ABOUT THE INTERN PROGRAM

For over 50 years, the Skylight Opera Theatre has viewed the development of young artist as an integral part of its mission. The Intern Program helps to fulfill that mission by training the next generation of theatre artists to take their place in the performing arts community.

The Intern Program provides an opportunity to work with the Skylight’s professional staff of artists, administrators, guest directors, and designers to maintain the high standards of quality and craftsmanship that the Skylight audiences have come to expect. Interns receive hands-on experience crucial to a professional resume.

The Skylight Opera Theatre Interns are not compensated financially, however those interns seeking academic credit for their participation in the Intern Program must do so themselves through their sponsoring institution. The Skylight will help as much as possible in tailoring internships to meet the credit requirements of individual schools.

ABOUT THE SKYLIGHT

The Skylight Opera Theatre, founded in 1959, is a professional music theatre company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Skylight has a reputation for adventuresome repertoire encompassing classic and contemporary opera, operetta, musicals, and musical reviews.

The Skylight owns and operates the Broadway Theatre Center, which houses the Cabot Theatre, an intimate 360 seat jewel box theatre, the 99 seat “black box” Studio Theatre and the Skylight’s scene, paint, prop and costume shops. It is also home to Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theatreworks, Bel Canto Chorus, Present Music, and the Milwaukee Children’s Choir.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

All departments have openings for interns starting mid-August 2010 unless otherwise noted.
For a more detailed description of our production intern opportunities, download PDF.

Production Management
This intern works with the Director of Production and Facilities in the oversight of all technical departments,
facilitating communication between the production departments, staff, and artists.

Properties
The properties intern assists all aspects of creating props, including research, carpentry, sculpting, metal-work, upholstery and painting.
Experience with PC-based graphics programs is encouraged.

Scenic Construction
The scenic intern is involved in the scenic construction, installation, and strike of each production.
Experience in scenic carpentry and show safety are required.

Scenic Painting
This intern assists the scenic charge in the painting of all scenic elements and properties.
Prior scenic painting experience is required. (Available January 2011)

Finance
The finance Intern will assist the Finance Department with audit preparation, entering data into the accounting system, and account analysis.
Experience with accounting software and Microsoft Excel is preferred.

Artistic Administration
This intern works with the Director of Artistic Operations and the Associate Artistic Director in the planning auditions,
and has the opportunity to observe auditions and rehearsals.

Marketing (unavailable)
The marketing intern focuses on media relations including preparation and distribution of publicity materials and the season subscription campaign.
Writing/editing skills and desktop publishing/design experience is helpful.

Education
The education intern will observe and lead in-school workshops, prepare curriculum and audience guides.
High energy and interest in working with young people are necessary.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply for the Skylight Opera Theatre Intern Program, each candidate must submit the following:

A current resume and cover letter
The resume should include education, theatre experience and training, and any related work experience or skills.
The cover letter should include the area of interest.

A personal statement
We require a personal statement describing the candidate’s expectations of the Intern Program and how it relates to his/her individual goals.

Three letters of recommendation
Each letter must include the writer’s contact information.

Portfolio Sample
(For Properties, Scenic Charge, Marketing, and Scenic Construction Internships)
This should be a representative sample of work you have done in the past and may include pictures, writing samples, or other appropriate materials.

All applicants are encouraged to arrange an interview and a tour of the facility.

SEND APPLICATION TO:
Intern Coordination
Skylight Opera Theatre
158 N. Broadway, 6th Floor
Milwaukee WI 53202
Email: interncoordinator@skylightopera.com

Nigel Wade: (Artistic Administration Intern Spring 2010)

Nigel worked closely with Associate Artistic Director, Ray Jivoff, and our KidsWrites Program by reviewing and selecting the pieces they performed. Nigel was also seen on the Skylight stage in our 2010 production of RENT. (Photo by Katherine Biehl)

 

Corrine Gilbert and Melissa Erdmann:

(Corrine – Properties Apprentice 2009-2010; Melissa – Properties Intern Spring 2010).

Corrine currently works as a freelance artist and education for the Skylight Opera. Melissa is working at the Berkshire Theatre Festival in Massachusetts for the summer and will be Hartford Stage’s (Hartford, Connecticut) Props Artisan for their 2010-2011 season. (Photo by Noel Henebury-Farmer)