NORFOLK — Calling all high school students who have a big dream of an exciting life in the theater: The Virginia Stage Company has an opportunity for you.
Entering their 40th year, the Virginia Stage Company has internships for qualified high school students in Hampton Roads. The internships will give students intensive training and experience in the field of technical theatre.
“From lighting, to sound, to costumes, technical theatre is everything that goes on stage other than the actors,” said Patrick Mullins, Associate Producer with the company. “This includes the staff of designers, artisans, and managers that make the world on stage.”
The company is looking for students with a love of theater and who want to work hard. No previous experience is necessary.
Students who are selected will take classes covering all aspects of technical theatrer, such as lighting, sound, costumes, and stage management, and will participate in work calls in several departments. They’ll also work on the run crew for at least one production. The run crew is the team on-site the night of a production that makes the world move – stage manager, sound board operator, spotlight, and deck crew.
Getting students and young people involved is part of the company’s education and outreach efforts, said Emel Ertugrul, education coordinator.
“Our education and community engagement programming strives to reflect the needs of the communities we serve and to advocate for arts integration and experiences that promote literacy, character development, and critical thinking in the next generation,” she said. “We recognize and encourage the inherent fun and camaraderie of working in theater and will seek always to build a team spirit that continues well after the internship is over.”
Applications are due by Aug. 1.
Details about the internships can be found online, as can the actual application.
The Virginia Stage Company serves an audience of more than 70,000 each year, both at the Wells Theatre in Norfolk and throughout the community.
