Summer Festival Intern Program
This page is not currently active, but will be updated for the 2021 season.
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Summer Festival internships run May through September and are part of a structured program for more than 30 interns from around the world, each working within one of the Pillow’s administrative or production departments. By interning with Jacob’s Pillow during the summer, you join a team of seasoned arts professionals and assist with programs pertaining to the Festival, The School, the Archives, and Community engagement. All internships offer invaluable training and mentorship towards your professional career.
As a Summer Festival Intern, you will:
- Be a member of the team executing one of the world’s most prestigious dance festivals.
- Experience a Festival environment offering world-class ballet, contemporary, cultural, dance/theatre, and jazz dance; more than 500 public events including artist talks, master classes, community classes, open rehearsals, and free performances; access to one of the field’s most valuable dance Archives; and professional advancement training in The School at Jacob’s Pillow.
- Receive on-the-job training and experience working with the Festival’s staff.
- Gain a broad perspective on the international performing arts field.
- Live in an international community of artists, faculty, scholars, staff, students, and intern peers for 3 dance-filled months.
- Enjoy the rich heritage of this National Historic Landmark in the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.
Interns receive:
- Career talks, topical discussions, Staff-led seminars, training, and mentoring
- On-campus housing
- 3 meals per day
- $1,500 stipend*
- Free performances and dance classes
- College credit, work-study, independent study, and/or cooperative learning programs may be available through your school. Or you may register for college credit at Jacob’s Pillow through our partnership with the Division of Continuing Education at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Check with your college registrar’s office and department to determine whether these credits will transfer to your school. Credit fee information is available after May 1.
*International candidates are welcomed to submit an application; however, terms and conditions will be specified upon hiring.
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.
Jacob’s Pillow is committed to providing an inclusive, diverse, accessible, and equitable environment that cultivates the celebration of the art of dance and its positive impact on communities. Jacob’s Pillow’s mission is to support dance creation, presentation, education, and preservation; and to engage and deepen public appreciation and support for dance. Organization-wide values include inclusion, leadership, integrity, flexibility, partnership, and sustainability. Learn more about Jacob’s Pillow, its mission statement, and its values here.
Jacob’s Pillow is a registered 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that provides equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. This policy also prohibits employees from harassing any other employee for any reason including, but not limited to, race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disabled status.
Summer Intern Positions
Archives/Audience Engagement
Two Archives/Audience Engagement Interns work alongside the Director of Preservation and Associate Archivist to provide public access to the Pillow’s extensive collection of videos, photographs, books, and other historical materials.
Learn MoreCommunity Engagement
Two Community Engagement Interns work closely with the Director of Community Engagement and Community Engagement Coordinator to implement the Pillow’s on and off-site Community Engagement Programs.
Learn MoreCompany Management
Three Company Management Interns assist work with staff in the day-to-day management of a multi-venue dance festival and are responsible for a wide variety of logistics associated with company management, campus management, and customer service.
Learn MoreDevelopment/Individual & Institutional Giving
The Development/Individual & Institutional Giving Intern will have the opportunity to gain real work experience in a busy Development Office.
Learn MoreDevelopment/Special Events
The Development/Special Events Intern will work directly with the Gala & Special Events Manager as well as with the full development team in planning, supporting and executing the fundraising and special event activities of the festival from early June–September, including the annual Jacob’s Pillow Gala.
Learn MoreGraphic Design
The Graphic Design Intern works closely with the Creative Director to enhance the Pillow's vibrant digital and print media presence.
Learn MoreHouse Management
Two House Management Interns will house manage either the Ted Shawn Theatre or Doris Duke Theatre as well as work in the Box Office.
Learn MoreMarketing/Digital Media
Two Marketing/Digital Media Interns report to the Digital Content & Marketing Manager and work closely with the Social Media & Digital Content Coordinator to enhance the Pillow’s vibrant digital media presence.
Learn MorePatron Services
The Patron Services Intern works closely with the Patron Services Manager, Assistant Ticketing Manager, House Managers, Assistant Theatre Manager, volunteers, and the public.
Learn MorePhotography
The Photography Intern works closely with the Graphic Designer and Festival Photographer to build a strong digital catalog of all Festival photography and to support the collection needs of the department.
Learn MoreProduction
Ten Production Interns work with the Production Staff, learning and gaining experience through Festival set-up, company load-ins, and show-operating positions in two indoor theatres, an outdoor stage, and four studios.
Learn MorePublic Relations
Two Public Relations Interns work closely with the Public Relations & Communication Manager to assist with all aspects of securing, tracking, and archiving media coverage of Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival while managing the editing and production of weekly, printed performance programs.
Learn MoreSchool Programs
Three School Programs Interns work with The School's staff to coordinate and implement six professional advancement programs in dance, choreography, and dance photography that occur during the Festival.
Learn MoreVideo Documentation
Two Video Documentation Interns work with the staff videographer to chronicle the Festival season.
Learn MoreQuestions? Please email [email protected] or call 413.243.9919
Festival Interns have the potential to become an Administrative Fellow. Learn more about this professional development opportunity here.