Internship Notice:   Male Acting Intern with Door Shakespeare

Door Shakespeare 2010 – Much Ado About Nothing and The Rivals

 

Organization:  Door Shakespeare, PO Box 351, Baileys Harbor WI 54202

 

Contact: Suzanne Graff or Jerry Gomis   Phone: 612/929-4459   Email: doorshakespeare@gmail.com       

 

1. General description of Intern’s role:

 

We provide our Acting Intern a rounded learning experience of what it takes to get a production from rehearsal to performance.

 

2.  Specific duties Intern will perform:*

 

The Acting Intern will participate with a cast of professional actors (whose past company member credits have ranged from Broadway to pursuits of film/TV careers in Los Angeles and New York).  In addition to stage time in a role (or roles) in a production, he will also be responsible for the following duties: 

 

• Set up and breakdown before and after rehearsals and performances.
• Special projects that may include set/prop design and construction.
• Assisting with lighting and/or costumes.

 

We try to be mindful of an intern’s interest and abilities, and try to design tasks to best challenge and utilize their skills and interests.  Because our cast is approximately 12 people, individual attention and interaction is easily obtained and the participation and inclusion of the interns is an important part of the company.  Interns will also be asked to identify any gaps in the current processes and provide suggestions as to how to improve their positions.

 

* Please note:  As stated above, duties may vary depending on the ability and desired education opportunity of the Acting Intern, or duties may vary depending on the needs or unique make-up of the assembly of the company.

 

 

3.  Professions to which Intern will be exposed

 

Directors, Producers, Professional Actors, Costume Designer, Set & Prop Designer, Company & Sales Manager, House Managers, Stage Manager, Board Members, Accountants and Volunteers (whose professions vary and though most are not in theater in a professional capacity, often have wonderful insights not to be overlooked.)

 

4.  Contract dates and hours required per week, Summer 2010

 

The Acting Intern will begin on approximately June 10th and will be needed during the day while the shows are in rehearsal.  Once the shows go into performance (July 9), there are limited day-time required duties, except on two scheduled matinee days. The Intern will be needed before and after each of the additional performances to assist with set-up and breakdown.  Approximately 40 hours per week during the rehearsal period.  While in performance less than 40 hours a week can be expected.  The Acting Intern may be asked to stay two or more days past the close of the production to assist with strike.  The contract will end on approximately August 24. 

 

5.  Desired Major:  Acting/Theatre

 

6.  Necessary skills of Intern:

 

Some performing experience, some exposure to Shakespeare is helpful but not essential, an interest and enthusiasm for a successful theatrical production, an openness to the rehearsal process, a willingness to take on some of the less than glamorous duties to bring a production to reality.  Ability to work extensively outdoors.  Technical experience a plus.  Musical ability a plus.

 

7. Compensation:  $125/week + housing

 

8. Description and Purpose of Employer:

 

Door Shakespeare is a professional, not-for-profit, summer theater company. We perform outdoors, in a garden on the grounds of Lawrence University’s Björklunden in beautiful Door County, Wisconsin. We also have special indoor performances at other venues in Door County during the summer.  Our aim is to enliven the stories of Shakespeare’s plays by giving the characters heart and by telling a tale that is inviting and immediate and true to the audiences.  Giving and sharing universal experiences are what we believe makes Shakespeare’s plays “classic.”  Shakespeare’s use of language is also what sets the plays apart from other classics.  They illuminate the human condition and express it in poetry.

Our mission is to "celebrate the expressiveness and timelessness of the English language through performances of classical theater. Creating distinctive theatrical experiences within an intimate natural setting, the company strives to enrich the cultural life of Door County and entertain audiences of all ages."