Prosective Students & ParentsCurrent StudentsFaculty & StaffAlumniFriendsPress
     
Professional Intern Program

The Juilliard School sponsors a Professional Intern Program in technical theater and arts administration. It is a practical “hands-on” experience working directly with technicians and administrators in their respective fields.

Technical Theater internships are offered in Costumes, Electrics, Props, Scene Painting, Production Assistant, Stage Management, Production Management and Wigs and Makeup.

Administrative internships are offered in the Drama Division.

Benefits of the Program

  • Entering New York City under the auspices of a program that provides the opportunity to gain practical experience while learning and moving about the city.
  • Seminars are held throughout the year with professionals both alumni and non-alumni to hear and discuss working in either technical theater or the arts administration fields.
  • An intern’s performance is monitored, individual meetings are held, and evaluations are given in the fall and spring.
  • An internship is a positive way to find out if a job in theater or arts administration holds your interest and is the career you are seeking.

Things to Consider

  • The Intern Program does not offer a degree.
  • Internships are nine months in length beginning in September and ending in May.
  • Internships are full time – 40 hours per week.
  • Interns’ weekly schedules may vary with their duties and the requirements of the overall production/administrative schedule.
  • Prospective interns should carefully evaluate their individual financial situations when applying to the program.
  • A stipend of $295 per week is offered.
  • Living in New York is expensive.
  • The internships are a full time commitment.  An outside job cannot be relied upon as an income supplement.
  • It is suggested that housing be secured prior to beginning an internship.

What can you expect from this Internship Program?

You can expect to:

  • Develop good habits
  • Refine your interpersonal skills
  • Approach your career realistically
  • Perhaps, reconsider your career choice
  • Live and work in New York City

Facilities
The Peter Jay Sharp Theater, seating 933 with a 60-foot proscenium stage, houses Juilliard's opera and dance productions, concerts, recitals, and special events.

The Stephanie P. McClelland Drama Theater, seating 191, contains a large thrust stage which supports productions ranging from classical Greek to modern avant-garde plays as well as actor presentations, lectures, drama community meetings and special events.

Rosemary and Meredith Willson Theater, Seating 100 and designed with the latest technological advances available for use by all three divisions at Juilliard, the Rosemary and Meredith Willson Theater will be the first new venue added to the School since the opening of the recital hall in 1990 (renamed Morse Recital Hall in 1994). It comprises over 2,000 square feet of performance space in addition to more than 2,000 square feet of production support space, including a state-of-theart grid, a permanently-installed sound system, a removable dance floor, and video projection capabilities. Juilliard’s new Music Technology Center will also be wired to the Rosemary and Meredith Willson Theater, allowing students at Juilliard to make use of the advanced sound capabilities of the Theater as departments collaborate to create new work for electronic instruments.

Harold and Mimi Steinberg Drama Studio, seating 70, is a "black box" space which serves as a performance studio for 3rd year drama productions. Technical support is provided on a smaller scale.

Studio 305 is also a "black box" space for opera and workshop productions. Seating and technical support are similar to the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Drama Studio.

A Brief Description of the Internships:

Technical Theater

  • Costumes (4)
    This internship is a terrific opportunity that allows early career costumers to develop their skills while working with top designers and a professional technical staff. We look for candidates who are willing to jump into a nine month production schedule that produces up to twenty full scale productions in the areas of Dance, Theater and Opera. We set a high standard of quality and look for interns interested in contributing to the process in a fast paced environment. There is also an emphasis on collaboration and team building. As design assistants, costume shop interns can expect to work closely with designers and be responsible for budgeting, research, coordinating and attending fittings, calendar management, swatching and shopping. Participants will also get hands-on experience with stitching, alterations, craft work, millinery and fabric manipulation. Additionally, they are expected to participate in wardrobe stock maintenance and to run wardrobe crew. Sewing experience is preferred. Applicants must be self motivated, responsible and creative.
  • Wigs & Makeup (2)
    This internship prepares an individual to work as a professional theatrical hair and makeup artist. Previous experience in theater, cosmetology, or hair and makeup is required. The ideal candidate must possess a calm professional demeanor, a willingness to learn, and the ability to follow through with details. The intern will learn and develop theatrical makeup skills, hair and wig styling, and wig and facial hair construction. Participation in the design process, facilitating the needs of designers and the running of drama and opera productions is all part of the experience.
  • Electrics (3)
    The intern candidate should have a practical knowledge of electrics and a basic understanding of electricity. Many aspects of stage lighting will be experienced including reading a light plot, assisting the Master Electrician, hanging, focusing and general maintenance of our inventory and spaces. All interns may have the opportunity to act as Master Electrician along with an opportunity to run light and sound boards for workshop productions. The learning experience will also include many aspects of sound for production by assisting the Chief Audio Engineer.
  • Props (2)
    An active shop which needs committed individuals. The work encompasses many facets of prop design, procurement and construction. Interns will complete carpentry, soft goods, sculpture, assemblage, and graphics projects as well as interpret designs through research and shopping in and around N.Y.C. and beyond. Budgeting, bookkeeping and management skills will be addressed, as will interdepartmental communications and cooperation. Other duties include assisting with the maintenance of our exquisite prop inventory along with running crew assignments. Applicants should be familiar with basic shop tools and a little curious. Opportunities abound to develop skills in multiple crafts areas.
  • Scene Painting (2)
    Applicants need scene painting experience. Successful candidates will work on all productions under the guidance of the Scenic Charge or assistant. The scene painting work is production based and includes: budgeting, sample process, layout, typical scenic painting & techniques; for example, drops, soft goods, hard scenery, textures, faux finishes and sculpting. Paint shop maintenance and safety are also part of the daily routine.
  • Production Assistant (1)
    The Production Assistant Intern will have the opportunity to work in many aspects of production and administration. It is a varied internship allowing the intern to work with the Production Department’s Business Manager and Events Coordinator, as well as Stage Managers and the Intern Director. The schedule
    will fluctuate; at times it might be 9-5 and, at other times, arranged to accommodate late afternoon and evening rehearsals. An individual’s interests and talents are taken into consideration in shaping this internship each year. The ability to take initiative and work with different personalities is required. Knowledge of and experience in theater is preferred.
  • Stage Management (9)
    Starting with pre-production meetings, then on through rehearsals and into performance, Stage Management Interns assist Production Stage Managers on opera, drama and dance productions. Stage Management Intern assignments might also include the opportunity to stage manage Second Year Drama projects. The work requires great organizational skills and close contact with students, directors and choreographers. It is essential that the Intern be able to
    interact with a wide variety of personalities and adapt to various working styles. This includes being able to receive evaluations of his/her work. Additionally, the Intern must stay focused, take initiative and maintain a professional demeanor in the work place. Rehearsals occur late afternoons and evenings. This is not a 9-5 position. Promptness is mandatory. Tardiness is not tolerated. Applicants must possess strong writing and computer skills. There is an emphasis on producing quality paper work. The ability to read music and prior stage management experience are highly desirable.
  • Production Management (1)
    The Production Management Intern will work primarily with the Production Manager. Duties include but are not limited to: oversight of budgets and timelines, creation of technical calendars, establishing and attending production meetings, general filing and weekly report generation. Additionally, attendance of evening/weekend technical and dress rehearsal will be determined by the Production Manager. This is a great opportunity to interact with professional directors and designers and to have constant contact with in-house shops. Applicants should have excellent communication skills and writing ability. Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel is a plus.

Arts Administration

  • Drama Division (2)
    The Interns will directly assist the Administrative Director in the daily administrative and production operations associated with the division’s four-year professional actor training program. There is a high volume of inter-action with faculty, guest artists, students and prospective students. A talent for diplomacy with excellent organizational and communication skills is required. Computer experience with MS Word and Outlook would be extremely helpful.

Academic Credit
Interns seeking academic credit for their participation in the Intern Program must do so through their sponsoring institution.

International Applicants
International applicants can apply to The Juilliard School Professional Intern Program in two ways:

  1. An international student presently enrolled in a university in the United States who is eligible for a year of practical training after graduation.
  2. An international applicant can apply through a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa sponsor.

Application Procedure
To apply to The Juilliard School Internship Program each candidate must submit the following:

  1. 1. A completed application form. You may download a PDF version of the application form (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).
  2. A $15.00 non-refundable application fee (check or money order made payable to The Juilliard School).
  3. A current resume including educational experience plus an ID snapshot or photo.
  4. Three letters of reference describing candidate's working style, an evaluation of skills, and, if applicable, an evaluation of design abilities. (Can be sent separately)
  5. A personal statement of at least 250 words describing the candidate's expectations of the Internship Program and how it relates to his or her individual career goals.
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Deadline is May 1, with notification of acceptance by the end of May.

Interviews
Interviews are highly recommended. Intern applicants are encouraged to tour the facilities and arrange an interview whenever possible.

Send Application to:
Helen Taynton, Director
Professional Intern Program
The Juilliard School
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023

You can contact Ms. Taynton by mail at the above address; by telephone at (212) 799-5000, ext. 7102, or by e-mail: htaynton@juilliard.edu.

What Happens After the Internship?

The Intern Program has over 500 alumni. Many have continued their careers in New York City. Alumni are presently working in either a technical or administrative capacity at the Metropolitan Opera House, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theater, Cambridge in America and on numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. There are alumni who have decided to change their direction. Among them, you will also find a lawyer, doctor, architect, urban planner, business owner, preservationist, director, assistant film director, playwright, conductor, facilities manager, technical theater consultant, and teacher.

Alumni maintain a strong connection to the program. Those residing in the tristate area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) participate in our monthly meetings and offer guidance and support to interns who are just beginning their careers. In some instances, they have provided job opportunities. Throughout the United States and abroad, alumni have stayed connected and provide a tangible contact and support for the program.

About Juilliard
FAQs
Multimedia Gallery
Virtual Tour
Get on Our Mailing Lists
Contact Us
The Campus
Directions to Juilliard
A Brief History
Juilliard's Mission
Leaders & Administration
Professional Intern Program
N.Y.C. Internet Links
Job Openings
Related Links
Looking for a paid position on the Juilliard staff or faculty? Visit our Job Openings
page to see what we have available.
Related Article
Read a Juilliard Journal article
about the Professional Intern Program.