INTERNSHIPS

Primary Stages internships are based in the tradition of theater apprenticeships. Interns form a core of support in all areas of the company's operations, gaining experience in their chosen department while receiving a weekly stipend of $50, free tickets to all of Primary Stages' productions, mentorship seminars with senior staff, and free or reduced priced registration for Primary Stages ESPA classes. Our internship program offers the opportunity to develop practical skills while creating realtionships with artists and administrators at one of New York City's preeminent Off-Broadway theaters.

Our career development program is generously supported by the Edward John Noble Foundation.

Click here to download an application.

DATES

Summer
Late May/early June through mid/late August
Application Deadline: Second Friday in March

Fall
September through late December
Application Deadline: Second Friday in July

Winter/Spring
January through May
Application Deadline: Second Friday in November

POSITIONS
Positions are offered in the following departments:

ARTISTIC – Interns assist the artistic department with in-house readings, casting, production needs, and correspondence with artists. They attend readings and productions in New York City, as well as observe sessions of the Dorothy Strelsin New American Writer's Group, Primary Stages' group of emerging playwrights who meet weekly to create original plays.
DEVELOPMENT – Interns learn about all aspects of the fundraising process including prospect research, donor cultivation, proposal writing, and stewardship. Tasks include assisting with event planning, reviewing daily and weekly publications for prospects, providing ticketing assistance to patrons, writing acknowledgement letters, and other projects as they arise. Interns will act as members of the Development Team attending weekly departmental and bi-weekly staff meetings. Candidates must have a sincere interest in theater fundraising.
ESPA – Interns assist the staff of the Einhorn School of Performing Arts on short term planning and administration, student relations, marketing, and the line producing of extracurricular programming such as the monthly Detention readings. Spring interns also assist with the selection of plays for the ESPA Drills and summer interns assist with the productions. An interest in theater education is encouraged and previous stage management experience is helpful but not required.
MARKETING – Interns work closely with the marketing department in both daily operations and long term projects. Interns assist the department with social media development, mailings, research, outreach, special events, press, audience development, media campaigns, archiving, and various forms of internet marketing and strategizing.
ORAL HISTORY PROJECT – Interns help research, interview, and film subjects creating an archive of Off-Broadway theater legends and luminaries. Interest in theater and off-Broadway history is helpful as is some camera, editing, and website building experience. Interns work closely with Casey Childs, Founder and Executive Producer of Primary Stages, and Sally Plass, Director of the Oral History Project.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS
Candidates must be well-organized, proactive, detail-oriented, possess strong communication skills (written, verbal and interpersonal), be able to prioritize, and multi-task. Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, & Outlook) is important. Interns must commit between 20-25 hours per week during their internship and should demonstrate a strong interest in non-profit theater in the department of their choosing. Degree credit may be arranged.

FAQs

What is the weekly time commitment?
Primary Stages interns work between of 20-25 hours per week. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 10am to 6pm, and the internship hours should fall within those dates and times. Special events such as Opening Nights, Fundraising, and ESPA events may also require time outside of the regular business day; however, dates will be made available in advance and the normal weekly schedule will be adjusted. An internship typically spans between 10-14 weeks, and shorter commitments are agreed to only under very special circumstances.

Do you offer any supplementary educational opportunities to your interns?

We offer complimentary tickets to shows at Primary Stages and, when available, to our peer theater companies. We hold bi-monthly intern meetings with mentors from across the organization, and we encourage our interns to branch out of their departments and explore other facets of our company. Interns are also invited to attend bi-monthly staff meetings.

Do you offer monetary, housing, and/or travel compensation?

We offer a $50/week stipend.

When should I apply for an internship?

Applications are accepted from rising college sophomores through early career professionals, as well as graduate students.

Do I need to have previous administrative experience to apply?

While some previous administrative experience is helpful it is not required. The goal of the internship is to help make you feel more comfortable and confident working in an office.

What application materials do you expect to receive?

We expect to receive a cover letter, resume, and completed application which can be found here. Please send as a Word or PDF attachment and not a Google Drive link.

Do you prefer mailed or emailed applications?

We preferred emailed applications. (See additional instructions below.)

Are there opportunities for advancement within the organization?

We do not guarantee employment at the organization following an internship. Primary Stages intern have gone on to receive offers for internships or entry-level positions at other theaters or art-related businesses.

What type of office is it?
The office is a business casual, creative environment.

APPLY TODAY
To apply for an internship, please send a completed application form, resume, and cover letter indicating your area of interest and availability to internships@primarystages.org. To download an application, click here. Please send as a Word or PDF attachment and not a Google Drive link.

INTERN TESTIMONIALS
My self-confidence skyrocketed through these opportunities and the mentoring I received within my department. When I began my internship at Primary Stages I had a dream of a career in non-profit theater. When my internship ended I had a “Primary Stages family” and a true love and skill for my chosen profession. - Becca N., Development Intern

The experience was absolutely incredible. As a Marketing Intern, I learned so much about all aspects of the job: from graphic design, to social media, to events, this internship offers you a chance to see what it means to work for a non-profit theater company, and makes you feel like a part of the team. The people at Primary Stages are welcoming, inclusive, and make you feel like a part of the family right away; it has been such a pleasure to get to work with them. I am so grateful for this experience, and cannot emphasize enough how much I learned during my time here. - Maria S. Marketing Intern