About us > Get involved > Internships
About our internship program
Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Internship Program provides an opportunity to work under our professional staff, helping to support the high quality production standards for which Berkeley Rep continues to win numerous accolades. Interns will work closely with an accomplished company of artists, administrators, guest directors and designers. Interns accepted into the program generally begin work in August or September and conclude their residency in June or July.
The Internship Program includes regularly scheduled informal seminars throughout the season. These talks are conducted by administrative department heads, production staff supervisors and guest speakers, with the goal of providing insight into the operation and inner-workings of a professional regional theatre. Topics covered may include personnel management, financial management, press and public relations, assembling a season and resume/portfolio creation. The partnership between the Theatre and the intern is intended to fulfill as many career-building goals and objectives as possible and to provide the intern with a variety of professional contacts and craft-building experiences.
Each intern participates in evaluations following the first month, fifth month and near the conclusion of the internship. These evaluations include discussion with the intern’s supervisor(s) and the Internship Coordinator about job performance, evaluation of the work relationship between the intern and the supervisor(s) and how best to meet the intern’s and the Theatre’s expectations.
Applicants to Berkeley Rep’s Internship Program should be serious-minded, highly motivated individuals who have already acquired basic training and experience in theatre and are ready for the next step toward a career in professional theatre. They should be willing to engage in the creative process and to test the limits of their own ingenuity.
For more detailed information, click on one of the links below:
Artistic & administrative internships
interns at berkeley rep have worked with many of these artists
Directors
Jo Bonney
Lee Breuer
Mark Brokaw
Barbara Damashek
Kyle Donnelly
Robert Egan
Leigh Fondakowski
Lillian Groag
Moisés Kaufman
Brian Kulick
Irene Lewis
Jonathan Moscone
Robert Moss
Timothy Near
Sharon Ott
Lisa Peterson
Mark Rucker
Domenique Serrand
Richard Seyd
Warner Shook
Molly Smith
Tony Taccone
Stephen Wadsworth
Les Waters
David Wheeler
Mark Wing-Davey
George C. Wolfe
Mary Zimmerman
Playwrights
David Edgar
Lillian Groag
Naomi Iizuka
Tony Kushner
Charles Mee
Artists under comission
Glen Berger
Rinne Groff
Naomi Iizuka
Ellen McLaughlin
Rita Moreno
Itamar Moses
Sharon Ott
Sarah Ruhl
Scenic designers
Christopher Acebo
Chris Barreca
Bill Bloodgood
Scott Bradley
Kate Edmunds
Ralph Funicello
John Iacovelli
David Korins
Sarah Lambert
Tom Lynch
Dan Ostling
Neil Patel
Annie Smart
Kris Stone
Costume designers
Gabriel Berry
Deborah Dryden
Anne Hould-Ward
Meg Neville
Anna Oliver
Keiko Shirnosato
Lydia Tanji
Shigeru Yaji
Anita Yavich
Christal Weatherly
Catherine Zuber
Lighting designers
Betsy Adams
Chris Akerlind
Blake Burba
Michael Chybowski
Matt Frey
TJ Gerckens
Donald Holder
Jim Ingalls
York Kennedy
Alex Nichols
Robert Wierzel
Scott Zielinski
Composers, arrangers and sound artists
Marc Bennet
Michael Bodeen
Robbin Broad
Larry Delinger
Paul Dresher
Peter Golub
Andre Pluess
Jim Ragland
Darron West
artistic and administrative internships
Bret C. Harte Directing intern (Artistic Administration)
The intern will function as the personal assistant to the Artistic Director, assisting in day-to-day duties and responsibilities (e.g. correspondence and scheduling). The Bret C. Harte Directing intern will also work with the Casting Director preparing audition materials, setting up audition appointments and may read with actors in auditions. The intern will have the opportunity to read and critique scripts, observe rehearsals, attend artistic staff meetings, organize events around the plays (e.g. Page to Stage) and assist other artistic staff members in various projects.
* This internship lasts 12 months and begins June 1, 2008.
Development / Fundraising
Essential to anyone wishing to pursue a career as a non-profit theatre administrator is a knowledge of fundraising. The Berkeley Rep development internship focuses on special events, which support the department’s role in cultivating and stewarding individual and institutional donor relationships. The intern will work under the guidance of the Theatre’s special events manager, learning all aspects of planning and executing donor benefit and fundraising events, and will have the opportunity of executing events independently. The intern will also assist in general administration projects as our needs and interests develop. Computer experience is required.
Education
This internship is an opportunity for an individual to learn the inner workings of a multi-faceted theatre education program. Programming at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre includes classes for youth and adults, a theatre youth group for teenagers, a monthly series for families, a student matinee series and many community outreach programs in local schools. In addition to assisting in day-to-day operations, the intern will work on marketing, teen programming, developing study guides, managing outreach visits for elementary schools and other projects designed to fulfill the intern’s goals. Projects will be designed to grow in size and responsibility throughout the internship, depending on intern’s developing interests and skill level. While the intern will have access to classes and interact with faculty members and students regularly, this is an administrative—not teaching—position. A working knowledge of basic Microsoft Office software required.
Graphics / Web / Publications
The graphics intern will work one-on-one with the art director to produce marketing materials for print, including posters, ads, brochures, programs, signage and other collateral. The intern will hone his/her layout skills and learn how to prepare projects for professional printing. The internship provides a smooth transition from arts training to practical experience in a fast-paced environment, and by the end of the internship the intern will have several high-quality portfolio pieces. Experience in graphics and layout programs is required (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Quark). General marketing assistance will also be a part of this internship.
Literary Management / Dramaturgy
Includes reading and critiquing plays under consideration for the season, assisting the Literary Manager / Dramaturg with the processing of new scripts, overseeing script readers, maintaining a script library and other occasional projects. There will also be dramaturgical support involved, including some writing and research. Applicant should be extremely organized, and possess a strong background in writing and knowledge of dramaturgy and theatre. Candidates should submit, in addition to their other application materials, two samples of critical writing (at least one must be about a play).
Company / Theatre Management
This internship centers around Company Management, intersecting with General Management duties as needed. The intern will work closely with the Company Manager on travel and accommodation of artists and will assist in organizing opening night parties and company-wide events. The intern will also work with the General Manager to assist in contracting artists, budget preparation and administrative-related projects as called for during the season. Candidate should be efficient in both Word and Excel. Good people skills and a valid drivers license are also required.
Marketing / Box Office
Berkeley Rep’s marketing and communications department functions as a full service advertising agency with one client—Berkeley Rep. The marketing/box office intern will participate in activities that go to the identification, cultivation and retention of an annual audience of 150,000 subscribers and single ticket patrons. Activities range from the strategic (e.g. campaign planning and creative development) to the tactical (e.g. research, mailings, reporting), and include advertising, promotions, community outreach, media relations, direct mail and viral marketing. The intern’s weekly responsibilities will include sales reports, newspaper listings and house seat logs, among others. In this department, where the scope of work is great, ample opportunities exist for a motivated intern to work independently, enabling her/him to pursue interests and develop skills relevant to the Theatre’s needs. This position requires strong communication, careful organization, attention to detail and proficiency with Microsoft Office products. Box office experience is desirable.
production internships
Stage Management
The internship provides a unique opportunity to assist the Actors Equity Association (AEA) stage managers in all aspects of their work. Beginning with attendance at production meetings, the intern will take part in the rehearsal process, technical rehearsals and in many instances will work on a production through the completion of the run. This demanding internship will involve the intern in every facet of the production. Computer and word processing skills are an asset.
Production Management
The intern will assist the Production Management department in overseeing all technical departments. Administrative duties include contracting of designers, scheduling of tech rehearsals, coordinating designer travel and housing, transporting artistic personnel, facilitating various rentals and special events for the theatre, tracking expenses and assisting other departments. The intern will attend all production meetings, technical rehearsals and assist on facility rentals. Ideal candidates should display a broad knowledge of technical theatre, as well as organizational and computer skills. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license. Position requires evenings and weekend hours.
Scenic Construction
The internship focuses on the further development of skills in scenic construction. The intern will work with materials such as woods, metals and plastics and face challenges as builder, welder and draftsperson. The scenic construction aspects of the internship will take place in the scene shop facility.
Scenic Art
The intern will work as a full member of the Berkeley Rep scenic art team, participating in all aspects of scenic painting. Strong drawing and color mixing skills are required. Applicants with painting experience outside of the realm of theater are encouraged to apply. Please submit a portfolio for review. Due to the large numbers of applications received, portfolios may not be returned in a timely fashion. Please do not send original artwork.
Sound
This internship provides a comprehensive overview of Audio Engineering and Sound Design installation for a professional theatre environment. With the Berkeley Rep Sound Engineer(s), the intern is involved in the planning, installation, maintenance and technical rehearsals of all Berkeley Rep productions. The intern will learn to operate the house and ancillary sound systems of the Theatre, maintain and repair equipment and help with the upkeep of Berkeley Rep facilities’ audio and video systems. Other opportunities are determined on a show-by-show basis and may include assisting guest Sound Designers, recording and editing material for shows and events and acting as engineer / operator for show runs or rehearsals. The intern will also work with the School of Theatre on their productions.
Lighting / Electrics
This internship involves helping with all areas of electrics and technical production including building practicals, hanging, focusing and running of shows. The intern will be responsible for assisting the Master Electrician in setting up paperwork using AutoCAD, VectorWorks, Spotlight and Lightwright. In addition, the intern will have the opportunity to assist the lighting designer for our main stage productions.
Properties
The internship provides training in properties construction, carpentry, crafts, soft goods, research/finding and administration. Good communication skills, a flexible creative personality and a sense of humor are essential. Please submit a portfolio for review (digital format is preferred). Due to the large numbers of applications received, portfolios may not be returned in a timely fashion. Please do not send original artwork.
Costumes
The intern will work closely in hands-on processes with nationally recognized designers and artisans. This internship will be targeted toward specific experiences based on long-term career goals of recipient. All facets of a professional costume shop are open for exploration.
*** Neither summer internships nor internships in acting or directing are available. ***
current availability
We are no longer accepting applications for Season 08/09 internships.
how to apply
Applications are accepted no earlier than January 1 and ALL materials must be received by April 1 for positions beginning the following August. Telephone and personal interviews are generally held in late April and early May. Additional interviews will be held if openings occur during the season. Please send all application materials in ONE envelope.
Please do not call to check on the status of your application. However, if your situation has changed and you’ve accepted employment elsewhere, we would appreciate an e-mail, a letter or a phone call.
Click here for an application form. (PDF opens in new window)
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Please make sure that your application includes ALL of the following items. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application form
- Please make sure that all items are completed and that you include your address and phone number for the summer months.
Personal statement
- This statement should be 500 words or less and include the following: your career objectives and how you expect to achieve them, what you expect from a Berkeley Rep internship, your experience and/or education in theatre, the qualities you possess that recommend you as a candidate for an internship and how you heard about Berkeley Rep’s internship. Your personal statement should reveal information about yourself that may not be represented in your resume or recommendations.
Resume
- A resume of education, theatre experience, training and any related work.
Three letters of recommendation
- It is preferred that these letters be enclosed with your application materials, though they may be submitted separately from the rest of your application, and must be received by the April 1 deadline.
We will not consider incomplete applications for any internship. Be sure to complete the section of the application that indicates from whom your recommendations are coming.
Please mail ALL items to:
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Attn: Internship Coordinator
2025 Addison Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
other important information
Academic credit
If your school would like to translate your internship experience into academic units, Berkeley Rep is happy to work with your school advisor. Please provide any paperwork with your application.
Living expenses
Compensation for the interns includes a stipend of $4,000 disbursed equally over the months of the internship.
Housing and transportation
Intern housing in Berkeley is available for a limited number of interns for the duration of the program and is within walking distance of the Theatre. Berkeley and the Bay Area have excellent public transportation—buses and trains. We recommend managing without a car since it is very difficult to park in Berkeley.
International applicants
Berkeley Rep is only able to accept applicants who have taken care of the necessary documents to work in the United States (i.e. visas, green cards, citizenship, etc.). The Theatre cannot sponsor or assist applicants in the visa application process. For more information, please contact the United States embassy in your country.
Affirmative action
Berkeley Rep is an equal opportunity employer and believes strongly in affirmative action. Berkeley Rep’s staff reflects the diversity of the Bay Area and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply.
Contact information
Questions? E-mail the Berkeley Rep intern coordinator, Rachel Fink, at Internship@berkeleyrep.org. Berkeley Rep will only accept applications via U.S. mail. Please do not e-mail your application. For more information on how to apply, please see “How to Apply.”
frequently asked questions
Do you offer internships in acting or directing?
We do not offer acting or directing internships; however, we do offer classes
in both areas at the Berkeley
Rep School of Theatre.
Do you offer summer internships?
Berkeley Rep’s season runs August—June, which does not allow us
to offer summer internships. All internships are 11 months unless otherwise
arranged.
Can I participate in the internship during my college winter break?
Generally, no. Our internships run August—June. Occasionally, additional
interviews will be held if openings occur during the season. Please check
“Current Availability.”
What kind of education do I need to have?
The internship at Berkeley Rep is aimed for applicants looking to make the
jump from the academic world to the professional world of theatre. While
it is not required to have a college degree, we ask that applicants have
some practical knowledge and experience in theatre. We do not accept high
school students.
How do you decide which interns will get housing?
Housing is primarily granted on a first-come-first-served basis. However,
we attempt to favor out-of-town interns over local interns.
Can I hold another job during my internship?
All Berkeley Rep internships are full-time positions. Production internships
will require evening and weekend work. The Berkeley Rep internship and stipend
are designed to cover basic living expenses. While it is possible to hold
another part-time job with some intern positions, we strongly recommend
against it. Applicants should secure independent funds for other expenses
they may incur during their internship. There are also limited possibilities
to obtain other paid work through Berkeley Rep itself.
Should I include a portfolio with my application?
No. Berkeley Rep will have the department head contact you if they would
like to see examples or photos of your work.
Who should I have write my letters of recommendation?
Ideally, your recommendation letters should be written by people who know
you and your work well. Employers, professors, supervisors and mentors are
usually the best. These should be people who have seen your past work and
can speak of your potential for future work. These do not need to be theatre
professionals since most skills can cross over career lines.
What are personal references; are they the same as my letters of recommendation?
Personal references could be colleagues, mentors or former employers that
may speak to your character. These people usually know you on a more personal
level. They should not necessarily be the same individuals that write your
letters of recommendation and in most cases are not.