Our career development programs are generously supported by the Edward John Noble Foundation. Interns form a core of support in all areas of Primary Stages operations, gaining experience in the department of their chosen internship and receiving a modest weekly stipend during the term of their work. Our programs offer the opportunity to work alongside dedicated artists and managers at one of New York City's preeminent Off-Broadway theaters. Our goal at Primary Stages is to have interns learn a practical skill set, while developing relationships with artists and administrators in the New York City and National theater communities.
Summer Application Dates: February 1 – March 7
Interviews are conducted from mid-February to the end of March. Summer Internships begin on or around June 1.
Fall
Application Dates: June 1 – July 7
Interviews are conducted from mid-June to the end of July. Fall Internships begin on or around September 4.
Winter/Spring
Application Dates: October 1 – November 7
Interviews are conducted from mid October to the end of November. Winter/Spring Internships begin on or around January 1.
Positions are offered in the following departments:
Development – participants have the opportunity to learn about the fundraising process including, prospect identification and research, donor cultivation, proposal writing and stewardship. Tasks include reviewing daily and weekly publications for prospects, providing ticketing assistance to patrons, writing acknowledgement letters, and assisting with event planning and specific projects as they arise. Interns will act as members of the Development Team, attending weekly staff and departmental meetings. Candidates must have a sincere interest in theater fundraising.
Marketing – interns work closely with the marketing department in both daily administrative operations and long term projects. We provide a multifaceted learning experience in the field of professional theatrical marketing. Participants will assist the department with mailings, research, outreach, special events, audience development, archiving, and various forms of internet marketing and strategizing.
Artistic– participants assist the artistic department with projects such as 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.
ESPA - interns assist the staff of the Einhorn School of Performing Arts on short term planning and administration, student relations, marketing and recruitment efforts. Responsible for familiarizing themselves with ESPA's curriculum, students and instructors and taking minutes at weekly ESPA meetings, interns can expect to gain insight into the inner workings of a theatrical education institution, particularly as it works cooperatively with a major theater company.
Production Assistant– interns work directly with Stage Management in rehearsals and on production run crews. Production Assistants are responsible for attending all rehearsals, tech, and performances on a given show. Previous backstage theater experience is required.
Oral History Project - interns work closely with Casey Childs, Founder and Executive Producer of Primary Stages, and Sally Plass, Director of the Oral History Project, on a brand new program. Interns will help to research, interview and film participants of the program, creating an entirely new database of theater legends and luminaries on tape. Interest in theater and off-broadway history is helpful, as well as some camera experience.
Candidate Requirements and Benefits
All candidates must be well-organized, proactive, detail-oriented, posses strong communication skills (written, verbal and interpersonal), be able to prioritize and multi-task. Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, & Outlook) is important. Must have a strong interest in the not-for-profit arts. Candidates must commit a minimum of 20 hours weekly during their internship and should demonstrate a strong interest in non profit theater within the department of their choosing. Degree credit may be arranged for internships at Primary Stages.
