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 mentor/supervisor.

We are happy to take interns all year long, but all artistic/design internships are only offered when we are mounting a production.

Administrative
Administrative internship reports directly to the General Manager, and helps with the variety of day to day operations of the Mime Troupe. 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.

Assistant Production Manager
APM internship begins two weeks before the first day of rehearsals (as early as mid-April) and continues through the end of the summer season (as late as mid-September). The APM assists the Production Manager in scheduling, securing donations, community outreach and communication. This internship offers practical experience with project oversight and management and marketing/outreach support in a non-profit setting.

Assistant Stage Manager
ASM internship begins on the first day of rehearsals (as early as mid May) and continues through the end of the summer season (as late as mid-September). This internship requires attendance at all rehearsal and production meetings. The Mime Troupe is an Equity theater company and EMC points can be earned. During production the ASM will serve as backstage support. This internship conforms to Equity contract hours. We often look for candidates with lighting experience to help assist with light focus for indoor shows.

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 props management, maintenance and repairs to the end of the summer season.

Costume Apprentice
This internship is ideal for individuals who want to refine their costume design, machine and hand sewing and patterning skills. Intern will work directly with the production's Costume Designer as an apprentice and builder. Experience in a costume shop is strongly recommended. Detail oriented with artistic ability and ingenuity is needed as small cast sizes and multiple characters require quick costume changes and rigging. This internship can be limited to the pre-production/design/build phase or can expand to include wardrobe maintenance during the run of the show til the end of the summer season.

Scenic Apprentice/Assist TD
This internship is ideal for individuals who want to refine their scenic painting and design skills. Intern 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. Intern will assist in directing a load-in/load-out crew of volunteers at performances. After opening, intern duties will include paint touch-ups, repair and maintenance of the set, and being in charge of material/supply restock. Internship lasts from pre-production/build to end of summer season.

Sound
Basic familiarity with mixing live music is important. Under the supervision of the production's Audio Engineer, intern will assist and learn the set up and running of a touring theatrical pro-audio system. 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 and take one,s show mixing ability to a higher level. This internship starts mid-June to the end of the summer season.

SUMMER INTERN EXPECTATIONS AND COMPENSATION:
- Summer Internships run roughly from May - September. Interns must be available for this entire period of time. (if there are scheduling conflicts, indicate on application for review)
- Interns receive a stipend of $40 per week, free housing (as needed & on availability), and free lunch on show days in the parks.
- 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 Workshop FAQs for more information.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:
- College undergraduate, Graduate students and recent graduates.
- Anyone open to new ideas, new experiences and new people.
- Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Experience in technical theater and front of house is welcome, but not required.
- People who want to be part of a team and have a passion for creative social justice work.

TO APPLY, SUBMIT:

- The Internship Application

- A cover letter

- A resume

- One letter of recommendation

- Two references with current contact information

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