Summer Festival internships run May 24 through September 4 and are part of a structured program decades in the making. Jacob’s Pillow internships offer invaluable training and mentorship towards your professional career. By interning with Jacob’s Pillow during the summer, you join a team of seasoned arts professionals and assist with multiple programs pertaining to the Festival, The School, the Archives, and Community Engagement.
This year, in response to the COVID pandemic, and restrictions placed on live performance and gathering opportunities, the program was cut back for 2021, with fewer internships offered than has been customary in the past. In addition, in order for Jacob’s Pillow to prioritize the health and safety of all community members as they pass through campus this summer, we will be investing in medical staffing, COVID-19 testing, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and implementing extensive protocols in consultation with medical professionals and in accordance with local laws and regulations. All interns will be asked to commit to these guidelines as a condition of their appointment, the details of which will be available prior to acceptance.
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; 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.
- Join an international community of artists, faculty, scholars, staff, students, and intern peers in a dance-filled environment.
- 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.
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.
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Community Engagement
Two Community Engagement Interns work closely with the Director of Community Engagement and Community Engagement Manager to implement the Pillow’s on and off-site, and virtual, Community Engagement Programs.
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Philanthropy / Individual & Institutional Giving
The Development / Individual & Institutional Giving Intern will have the opportunity to gain real work experience in a busy Philanthropy Office.
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House Management
Three House Management Interns will manage a house, outdoor space for 2021, as well as work in the Box Office to provide the highest level of customer service to patrons.
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Marketing / Digital Media
The Marketing / Digital Media Intern reports to the Digital Content & Marketing Manager and works closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications and the Marketing Associate to enhance the Pillow’s vibrant digital media presence.
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Patron Services
Three Patron Services Interns work closely with the Director of Patron Services, Marketing & Communications Team, Box Office Team, House Management Interns, volunteers, and the public.
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Production
Four Production Interns work with the Production Staff, learning and gaining experience through Festival set-up, company load-ins, and show-operating positions on our outdoor stage and studios, and for site-specific performances.
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Public Relations
One Public Relations Intern will work 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.
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School Programs (remote)
One School Programs Intern will work with The School staff to coordinate and implement onsite and online career advancement programs involving an international roster artist faculty for 109 advanced and young career dance artists.
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Video Documentation
Two Video Documentation Interns work with the staff videographer to chronicle the Festival season.
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