and Summer
ShakesPEERS. Ideal for candidates interested in exploring careers in theatre
education, these internships offer multiple opportunities to share the love
and craft of theatre with young people and teens throughout the greater metropolitan
area. Exceptional candidates will have prior experience working with youth,
preferably in the arts.
These summer education internships are full-time, short-term engagements that
span from late-June to mid-August. Summer interns receive a weekly stipend,
but are not provided with housing. To apply, use the same criteria as you would
for a full-season internship, but specify that you are applying specifically
for a summer internship in your cover letter.
Q: Do you offer non-paid, part-time internships?
A: Each year, a limited number of apprenticeships are made available in production
and administrative departments. Apprenticeships are ideal for students who
require a practical internship experience to complete their undergraduate
or graduate studies. These non-paid apprenticeships are generally part-time,
short-term engagements that span the rehearsal and run of a single production
or an entire school semester. No stipend or housing is available to apprentices.
If candidates are completing an apprenticeship for credit, the candidate
must make all necessary arrangements with their school prior to joining the
Shakespeare Theatre Company apprenticeship program. To apply, use the same
criteria as you would for a full-season internship, but specify that you
are applying specifically for an apprenticeship in your cover letter.
Q: Who is eligible for an internship/fellowship?
A: Typically our interns/fellows have an undergraduate degree in theatre or
are in the early stages of their professional careers. While qualification
requirements differ from internship to internship, all of our interns/fellows
must show a desire to further their careers in theatre.
Q: Are there internships/fellowships available for high school students?
A: Unfortunately, no. While STC receives a high volume of requests for internships
from high school students, the rigorous demands and work schedule of a professional
theatre does not provide sufficient supervision and/or training for high
school students. Middle and high school students are encouraged to explore
theatre arts through various education programs such as Master Acting Classes,
Camp Shakespeare and ShakesPEERS.
Q: Do you offer for-credit internships?
A: Yes. Accepted candidates must make all arrangements with their school to
award credit for participating in STC’s internship/fellowship program.
Q: Are international applicants considered for internships/fellowships?
A: Yes. However, international applicants should make any and all arrangements
to secure a J-1 Visa prior to consideration. STC will not coordinate or make
any arrangements to secure a J-1 Visa.
Q: When are applications due?
A: For consideration for the 2010 – 2011 season, please submit all application
materials no later than April 1, 2010.
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