Internships

SFMT's Internship program provides exciting opportunities for college students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in several areas of theater production. The goal is to provide students with a wide range of production experiences that will enhance their options as theater practitioners. An SFMT internship may be of particular interest to those seeking an intensive experience in the process of producing original new works. All perspective interns should consider applying for the Troupe's Summer Workshop which will both enhance and reinforce your summer experience.

There are a variety of internships offered by the Mime Troupe, both full and part-time; the actual hours and duties will be finalized with your internship acceptance. Internships typically occur during the summer months (May-September), but administrative or other office-based interns are generally welcome year round; please email our Managing Director to inquire about our needs for administrative support during non-production months (October thru April). For a complete list of available internships for the next summer performance season, see below.

An internship with the Mime Troupe offers unique insight into a collectively-run organization producing socially-conscious, issue-driven theater. Since our performances are free and held in public parks, interns have a chance to work with diverse audiences in a multitude of environments - emphasizing teamwork and creative problem solving - and to participate in the realization of the mission and goals of the company. Current & past interns and workshop participants are also eligible for consideration to become an SFMT Emerging Artist-in-Residence.

Administrative
Administrative Intern begins May and runs through September. Intern reports directly to the Managing Director and will help with a variety of day to day operations. Applicants should have outstanding organizational and research abilities, a great telephone demeanor and proven word processing and computer skills. This is a good way to see how a non-profit theater functions. This internship is offered year-round and is available as part-time (25hrs) or full-time (40hrs).

Assistant Tour Manager
ATF intern begins before the first day of rehearsal (mid-May) and continues through the end of the summer season (end of September). The ATM assists the Tour Manager in scheduling, securing donations, community outreach and communication. This internship offers practical experience with project oversight & management and marketing/outreach support in a non-profit setting.

Assistant Stage Manager
ASM Intern begins on the first day of rehearsal (mid May) and continues through the end of the summer season (end of September). This internship requires attendance at ALL rehearsal, production meetings and performance days. The Mime Troupe is an Equity theater company and EMC points can be earned. This internship conforms to Equity contract hours. After opening the ASM will serve as backstage support primarily assisting with load-in/out, light focus and crewing each performance. Candidates with lighting experience is a plus but not a requirement as well as applicants interested in pursuing Stage Management as a career.

Properties (Sorry but this position is not available this year - 2012)
Props Intern works directly with the production's Props Designer to design, build and paint. Experience in a scene shop and/or costume shop are highly beneficial. Ideal candidate is a creative, artistic and independent worker who enjoys thrift shopping and working with a variety of materials. After the pre-production/design/build period, this internship can expand to include maintenance, repairs and assisting with load-in/out of the summer show till the end of the summer season (end of September).

Costume
Costume intern begins at the very beginning of June and will work directly with the productions' Costume Designer as an apprentice: pulling, building, altering, machine and hand stitching as well as some shopping, and help with wig styling if necessary. Previous experience in a costume shop is strongly recommended. Due to the fact that we use multiple casting, the costume intern should be detail oriented, fast on their feet and able to help solve quick change rigging issues. This internship can be limited to the pre-production/design/build phase or can expand to include wardrobe maintenance and assisting with load-in/load out of the summer show until the end of September.

Scenic/TECH
Scenic/TECH Intern begins the week of Memorial Day and will work directly with the production's Set Designer and Technical Director as an apprentice carpenter, painter, and rigger. Familiarity with scenic painting, carpentry, rigging and power tools is strongly recommended. Creative application of stage craft skills is needed to solve the challenges of an outdoor, portable and versatile set. After opening, intern will assist in directing the load-in/out of the summer show, paint touch-ups, repair and maintenance of the set. Internship lasts from pre-production/build to end of summer season (end of September).

Sound
Sound Intern begins mid-June and continues through the end of the summer season (end of September). Intern will work under the supervision of the production's Audio Engineer and will assist/learn the set up and running of a touring theatrical pro-audio system. Basic familiarity with mixing live music is important. The work will include proper EQing and compressing techniques, as well as detailed troubleshooting for snakes and complex multipin setups. The San Francisco Mime Troupe represents one of the most challenging and unique sound system setups in the theatrical touring industry. Live musicians and singers in an outdoor non-controlled environment pose unique challenges.

SUMMER INTERN EXPECTATIONS AND COMPENSATION:
- Summer Internships run roughly from May - September. If needing to return to college, internship can terminate at the end of August. Interns must be available (not have conflicts) for this entire period of time in which their internship takes place. (if there are scheduling conflicts, indicate on application for review)
- Interns receive a stipend of $40 per week, one free meal on performance days in the parks and free housing (as needed, pending availability and upon receipt of a $100 cash deposit).
- Interns will have an irregular schedule including evenings, nights and weekends.
- Interns are expected to show excellent logistical/organizational skills, strong time management, ability to work independently and as part of a team, have excellent verbal and written communication.
- Interns are not encouraged to look for part-time work during the internship period.
- Interns may also participate in the Summer Workshop
- Visit the Summer Program FAQs and The SFMT Gerneral FAQs for more information.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:
- College undergraduate, Graduate students and recent graduates.
- Anyone open to new ideas, new experiences and new people.
- People of color and/or diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
- People who want to be part of a team and have a passion for creative social justice work.

TO APPLY, SUBMIT: Please note, applications missing any of the required documents will not be considered.

- Completed Internship Application

- A cover letter

- Resume

- Letter of recommendation

- Two references with current contact information

- Portfolio or work samples (optional, but encouraged)

- $25.00 non refundable application fee ($26 if using PayPal)