*Please note that the internship program is on pause while the building is closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We hope to resume the program when it is safe to re-open the building to the public, and when state and local guidelines permit indoor gathering. We will post an updated application and information about how to apply here on this page when the next application window opens. We recommend you check this page and our social media platforms for updates. We look forward to welcoming our next class of interns when programming resumes! Please email Tyler Christie, Playwrights' Lab Associate Director, with any questions: @email
The Bernard B. Jacobs Internship Program at New Dramatists offers a unique opportunity for emerging theatre artists and managers to learn about artist support and the operations of a non-profit arts service organization in New York City. As essential members of the New Dramatists team, the interns support our community of resident playwrights and their individual creative processes, alongside our dedicated staff.
A New Dramatists internship provides a full spectrum of experiences, community, and exposure to new skills that can serve as a foundation for a career in the theater. Our interns take an active role in the administrative and creative processes that make New Dramatists possible. They serve as liaisons for people seeking out our resident playwrights’ work, take on research projects, stage manage the playwrights’ readings and workshops, help create our monthly communications, and help the staff implement our special events—among other possibilities available throughout the year.
This program is named in memory of the late President of the Shubert Organization, who discovered and mentored many talented theatre people-- young and old-- during his lifetime.
Qualifications and Expectations
New Dramatists seeks interns at the undergraduate and graduate school levels, as well as recent grads beginning a career in the arts. Our internships are ideal for those pursuing playwrighting, arts administration, dramaturgy, directing, and stage management.
The most successful candidates will thrive in a fast-paced environment, work well independently, be incredibly organized, have strong written communication and computer skills, be familiar with general office procedures and etiquette, and be hospitable representatives of the organization.
Self-motivated, and enthusiastic individuals excel in our environment, because an internship at New Dramatists is what you make of it.
Scheduling
Internship hours may include:
* Weekday (10am-6pm, Monday-Friday)
* Evening (Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday from 2pm-10pm)
* Saturday (11am-4pm)
New Dramatists welcomes both full time and part time internships. Full-time is defined as interning for 40 hours a week (5 days per week), and part-time is 24 hours a week (3 days per week).
Interns must be able to commit to a mutually agreed upon weekly schedule (determined before the start of the semester, in tandem with staff).
PLEASE NOTE:
* Preference is given to full-time applicants, and to applicants who can be present for the entire internship semester (dates listed to the right).
* The internship period includes a mandatory orientation week at the beginning of the semester the first week of the internship.
Stipend and Additional Perks
Interns are provided with a stipend ($10 per day) and college credit where available.
Interns are invited to New Dramatists’ public events and, when available, may access complimentary ticket offers to theatre productions in NYC.
Throughout the season, we also offer several intern workshops led by our resident playwrights and veteran staff members. These workshops focus on the craft of playwriting, industry issues, careers in the theatre, or other topics of interest specifically voiced by the interns. Past workshops include sessions with Annie Baker, Matthew Freeman, Sarah Hammond, Taylor Mac, Laura Marks, J.T. Rogers, and Stefanie Zadravec.
Examples of Activities
While interns are not assigned to or guaranteed to work with specific departments, New Dramatists aims to match our interns’ interests, skills, and goals to projects that best suit them.
Some examples of tasks and projects our interns have been assigned to:
* Welcoming artists, VIP’s, and the public to New Dramatists, providing information about our library and resident writers’ work
* Stage managing readings for writers and alumni—from one-to-two day readings to extended, week-long work sessions
* Assisting staff with the facilitation of our annual residency admissions process
* Providing administrative and clerical assistance to the staff—including filing, database entry, and research
* Supporting the extended retreat processes in the fall (PlayTime) and spring (Composer-Librettist Studio)
* Working with development staff on research projects, mailings, and special events, including our annual appeal to donors and the Nocturnal Commissions event (fall); the Annual Spring Luncheon; and assisting with our annual report preparation (summer)
* Assisting in creating our monthly bulletins to residents and alumni
* Taking notes for staff meetings
* Supporting the annual audit process
New Dramatists cannot consider late or incomplete applications.
Interviews will be scheduled as necessary.