Internships

Our internship program provides exciting opportunities in theater production for students to gain hands-on experience in several areas of theater. The goal is to provide students with a wide range of production experiences that will enhance their options as theater practitioners.

Intern preferences and skill levels are taken into account when internships are assigned. Additionally the Mime Troupe offers a unique insight to a Collective run organization and issue-driven theater. Since our performances are free and held in public parks, the internship is a chance to work with diverse audiences and in a multitude of environments, emphasizing team work, creative problem solving, and participating in the mission and goals of the Company.

The SFMT internship may be of special interest to those seeking an intensive experience in the process of producing new and original work. There are a variety of ways to work with the Mime Troupe as an intern. We offer part-time to full-time internships. The actual hours and duties will be finalized with your acceptance into the Troupe.

Internships typically occur during the summer months (May-September) but administrative or other office based interns are welcome year round - please call our office and speak with the General Manager before applying for a possition during Oct-April.

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-April) 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
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 production's Costume Designer as an apprentice: building, altering, machine & hand sewing and pulling costumes. Previous experience in a costume shop is strongly recommended. Our small cast size and multiple characters require the costume intern to be detail oriented, fast on their feet and ingenious to help solve/rig costumes for quick changes. This internship can be limited to the pre-production/design/build phase or can expand to include wardrobe maintenance and assisting with load-in/out of the summer show till the end of the summer season (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, but need to understand that they would be taking on an additional time commitment.
- 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.

- The Internship Application

- A cover letter

- A resume

- One letter of recommendation

- Two references with current contact information

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

- If applying for Acting Internship also inclued Headshot and audition tape, if from out of town.