Summer Independent interns are part of a unique program focused on providing an environment for young aspiring theatre professionals to collaborate and produce a musical. Together, the Summer Independent interns produce a full-length musical that is completely directed, designed, managed, performed, and crewed by high school and college aged students. Interns are paired with professional Seattle theatre artists working in their respective disciplines who provide guidance and mentorship. The Summer Independent internships provide access to all Village Theatre facilities and resources for the duration of the summer.

Internships are available in the following positions. Click on each internship for a description of each intern’s roles, responsibilities, and desired qualifications:

• Scenic
• Lights
• Costumes
• Props
• Sound
• Technical Direction
• Dramaturgy
• Stage Management
• Assistant Stage Management
• Production Management

Assistant positions are available for all internships, as well as Directing, Music Directing, and Choreography Assistants. All students interested in assistant positions should apply using the Internship Application.

Interview Process

Summer Independent interviews take place starting in January, after the Summer Independent show and team has been selected. Intern applicants are interviewed by the student director, music director, choreographer and/or production manager who were selected to produce the current Summer Independent show, as well as the KIDSTAGE production manager.

This process is designed to teach students how to lead interviews and build skills on hiring team members to build the team they want to work with.

Important Dates

• Applications are accepted beginning November 2^nd, 2020 for the 2021 Summer
• All applications for Summer Independent Design and Assistant positions are due April 30, 2021
• Production meetings and design deadlines begin in April, with rehearsals starting in June and performances late July 2021

Compensation

Summer Independent artistic and design interns receive a weekly stipend, which are designed to reimburse interns for travel to and from the theater. Stipend amounts are determined by position and hours required. Assistant positions are not eligible for a stipend.

APPLY NOW

KIDSTAGE productions include opportunities for student musicians. KIDSTAGE orchestras contain a combination of student and professional musicians. This program allows students to build relationships and learn from professional musicians who work in local orchestras and at theaters across the Seattle area. To apply for the orchestra, please check out our musician opportunities page.

We’ve compiled a list of the most common questions that prospective interns often ask. If you can’t find an answer here, feel free to contact us at kidstageproductions@villagetheatre.org

Does KIDSTAGE offer paid internships?  
KIDSTAGE offers both paid and unpaid internships. Our Summer Independent designers and directors receive a small cost-reimbursement stipend, designed to reimburse gas and food costs while at the theater; however, assistant positions do not receive compensation. All interns and assistant positions qualify as summer internships if your college or university accepts outside internships for credit. Please talk to your intern supervisor if you will require supervisor signatures to qualify for your school’s internship credits.

How competitive is the selection process? 
KIDSTAGE receives many applications from highly qualified individuals from around the Pacific Northwest. We have limited internship opportunities and receive hundreds of applications every year. If you are not selected, please consider applying again in the future.

How does the selection process work?  
Summer Internship applications are reviewed after the date of the submission deadline. A round of candidates will be interviewed in person, virtually, or over the phone. Some departments will request a second round of interviews.

Does KIDSTAGE offer housing?
At this time, KIDSTAGE is unable to offer housing. If housing is a concern about accepting an internship with KIDSTAGE, please let us know – we can provide resources to help find temporary housing for the summer in the Seattle area.

Does KIDSTAGE offer short–term or part–time internships? 
All of KIDSTAGE’s internships are structured around our production and class schedule. If you are interested in short-term internships, please email kidstage@villagetheatre.org for volunteer opportunities.

Can an applicant apply to more than one internship?
Yes. Applicants can apply for as many internships as they are qualified for.

Are high school students or adults exploring new career paths eligible to apply for an internship?  
KIDSTAGE internships are designed for undergraduate-aged students, 18-25. Students under the age of 18 who are interested in design and/or stage experience should apply for the Technical Training Program (located here) [link]. At this time, we do not offer internships for adults or graduate students.

Will I be able to hold a job during the program? 
Interns work 20-40 hours per week depending on department. Please see the individual internship descriptions for more specifics regarding hours and schedule. Many of our past participants have been able to find morning, weekend, and/or freelance work around our production, classroom, or rehearsal schedules. We recommend you discuss during your interview if/how a part time job would fit around your internship(s) of choice.

If I am not offered an internship, can I apply again? 
Yes. We receive a great number of qualified applicants each year and have limited internship spots available, so if you feel the program would still be beneficial to you or you have gained a little more experience, please re–apply.