Internships

Build experience that prepares you for the industry

Theatrical Arts  International Foundation and the California Theatre of Performing Arts offer internship opportunities for students and emerging theatre professionals who want to gain practical, hands-on experience in a professional theatre environment. Our internship program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom education and professional practice by giving interns the opportunity to become part of the process of creating, producing, promoting, and operating live theatre.

This is more than an internship. It is an opportunity to experience what it takes to make live theatre happen.

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LEARN FROM PROFESSIONALS

​At the California Theatre, interns have the opportunity to experience the professional theatre environment firsthand.

Our productions are created and operated in collaboration with IATSE Local 614, the professional stagehands' union serving our venue. Interns may have the opportunity to work alongside professional stagehands and observe firsthand the standards, teamwork, and technical expertise required to operate a professional theatre.

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 Interns will also work alongside experienced professional producers, directors, actors, designers, technicians, and theatre staff who have produced live professional theatre productions and national and international touring shows such as "Caution Men at Work - TAP", "On Golden Pond" starring the late Jack Klugman, "Beauty and the Beast", and "The Little Mermaid", "Little Shop of Horrors" as well as touring China, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Canada, Taiwan and 160 us cities across the US. Our producers have also produced 9 feature films. This provides an opportunity to see how the different disciplines of professional theatre come together to create a production—from the earliest stages of planning and rehearsal through technical rehearsals, performances, and strike.

Interns are assigned responsibilities appropriate to their experience and training and work under the direction of their designated internship supervisor. 

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EXPERIENCE THEATRE FROM THE INSIDE

Professional theatre involves far more than what an audience sees from their seats.

Our interns have the opportunity to work behind the scenes and gain firsthand experience in the many departments that come together to create a successful production.

Internship opportunities may be available in:

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PRODUCTION

Assist with production coordination, scheduling, rehearsals, performances, production meetings, and the day-to-day activities involved in bringing a show to the stage.

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TECHNICAL THEATRE

Gain hands-on experience with scenery, stage operations, lighting, sound, props, backstage operations, and other technical aspects of live theatre while working within professional theatre procedures.

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SCENIC DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Work with experienced theatre personnel on scenery, scenic painting, construction, installation, stage dressing, maintenance, and production preparation.

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PROPS

Assist with sourcing, building, organizing, preparing, and maintaining props used in theatrical productions.

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LIGHTING AND SOUND

Gain practical experience with the equipment, preparation, programming, operation, and technical support required for live performances.

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COSTUMES AND WARDROBE

Assist with costume preparation, organization, maintenance, backstage changes, and wardrobe operations.

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MARKETING AND PROMOTION

Gain experience promoting live theatre through social media, digital marketing, graphic design, advertising, photography, video, community outreach, and promotional campaigns.

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FRONT OF HOUSE

Learn how a professional theatre welcomes and serves its audience through ticketing, ushering, guest services, audience management, and performance operations.

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THEATRE ADMINISTRATION

Gain exposure to the business and administrative side of theatre, including scheduling, communications, production coordination, office operations, and theatre management.

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HANDS-ON PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Our interns don't simply observe. Whenever possible, interns participate in actual theatre projects and responsibilities under the direction of an experienced on-site supervisor.

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Depending on the position, responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with rehearsals and performances

• Supporting backstage operations

• Preparing scenery, props, costumes, lighting, or sound

• Participating in production meetings

• Assisting with production preparation and installation

• Working with professional theatre equipment and software

• Supporting marketing and promotional campaigns

• Assisting with theatre operations and administration

• Helping coordinate special events and performances

• Completing individual projects

• Working alongside professional theatre staff and production personnel

• Observing and learning from professional stagehands, producers, directors, actors, designers, and technicians

Responsibilities are assigned based on the intern's experience, skills, area of interest, and the needs of the theatre.

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A STRUCTURED INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

We believe a successful internship should provide meaningful professional experience while allowing students to meet their academic requirements. Internships are structured with clearly defined responsibilities, schedules, and supervision.

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Typical Internship Structure

Minimum Commitment: 150 hours

Typical Duration: 6–10 weeks

Schedule: Arranged between the intern and the internship supervisor

Supervision: Direct supervision by an assigned theatre professional

Responsibilities: Established in advance through an internship agreement

Schedules can be arranged to accommodate academic commitments whenever reasonably possible.

Students seeking academic credit are responsible for completing any required approval and university paperwork before beginning their internship.

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WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

An internship should leave you with more than hours on a timesheet.

Our goal is for interns to leave with a better understanding of how professional theatre actually works.

During your internship, you may develop experience in:

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Professional Skills

• Communication

• Collaboration

• Time management

• Problem solving

• Organization

• Professional workplace expectations

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Theatre Skills

• Production procedures

• Technical theatre practices

• Rehearsal and performance operations

• Stage management

• Scenic and backstage operations

• Marketing and audience development

• Theatre administration

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Professional Tools

• Theatre equipment

• Production software

• Digital marketing platforms

• Design and creative software

• Technical systems and equipment

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Whenever possible, interns will be exposed to the specific equipment, software, and professional practices used in the theatre.

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BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO

Your internship can become an important part of your professional career.

Depending on your position, you may have opportunities to create or contribute to work that can demonstrate your abilities to future employers and graduate programs.

Potential portfolio material may include:

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• Scenic work

• Props

• Lighting designs

• Sound projects

• Production documentation

• Marketing campaigns

• Graphic design

• Photography

• Video

• Social media content

• Production materials

• Administrative projects

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Portfolio opportunities vary by position and production. All use of theatre-owned materials, photographs, designs, and production information must follow theatre policies.

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PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

An internship is a professional commitment.

We expect every intern to approach the experience with the same level of responsibility expected of a member of our professional theatre team.

Interns are expected to demonstrate:

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• Dependability

• Punctuality

• Professionalism

• Initiative

• A willingness to learn

• Respect for fellow artists and staff

• Strong communication

• Attention to detail

• A positive attitude

• Commitment to assigned responsibilities

• Respect for theatre policies and procedures

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Interns are representatives of themselves, their educational institutions, and our organization.

We take that responsibility seriously.

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FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER

Theatre education provides the foundation.

Professional experience teaches you how to put that education into practice.

An internship with Theatrical Arts International Foundation and the California Theatre of Performing Arts gives you the opportunity to experience the realities of professional theatre while developing the skills, knowledge, and professional relationships that can help prepare you for your future career.

You will work alongside people who make theatre their profession.

You will see what happens before the curtain rises.

You will experience the work that happens behind the scenes.

And you will become part of the team that makes live theatre possible.

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INTERESTED IN AN INTERNSHIP?

Tell us about yourself, your theatre experience, and the area of theatre you would like to explore. And send it to us via the contact form below.

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INTERNSHIP INTEREST FORM

Name

Email

Phone

School / College / University

Area of Study

Area of Interest

Production
Technical Theatre
Scenic Design / Construction
Props
Lighting
Sound
Costumes / Wardrobe
Marketing / Promotion
Front of House
Theatre Administration
Other

Preferred Internship Term

Why are you interested in an internship with the California Theatre?

What theatre experience or skills do you currently have?

What would you like to learn during your internship?