Work with both marketing and development departments to provide support for marketing campaigns, special events, and daily development activities. Edit and distribute marketing literature, support development events, and assist on email campaigns for ticket sales and donors. While working in the administrative offices, the intern learns the daily operations and responsibilities of a marketing department while assisting in all activities. They develop skills through communication with patrons, donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Candidates should be highly organized, have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to multi-task and establish priorities. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working towards a career in Marketing, Development, or General Arts Administration.

May include any of the following:

GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGN: Assists the Graphic/Web Designer with e-blasts, signage, program layouts, advertisements, t-shirt designs and other promotional materials. Applies daily updates to the website including cast information, production photos, video clips and more. Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator is required. Must submit a link to an online portfolio, or upload 3 samples at the time of application.

FUNDRAISING: Among other tasks, the intern will research funders and philanthropic trends, assist in editing and writing foundation and donor reports and correspondence, help maintain and improve information systems, and provide support to the growing individual donor program and grants management operations. Intern will lead the company fundraising efforts and may coordinate fundraising events.

PUBLIC RELATIONS/SPECIAL EVENTS: Writes press releases and show-specific stories. Assists with a variety of PR and Marketing activities including interviews, promotional events, displays, decorations for cast parties, opening night gifts, welcome baskets and a variety of administrative tasks including social media and website management. Some nights and weekends required. Must have a valid driver’s license. Strong writers are encouraged to apply.

VIDEO PRODUCTION: Shoots, edits and produces video spots of performances, rehearsals, cast parties, community events and education programs for use on the website, in presentations and for local TV stations. Self-directed position - advanced proficiency in video editing & Adobe Premiere required.

DRAMATURGY: Assists the Producers in the creation, preparation, and implementation of unique dramaturgical context plans for all SSA productions. They may create original dramaturgical materials, including program notes, study guides, talk-backs, and lobby displays.

Program and execute educational video content to package with the original movie musical. Levels will include K-12. Create the lessons, curate content, and coach performers. Package program for schools. Connect schools with program and coordinate distribution. Coordinate, rehearse, and manage film showings with live content for community audiences. Coordinate outreach for free and reduced tickets to community groups.

Analyze what is needed for a shoot, and co-ordinate the schedules of various departments including camera, make-up, hair, costume, design and visual effects. Pay close attention to what is happening in one shot while getting ready for the next one. Think of creative solutions under pressure when the unexpected happens. Coordinate and communicate with a wide range of people so they know exactly what is required of them and get them to work together. Make sure all departments such as production, locations and facilities are prepped and ready. Prepare and send out daily call sheets. Ensure that all actors are ready for filming when they are required, entailing transport coordinating and make-up and wardrobe timetables.

Assists with housing and transportation of cast members and artistic teams, updates company database, arranges and transports to medical care if needed, assists with banking logistics and provides other local information to our company. Send out daily reports to full company. Communicate schedules and events to company members. Works closely with guest artists and production staff as required. Assisting with payroll preparation and distribution; processing accounts payable; maintaining files; completing company house seat orders; assisting with the planning of events; occasionally covering shows and reviewing box office statements; as well as completing any other relevant tasks as assigned. Greet out-of-town artists upon arrival and serves as an emergency contact during their stay. Additional responsibilities may include production management coverage and run crew assignments. Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and have a valid driver’s license. Daytime, evening & weekend hours apply. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are a must. This position is appropriate for those interested in working as Company Managers or General Managers.

Assists Production Manager to oversee and coordinate all production elements of the summer season. Duties will include help with scheduling, departmental “check ins”, development and distribution of notes, attendance at production meetings, help managing expenses and running errands as they relate to the productions. Record, reconcile, and report budgets and expenses. Assists in the daily operations of the Production Office, including contracting, receiving and processing purchase orders and check request forms, as well as managing production calendars, contact sheets, databases, and policies. Additional responsibilities may include company management coverage and run crew assignments. Some nights and weekends will apply. Must have valid driver’s license. Candidates should have excellent communication and organizational skills as well as a working knowledge of office programs (word, excel, etc.). CAD experience a plus. Most importantly, candidates should be able to go with the flow and be ready to pitch in wherever needed. Candidates should be able to multitask, establish priorities, and be detail-oriented. This position is appropriate for those working toward careers as Production Managers, Producing Directors, and General Managers.

Stage Management Mentorship offers a unique, hands-on, professional experience. SSA productions are often technically complicated and require all of the organizational and technical skills required of even the most experienced stage manager. Stage Managers will PSM one of the productions, leading a team of high school and college level ASMs. The Stage Management team will develop run sheets, track costume changes, and supervise the crew during performances. Be prepared to work one prep week, run daily rehearsals, and run shows through closing performances. When not assigned to a show, stage management mentors may assist with office work and other areas of production. It is essential that the candidate be able to interact with a wide variety of personalities and adapt to various working styles. Additionally, the candidate must stay focused, take initiative, and maintain a professional demeanor in the workplace. Applicants must possess strong writing and computer skills. There is an emphasis on producing quality paperwork and a fast-paced tech process requires attention to detail and quick problem solving skills. The ability to read music is desirable, and prior stage management experience is required. Candidates should have excellent organizational and communication skills. This position is best suited for those working towards careers as professional stage managers.

Focus on computer aided drafting (CAD), labor and material estimation, analysis of structural and aesthetic requirements for construction, rigging, shop management, safe practices for scenery creation, installation, and strike. The mentorship will also allow for the continued practice of theatrical construction and the development of new skills in metalworking and finish carpentry.

Assists Musical Director and Arranger. Transcribes, transposes and copies music, preparing the orchestra parts for each production.  Assist MDs during rehearsals, tech and performance. Working knowledge of Finale is helpful. Piano skills are a plus. Daytime, evening & weekend hours apply.

Assists with wardrobe fittings; obtaining costume pieces and note taking during tech and opening nights. Works with Costume Designer, Coordinator & Wardrobe Head. Participants may function as design assistants supporting designers and the Costume Shop with duties including research, swatching, pulling and shopping, rental coordination, calendar management, coordinating and attending fittings, budget management, and costume tracking. They may also assist in the construction of costumes, getting hands-on experience with stitching, sewing, construction, draping, patterning, alterations, craft work, shoe painting and dyeing, and millinery. They also serve as wardrobe crew, which includes maintaining and repairing costumes and wigs during the run of each show, cleaning and maintaining both costumes and costume areas. Applicants must be self-motivated, responsible, and creative. Computer proficiency required, including Microsoft Office: Outlook, Excel, and Word. Sewing experience required. Daytime, evening, & weekend hours required. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working toward careers as First Hands, Cutters, Drapers, Costume Shop Managers, and Wardrobe Supervisors.

Duties center largely on wig construction, styling, and running shows. Build and style wigs and facial hair and facilitate specialty makeup looks. Assist in setting wigs, shopping and tracking wigs during performances. Help organize show wigs (labeling wigs and wig blocks). Help with wig fittings; cleaning of facial hair, washing, conditioning and steaming of wigs. Participate intensively in every step of the build process, from the initial head measurement all the way through the application and maintenance of the wig during a run. Other duties include sourcing and shopping for materials, research of period hair and makeup, hairstyling and cutting, shop and stock organization, and maintenance. An ideal candidate must be self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and work well under pressure.

Assist Lighting Designers, Master Electrician, and/or Programmer with creation of complete lighting design for the Summer Season. The candidate will have a practical knowledge of electrics and basic understanding of electricity and stagecraft. Many aspects of theatrical lighting will be experienced, including reading and updating light plots and the use of VectorWorks and LightWright for paperwork. Participate in load-in, hanging, focusing, troubleshooting problems during tech rehearsals, maintaining electrical equipment during production runs, participating in all lighting strikes and changeovers, and general maintenance of inventory and spaces. Assignments may include a light board operator and spotlight operator and may also incorporate aspects of video support for productions. Experience working in a theatrical atmosphere, computer literacy, and awareness of current lighting consoles and equipment is ideal. This position is suitable for those working towards careers as Master Electricians and Lighting Designers.

Duties may include rigging, dressing and gripping scenic elements as well as assisting the Props, Wardrobe and Electrics crews with their duties. As a Scenic Carpenter, assist with building and installing set pieces made of wood, steel, aluminum, plastics and fabrics under the supervision of a Technical Director. Serve as Deck Head during the run. The preferred candidate will have a familiarity with the tools required to work with the various media used to construct scenery as well as a basic knowledge of rigging. Applicants should be able to use power tools and lift at least 50 pounds. Experience working with metal and having a valid driver’s license is a plus. Hone new and resourceful methods of stagecraft and is suitable for those working towards careers as Master Carpenters, Technical Directors, and General Theater Technicians.

Assist the Properties Master in creating, building, and/ or sourcing all props for the summer season. Work in the props department encompasses many facets of prop design, procurement, and construction. Complete carpentry, soft goods, sculpture, assemblage, and graphics projects, as well as interpret designs through research and shopping in and around Austin and beyond. Budgeting, bookkeeping, and management skills will be addressed, as will interdepartmental communications and cooperation. Duties may include creating prop lists, attending design meetings, pulling rehearsal props, and research. Additional responsibilities include coordinating props rentals and maintaining inventory and running crew for several shows. Applicants should be familiar with basic shop tools and a little curious. Opportunities abound to develop skills in multiple craft areas. Must have a valid driver’s license as this person will travel the area at times sourcing props as needed. A working knowledge of computers to research different periods is helpful. The ideal candidate should be comfortable with power tools, painting techniques, and working with fabric. This position is suitable for those working toward careers as Properties Masters or designers.

A Scenic Artist’s responsibilities include the texturing and painting of hard scenery and props as well as soft goods. All applicants must show examples of their practical scene painting experience and drawing abilities with a portfolio, and they should be self-motivated individuals who pride themselves on cooperation and quality work. Basic painting skills are essential, and experience with color mixing, layout, and drop painting are desirable.

Work under the Sound Designer to implement sound design for each production. Assist with rehearsal notes and cues, attend rehearsals, techs and performances. Responsibilities include assisting with load-in, troubleshooting problems during tech rehearsals, maintenance of audio equipment during the run of productions, and participation in all strikes and changeovers. During production runs, duties may include Audio Engineer, Assistant Audio Engineer, or A1. Experience working as an A1 and/or A2 and awareness of current sound boards and equipment is preferred. This position is suitable for those working towards careers as Sound Engineers and Sound Designers.