Jacob's Pillow -- internships

Jacob's Pillow

      Summer Internship

      May 21 – August 28, 2008

Internships are available for the summer

Festival as well as every fall, winter, and spring.

As a summer intern, you will:

• Be part of the summer Festival team

    that presents world class modern,

    ballet, jazz, and cultural dance, along

    with audience enrichment,

    documentation and educational

    programs.

• Gain a broad perspective on arts

    administration,technical theatre

    production, dance history, and the

    international dance field.

• Receive on-the-job training and

    experience working alongside

    professional staff.

See the summer internship experience up close in this video, produced on campus by Videography Interns.

From mid-May to late August, interns live and work in a diverse community of artists, faculty, students, and staff. Jacob’s Pillow provides all interns with seminars led by staff, free on-campus housing in the beautiful Berkshires, three meals a day, and a $500 stipend plus a $150 expense allowance to help with sundries. When work responsibilities and availability permit, interns attend performances, community dance classes, master classes, and festival events, all without charge. Jacob’s Pillow internships are professional development experiences designed to enhance career-building skills through real-work projects and responsibilities. All interns, as an integral part of departmental teams, are charged with upholding the organization’s work standards, ethics, and policies.

This internship may qualify for college credit, work-study, independent study, and/or cooperative learning programs at your school. You may also register for college credit, through the Pillow, from the Division of Continuing Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Check with your college registrar's office and department regarding credit options, as registering at Jacob's Pillow does not always guarantee that credits are transferable. Consult with Jacob’s Pillow education staff to register for credits on arrival day at the Pillow; credit fee information is available after May 1.

Jacob's Pillow is located in the Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts. The National Historic Landmark campus includes two theatres, an outdoor stage, four studios, exhibition spaces, Archives, residential cabins, food venues, offices, and 163 acres of woodlands. The Festival attracts attendance of more than 80,000. Approximately 100 professional-track dancers and

choreographers from all over the world study on-site with renowned faculty artists at The School at Jacob's Pillow. Interns, students, and visitors participate in and learn about dance through performances, lectures, work-in-progress showings, exhibitions, dance classes, and other events.

31 Positions for 2008 are Available in:

Archives/Preservation
Business
Development: Individual Support/Special Events
Development: Institutional Support
Editorial/Press
Education
Graphic Design

Operations
Photojournalism
Presenting
Production
Ticket Services/Development
Ticket Services/House Management
Ticket Services/Managerial
Video Documentation

How To Apply:

Write a cover letter explaining why you are applying, to which position(s), and in what priority order, highlighting your qualifications and interests, and describing your goals and expectations for the internship. Assemble a complete application: (1) Intern Application Form; (2) cover letter; (3) resume; (4) names, titles, relationships, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least two work-related references; (5) two letters of recommendation; and (6) if applicable, any position-specific support materials required (see position descriptions). Make a separate copy of your complete application FOR EACH POSITION you are applying for PLUS ONE OFFICE FILE COPY (please note: only one copy required of support materials for video, photography, or graphics). Mail all copies together in one envelope. Only complete applications will be considered.

Festival Intern Program Dates:

May 21-August 28, 2008

Apply by:

February 8 for priority consideration

February 29 for consideration

After February 29, call us to find out if openings are available

Application deadline for Business Internship has been extended. Please call the Education Office for more information.

We appreciate your interest and look forward to receiving your materials. Send applications to:
The Intern Program at Jacob's Pillow

Attention: Intern Coordinator
358 George Carter Rd
Becket, MA 01223

Phone: 413.243.9919

Fax: 413.243.4744
Email: info@jacobspillow.org

Criteria for acceptance are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, gender, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status. The Intern Program is part of The School at Jacob's Pillow. "J.R." Glover is the Director of Education.

Archives/Preservation
The two Archives/Preservation Interns work alongside the Director of Preservation, providing public access to the Pillow's extensive collection of videos, photographs, books, and other historical materials. The early weeks of the internship are devoted to assisting with mounting temporary exhibitions. During the Festival, interns help facilitate various aspects of the Audience Engagement Program and create database records for documentation videos.

Candidates should possess wide-ranging knowledge of dance, as well as computer experience and preferably some familiarity with archival practices. Filemaker Pro experience would be most helpful, but a general understanding of computer databases is acceptable. Attention to detail is important, and interpersonal skills are needed for the frequent interaction with artists, faculty, students, resident scholars, and the general public.

Business

*Application Deadline has been extended. Please call the Education Office for more information.
The Business Intern receives wide exposure to the financial aspects of a nonprofit organization. Within the area of financial management, the intern focuses on income-producing areas such as ticketing, retail, and food management, and collaborates on interdepartmental projects. Responsibilities include reconciling accounts, accounting records maintenance, and maintaining accounting records. Interfacing with Ticket Services includes shifts in customer service, with duties in processing and reconciling phone, mail, fax, and Internet ticket orders and exchanges. This internship provides excellent business training for those who plan to run their own arts organizations.

Candidates should possess a basic knowledge of accounting principles, some spreadsheet and accounting software experience, and a personal sense of diplomacy and confidentiality. A keen eye to detail, strong interpersonal skills, a sense of humor, and experience in customer service are necessary.

Development: Individual Support/Special Events
The Individual Support/Special Events Intern works closely with Development staff raising funds from individuals. Duties include assisting with more than 25 special events, VIP arrangements, membership recruitment, donor prospect research, gift acknowledgement, and fundraising mailings. The intern learns all facets of an individual giving office, including the use of the Raiser's Edge donor database.

Candidates should possess strong interpersonal, verbal and writing skills, and must be flexible, team-oriented, positive, detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects concurrently, and discreet in handling sensitive donor-related information. Excellent computer skills are required in Word, Excel, and Internet research. Candidates must include two writing samples, maximum two pages in length each, with their application.

Development: Institutional Support

The Institutional Support Intern gains knowledge about foundation, corporation, and government support for the arts. The office of Institutional Support works with all departments to address the financial goals of the organization, including artistic, educational, programmatic, operational, endowment, and capital needs.

The Institutional Support Intern learns various aspects of fundraising for a nonprofit organization, including prospect research, proposal and report writing, sponsorship underwriting, and constituent management using Raiser’s Edge software. The Institutional Support Intern participates in department strategy and planning meetings, and assists with Inside/Out, special events, and member recruitment.

Candidates should possess strong writing and analytical skills, an interest in arts advocacy, strong interpersonal skills, and general office administration skills. Candidates should be detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects with firm deadlines, team-oriented, and discrete in relation to VIPs and confidential information. Word, Excel, and computer research skills required. Candidates must include two writing samples, maximum two pages in length each, with their application.

Editorial/Press
The two Editorial/Press Interns assist with all aspects of securing and maintaining media coverage of Jacob's Pillow, Festival artists, and presented programs, and manage the editing and production of weekly printed programs. The press responsibilities include helping to manage press relations and materials, maintaining clippings archives, drafting news and e-mail advisories, and writing press releases and copy for the E-mail Club. The editorial responsibilities include collecting program information from artists, editing and trafficking copy and layouts for approval, proofreading, and interfacing with the Graphics team and printers. As part of the Marketing team, the Editorial/Press Interns also develop strategy and execute targeted promotions, give public tours, and work in Ticket Services Office a few shifts each week.

Candidates should be strong writers who are detail-oriented, organized, effective time managers, and have excellent interpersonal skills and marketing instincts. Journalism interest, experience or coursework is preferred, and knowledge of the dance field is helpful. Candidates must include three writing samples with their application.

Education
Two Education Interns work with the Education staff to coordinate and implement intensive dance education programs for professionals, pre-professionals, and the public. Interns participate in the administrative, financial, and logistical functions of programming and interact daily with a distinguished faculty of international artists, program participants from all over the world, community groups such as dance studios, K-12 classroom teachers, youth organizations, and special needs groups. Administrative duties include scheduling; participant data collection; managing program information distributed to faculty and students; summarizing evaluations; compiling contact information; and diligent office maintenance of records, correspondence, and filing. Duties involving public interaction include leading campus tours and orientation sessions, assisting incoming and outgoing students with program needs, planning group visits, managing Community Dance Classes and Master Classes, and opening and closing campus studios each day.

Candidates must have a dance background, an interest in national dance education initiatives; be detail-oriented and efficient at multi-tasking and time management; possess excellent writing, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills; and be able to work both independently and collaboratively. Candidates must include two writing samples, maximum two pages in length each, with their application.

Graphic Design

The Graphic Design Intern works closely with the Graphics Manager to design and produce printed materials to promote Festival performances and events, maintaining a high-quality aesthetic in all Jacob's Pillow materials. The primary responsibilities include laying out weekly programs for two theatres; designing and producing on-campus displays, as well as ads and flyers; managing relationships with printers, mail house and on-campus distribution; and assisting all of the organization's graphics efforts across departments. As part of the Marketing team, the Graphics Intern also develops strategy and executes target-marketing promotions, gives public tours, assists with market research, and works in the Ticket Services Office a few shifts each week. Candidates should be well versed in QuarkXpress, PageMaker, Photoshop and ideally have a working knowledge of I-View. Applicants must be detail-oriented, organized and effective time managers, and possess marketing instincts. Excellent design and interpersonal skills are a must. Candidates must submit a portfolio of recent design work with their application. Please send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your portfolio returned.

Operations
Three Operations Interns will assist the Operations staff in the day-to-day management of a multi-venue dance festival, and are responsible for a wide variety of logistics associated with artist services, special events, facilities maintenance, and customer service. Artist service duties include attending company manager meetings, coordinating artist hospitality, housing, and transportation, and welcoming our traveling artists, faculty, scholars, and students. Special events work includes involvement in both the planning and setup for Jacob’s Pillow events as well as group events and rentals. The Operations Intern will act as liaison between departments for planning special event setups, setup tables, chairs, and portable sound systems, and will be responsible for operating sound equipment during the events. Facilities maintenance responsibilities include helping keep the grounds clean and presentable, ensuring patron comfort and safety, and implementing minor repairs and improvements. Customer Service tasks include answering general inquiries, assisting disabled patrons, serving shifts in the Box Office as needed, and directing parking. There are also many administrative duties including data entry and maintenance, resource scheduling and tracking, and participation in various research projects. In short, the Operations Team works with all departments to make sure all of our shows and events run smoothly.

Candidates must demonstrate a genuine interest in company, stage, or event management. They should be detail-oriented, organized, and efficient at multi-tasking. They must be able to work long hours through frequent interruptions, lift up to 50 pounds, tackle projects both independently and collaboratively, and have excellent customer service skills. A successful candidate must be able to do all of this while maintaining a positive attitude and a sense of humor.

Photojournalism

The Photojournalism Intern works with the Graphics Manager in the Marketing Department to document Festival events and activities, and to produce images for the promotion of Jacob's Pillow. The internship offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced professional environment and to understand the marketing and archival uses of photographic images. Using a digital camera, the intern will photograph dance classes in the professional School, cast parties, donor events, talks, performances on the outdoor stage, in the theatres and more. The intern is also responsible for editing and cataloging all of his/her images into I-View, the digital photo archive, and producing prints and photo CDs for Marketing and other departments in a timely manner. The Photojournalism Intern interfaces on a professional level with all departments, the public, and company members. As part of the Marketing team, the Photojournalism Intern also develops strategy and executes target-marketing promotions, gives public tours, assists with research, and works in the Ticket Services Office a few shifts each week.

Candidates should possess a strong background in digital photography and some background in film photography. Candidates should be comfortable shooting live action in low, in/outdoor, and varying light situations. Additionally, candidates must have excellent interpersonal skills, be detail-oriented, organized, and effective time managers with a working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and I-View. At least one of the required references or recommendations must be from a photography professor/instructor/professional, and candidates must submit a portfolio of photographic work with their application, including a DVD of work and two contact sheets. Please send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your portfolio returned.

Presenting
The Presenting Intern gains broad knowledge of the functioning of an international dance festival, including various aspects of presenting, programming, team leadership, and business practices, working with the Program Manager. A major responsibility area is leading a peer group to program and produce a large community event. Another is the Inside/Out series of performances on the outdoor stage, for which the intern is the primary contact for 30 dance companies, coordinating their logistical needs and emceeing their shows. Duties may include working in the Ticket Services Office a few shifts a week, and floating to assist a variety of other departments. Some general administrative assistance is part of the internship.

Candidates should have experience in presenting dance performances and liaising with artists and technical staff; possess strong project management, leadership, interpersonal, detail orientation, writing, and editing skills; and be confident in public speaking. Computer skills are required in Word, Excel, and Internet research. Candidates must include two writing samples, maximum two pages in length each, with their application.

Production
Eleven Production Interns will work with the Production Staff, learning and gaining experience through Festival set-up, company load-ins, and show-operating positions in both of our theatres, a tour outdoor stage, and in any of our three studios. During the first three weeks of the internship, the Production Interns open and clean the theatres and studios, install the full lighting and sound systems, lay multiple dance floors, and hang repertory soft goods. During company load-ins, general jobs include hanging and focusing lights, laying dance floors, constructing scenery, maintaining wardrobe, and the loading and unloading of trucks. Every show at Jacob's Pillow is operated by the Production Interns, who rotate through backstage positions, such as Light Board Operator, Sound Board Operator, Fly Rail, Props, Wardrobe or Assistant Production Coordinator. Typical show call duties will include running lighting and sound consoles, moving scenery and props, operating rigging systems, and assisting in planning for upcoming performances. Interns will be required to attend workshops in all aspects of production instructed by either Jacob's Pillow Staff members or visiting company artists and designers.

Candidates must demonstrate a genuine interest in technical theatre or production/stage management. They should be detail-oriented, organized, and efficient at multi-tasking. They must be able to work long hours through frequent interruptions, lift up to 50 pounds, work at heights up to 30 feet, tackle projects both independently and collaboratively, and have excellent customer service skills. A successful candidate must be able to do all of this while maintaining a positive attitude and a sense of humor.

Ticket Services/Development
The Ticket Services/Development Intern alternates between two roles: working in the Box Office and working as part of the Development team. Working with Ticket Services staff, responsibilities include educating patrons, providing exemplary customer service, processing orders and exchanges, and assisting with projects in data management and group sales, as well as periodically “managing” the Box Office. In addition, the intern works as part of the Marketing team to develop, execute, and analyze sales and marketing strategies.

As part of the Development team, responsibilities include assisting with special events, donor prospect research, fundraising mailings, donor gift acknowledgements, and member e-newsletter production.

Candidates should be confident in a public leadership role, detail-oriented, organized, effective time managers, and self-motivated. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills are a must. Experience in retail customer service and accounting is preferred. Excellent computer skills in Word, Excel, and Internet research are preferred.

Ticket Services/House Management
The Ticket Services/House Management Intern alternates between two roles: house managing the Doris Duke Studio Theatre and working in the Box Office. While house managing, duties include training and supervising volunteer ushers; managing the audience's entrance, seating, and exit from the theatre; ensuring prompt curtain times; maintaining appropriate conditions in the theatre; and auditing attendance. The Intern works closely with the Ticket Services staff, the Ted Shawn Theatre House Manager, the Operations team, the General Manager, and the Production staff. Working with Ticket Services staff, responsibilities include educating patrons, providing exemplary customer service, processing orders and exchanges, and assisting with projects in data management and group sales, as well as periodically “managing” the Box Office. In addition, this position works as part of the Marketing team to develop, execute, and analyze sales and marketing strategies.

Candidates should be confident in a public leadership role, detail-oriented, organized, effective time manager, and self-motivated. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills are a must. Experience in retail customer service and accounting is preferred.

Ticket Services/Managerial
This position assists the Ticket Services Manager by training and supervising staff and interns; opening or closing the office; reconciliation; providing superb customer support; working closely with other departments and company managers; and managing group sales and data. The intern works closely with the: the Ticket Services Manager, House Managers, the Operations team, the General Manager, the Marketing team, and the Production staff. Educating patrons, processing orders and exchanges, and working as part of the Marketing team to develop, execute, and analyze sales and marketing strategies are an integral part of this position.

Candidates should be confident in a public leadership role, detail-oriented, organized, effective time managers, and self-motivated. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills are a must. Experience in retail customer service and accounting is preferred.

Video Documentation

Two Documentation Interns work with the staff videographer to chronicle the Festival season. Responsibilities include videotaping performances, classes, rehearsals, and lectures. Other duties include setting up equipment, monitoring video viewing facilities, filling duplication requests, and helping maintain the Pillow's extensive video archives.

Candidates are required to have familiarity with basic video equipment, as well as experience shooting dance. Candidates must include a brief sample of video work, preferably of dance, with their application.