Technical Theatre Internships

Interns train under the Technical Director. They build sets from the ground up, work on shop drawings, and handle shop maintenance. You’ll learn advanced joinery techniques and work with wood, metal, and composites. This is real theatrical construction in a professional scene shop.

Desired Skills:

Power tools, hand tools, and blueprint reading. Basic welding or metalworking helps. So does scenic painting. Rigging knowledge is a plus. You need to solve problems fast, work clean, and collaborate under pressure. Physical stamina matters. We prioritize applicants with CAD software experience (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Vectorworks), stage carpentry background, or formal training.

Our largest department, interns train under the Costume Shop Manager, Assistant Costume Shop Manager, and other experienced shop staff. Interns are assigned roles based on their experience and production needs.

Opportunities include:

• Costume Design Assistant: Support the Costume Designer with research, sourcing, fittings, and note-taking. Basic sewing skills help. Design opportunities may be offered based on experience.
• First Hand: Cut, alter, and oversee stitchers during costume builds. Strong stitching and tailoring skills preferred.
• Stitching: Sew mock-ups, alter garments, hand-finish pieces.
• Hair and Makeup Assistance: Help with wig styling, fittings, and implementing hair and makeup designs. Ventilating skills are a plus.
• Costume Crafts: Assist in the creation, repair, and alteration of costume craft pieces, with knowledge of safe shop practices.

All interns contribute to shop maintenance, cleaning, and restocking supplies.

Desired Skills:

Sewing and garment construction ability. Pattern-making, draping, or tailoring experience. Organizational skills and attention to detail. You need to work fast and collaborate under pressure. We prioritize applicants with training in costume construction, professional shop experience, or specialized skills (dyeing, millinery, crafts, wig work).

Design Assistant positions are available in Costumes, Electrics, Scenic Design, and Sound. These roles integrate into the standard internship within their departments. Opportunities to assist with design processes and execution. Most positions are yearlong but may vary in duration, including summer opportunities.

Desired Skills:

Strong organizational and communication skills. Department-specific technical knowledge (costume construction, lighting systems, drafting, audio engineering). Software proficiency in relevant programs (VectorWorks, Lightwright, QLab, Adobe Creative Suite). We prioritize applicants with previous design assistant or theater experience.

Interns train under the Lighting Director and the Electrics Supervisor. You’ll hang and cable fixtures, focus lights, and build practical effects. This covers everything from load-in through strike. You’ll work with conventional and automated lighting systems using professional equipment.

Some interns operate follow-spots during show runs. Others program light boards or work as Lighting Design Assistants or Lead Electricians.

Desired Skills:

Basic electrical knowledge, attention to detail, and comfort working at heights. Physical stamina. You need to solve problems and move fast. We prioritize applicants with experience on lighting consoles (ETC Eos), Vectorworks, or Lightwright.

This is a 15-month position running from May through August of the following year. You’ll learn production operations during the summer season. In the fall, you stage manage the Youth and Community Arts tour. After that, you take on projects with the production management team, including oversight of special events. In spring, you provide critical assistance in recruiting and onboarding PCPA’s summer interns. By May, you have a year of institutional knowledge. You mentor the next production management intern and support incoming staff. Based on your experience, you may stage-manage a mainstage production in the second summer.

Desired Skills:

Strong organization, communication, and problem-solving. Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments. We prioritize applicants with stage management or production experience and familiarity with scheduling software, budgets, and logistical coordination.

Interns work under the Props Director, creating props and managing production needs. You’ll build with foam, fabric, wood, and found objects. You’ll source inventory, organize the shop, and learn finishing techniques across multiple mediums. The work includes tracking show-specific props and maintaining stock.

Some interns serve as Props Lead for productions.

Desired Skills:

Crafting skills in various materials. Painting and finishing techniques. Detail work and organizational ability. You need to be resourceful and solve problems under pressure. We prioritize applicants with sewing skills, a background in sculpture or fine arts, or previous props experience.

.

Interns work under the Scenic Charge Artist. You’ll paint scenery and maintain tools. Hands-on work in scenic painting techniques. Some interns lead painting projects for productions.

Desired Skills:

Painting experience, color theory, and attention to detail. Ability to work on ladders and scaffolding. Physical stamina. We prioritize applicants with experience in texturing and faux-finish techniques, a fine arts background, or previous scenic painting experience.

ons.

Interns work with the Resident Scenic Designer on drafting, model making, and research. You’ll develop skills in VectorWorks and other design software. Fall/Spring interns may get design opportunities.

Desired Skills:

Basic drafting ability, spatial thinking, and research skills. Strong collaboration and communication. We prioritize applicants with VectorWorks experience, fine arts background, architecture training, or theater design experience.

Interns work with the Sound Director on design, engineering, and equipment management. You’ll learn sound system troubleshooting, recording, and mixing. Fall/Spring interns may get design opportunities.

Desired Skills:

Basic audio knowledge, technical problem-solving, and attention to detail. We prioritize applicants with familiarity with mixing consoles, QLab, or recording software, music background, or previous sound experience.

Interns serve as Assistant Stage Managers for main stage productions. You’ll manage rehearsals and performances. Fall/Spring interns may stage manage conservatory productions and educational outreach projects.

Desired Skills:

Organization, clear communication, calm under pressure. Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate with directors, designers, and actors. We prioritize applicants with stage management experience or theater background.

Run crew interns support main stage productions. You’ll handle scene changes, props, and backstage needs. This is a flexible, show-by-show internship. No full summer commitment required. Stipends may vary or be lower than those at other internships due to the commitment hours.

Desired Skills:

Reliability, quick thinking, physical stamina. Ability to work quietly backstage and take direction. We prioritize applicants with previous crew experience.

Wardrobe crew positions are affiliated with the costume shop and offered on a show-by-show basis. You’ll maintain costumes during performances, assist actors with quick changes, and handle laundry and repairs. Costume shop interns may serve as wardrobe crew. Wardrobe crew may not necessarily work in the costume shop.

Desired Skills:

Reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work quickly and quietly backstage. Basic sewing and garment care knowledge helps. We prioritize applicants with experience in costume repair/construction.