Internships at Overshadowed

Learn theatre by helping make it happen.

Gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day work of a small theatre company while working closely with the people who bring live productions to the stage.

Why intern at Overshadowed?

Learn by becoming part of the work.

Overshadowed’s internship program offers hands-on experience, insight into the day-to-day work of a small theatre company, and close work with artistic and production department heads.

Hands-On Experience

Take part in the practical work of producing live theatre.

A Small Theatre From the Inside

Gain insight into the company’s day-to-day process.

Close Collaboration

Work with artistic, technical, costume, stage management, and other department leaders.

Schedule & availability

Find the season that fits.

Each internship includes hands-on involvement with two shows. Summer opportunities also include the summer musical and theatre camps for students ages 5–18.

Start and end dates may be flexible around a school schedule. Applicants are asked to share their availability when completing the application.

Summer
May – August
Fall
August – December
Winter / Spring
January – April

Internship areas

Where would you like to learn?

Open a discipline to explore the responsibilities and skills for each internship.

Artistic Internship

Production planning · administration · audiences

Learn what it takes to assemble a production team, cast a show, create a season, and raise money at a thriving theatre company.

Working closely with the Artistic Director, an Artistic Administration intern gains first-hand knowledge of the casting process, scheduling and organizing auditions, researching and cataloging plays, and preparing for and running a production.

The internship also includes experience with fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and cultivating an audience base.

The Artistic Internship also includes hands-on participation and direction in one of Overshadowed’s summer camps.

Costume Design Internship

Design · construction · wardrobe

Support the design and building of costumes, the care of the wardrobe during productions, and maintenance of the costume room.

What You May Work On

  • Design, build, and gather costumes for summer camps
  • Assist the designer for the summer musical
  • Build costumes and assist with alterations
  • Assist with wardrobe and dressing during productions
  • Help with other duties assigned by the director or costume designer

Skills Listed

  • Sewing skills
  • Self-motivation
  • Willingness to take direction
  • A willing attitude to help where needed

Light & Sound Design Internship

Lighting · sound · special effects

Work with the Technical Department as it designs and operates lighting, sound, and special effects for each production.

What You May Work On

  • Assist the technical director with a lighting plot
  • Record and edit sound cues
  • Hang and focus lighting equipment
  • Learn basic programming skills
  • Operate the lightboard and follow spot

Skills Listed

  • Basic computer skills
  • Previous light and sound experience
  • Willingness to learn

Scenic Carpentry Internship

Construction · installation · strike

Help the Scenic Department design, construct, install, and strike sets that support the world of each production.

What You May Work On

  • Assist the construction manager
  • Help build and install the set
  • Paint scenery
  • Help with other duties assigned by the set designer or construction manager

Skills Listed

  • Ability to lift 50 pounds
  • Basic knowledge of set design and construction
  • Working knowledge of basic hand and power tools
  • A self-starting approach and desire to develop new skills
  • Ability to work with a team

Stage & Properties Management Internship

Properties · backstage operations · stage crew

Support the creation and procurement of props while helping the Stage Manager coordinate backstage operations.

What You May Work On

  • Research and help create a property plot
  • Design, create, and procure properties
  • Assist with scene changes and oversight of the stage crew
  • Assist with special projects
  • Set up and maintain rehearsal space

Skills Listed

  • Basic computer skills
  • Strong organization
  • Simple craft ability
  • Ability to work with a team
  • Effective communication skills

The practical details

What to know before you apply.

Compensation

Most stipends are available for all internships. The maximum total stipend is $1,000.

A stipend may be reduced for a part-time or half-time internship, a full-time internship lasting fewer than six weeks, or an internship that is not completed.

Eligibility requires a valid Social Security number or, for a non-U.S. citizen, a valid U.S. work permit.

College Credit

An internship may qualify for college credit when arranged with your college or university.

Housing

Interns are responsible for their own housing. Overshadowed can provide contact information for potential host families.

Transportation

Interns are responsible for their own transportation.

Outside Employment

Some interns work part-time during the day, but any outside employment must be flexible. Interns agree to work the hours required by their department, and outside work must accommodate the internship schedule.

Schedule

Overshadowed publishes year-round opportunities in three internship periods. Start and end dates may be flexible around a school schedule; applicants are asked to share their availability.

How to apply

Ready to take the next step?

Download the internship application and prepare all four required materials before mailing your application package.

Download Internship Application
01

Completed internship application

Complete the Internship Application PDF before mailing your application materials.

02

Cover letter

State your desire to be involved with Overshadowed.

03

Current résumé

Include your current experience and training.

04

Three letters of reference

Two from professors or academic supervisors, and one personal or work-related reference.

Submit Your Materials

Send your application to
Overshadowed.

Mail your completed application package to:

Overshadowed Theatrical Productions
Intern Program
333 Pierce Road, Suite 195
Itasca, IL 60143

What happens next?

Overshadowed will notify you when the application is received, then schedule a phone interview. If needed, arrangements can be made for an in-person interview at your school.

Questions about internships?

Start a conversation.

Have a question about the internship program or application process? Reba would be glad to help.

Reba Hervas

Founder & President
Email about Internships