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JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMER TECHNICAL INTERNSHIPS

APPLICATION DEADLINE – March 8, 2019
Start Date – May 13, 2019
End Date – August 11, 2019

SPARC (School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community) is currently accepting applications for Summer 2019 technical internships.

In addition to a full range of training and outreach classes and productions throughout the school year, SPARC produces our Live Art concert, two musicals and one play in the summer with students ages 9-18. Production Interns will have hands on opportunities to assist in various capacities on all summer productions, while developing a diverse set of production skills in carpentry, scenic painting, props, lighting, sound, production management and stage management throughout the season.

All applicants must be positive team players with a willingness to mentor and work with middle and high school students of all abilities.  Successful candidates are current college students who will have completed 1-2 years of college training in technical theatre and possess basic skills in a minimum of two of the following areas, demonstrated by shop or other department crew experience:

  • LIGHTING– Work in concert with the Director of Production, Technical Director and Lighting Designers with general organization and maintenance of all lighting equipment, hang, focus, programming and supervision of student crew for each production.Applicants should possess basic knowledge of theatrical lighting instruments and equipment (fixtures, FX, ETC ION console), and be comfortable working at heights of 12 to 20 feet on ladders and in lifts.
  • SOUND – Work in concert with the Director of Production and Technical Director on general organization and maintenance of all A/V equipment, system set up for productions, programming and supervision of student crew for each production. Applicants should possess basic working knowledge of a wide range of A/V equipment (wired/wireless microphones, speakers, amps, Yamaha LS9 digital console, QLab Pro, projection equipment, etc), and have some experience mixing live sound for productions.
  • SCENIC & PROPS CARPENTRY– Work in concert with the Technical Director, Shop Foreman and Props Master on all aspects of scenic and props construction and supervision of student crew for all productions. Applicants should possess a strong knowledge of power tools, read construction drafting, have general scenic carpentry experience, and have the physical ability to lift and move heavy objects.
  • SCENIC ARTIST– Work in concert with the Master Scenic Artist in mixing color and painting scenery for all productions within the season. Applicants should possess basic scene painting knowledge including backdrops, texture and dimension.  Please submit portfolio photos of work with cover letter and resume.
  • ASSITANT TECHNICAL DIRECTION– work in concert with the Director of Production and Technical Director maintaining scene shop and rigging equipment, creating construction drawings and build schedules, ordering materials, and overseeing execution of all technical elements for each production in an Assistant Technical Director capacity. Applicants should possess a strong knowledge of power tools, working knowledge of lighting and sound equipment, strong scenic carpentry and rigging experience, the physical ability to lift and move heavy objects, and be comfortable working at heights of 12 to 20 feet.
  • STAGE MANAGEMENT/PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT– Work in concert with the Production Manager on administrative duties related to the daily operation of the production department and execution of all rehearsals and performances. In addition, interns will SM and ASM productions as assigned throughout the season.  Applicants should possess strong organization, communication and computer skills, knowledge of theatrical terminology, leadership abilities in running rehearsals and performances, ability to call a show, a calm demeanor, and should have their own vehicle and a valid driver’s license.  Please submit samples of prompt book and paperwork with cover letter and resume.

 

CURRENT ANNUAL PROGRAMMING

  • LIVE ART
    • Major public performance featuring nationally renowned musicians (past have included Jason Mraz, Josh Grobin, k.d. lang, Christina Perri, Sara Bareilles, René Marie and more) performing with 200 students of all abilities (with and without disabilities).
    • Held annually in Richmond’s Altria Theater (3,500 seats)
    • Single performance
    • Production budget: approx. $125,000
  • 3 Spotlight Series Student Productions (Fall, Spring; 80-500 seat venues), with approx. 10 performances each
    • One production each academic semester for students ages 10-18. Past titles have included Peter and the Starcatcher, Into the Woods, Urinetown, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Charlotte’s Web, The Wiz, The Music Man, Jr., The Addams Family, and The Drowsy Chaperone.
    • Held every fall and spring in the SPARC Center (80-100 seats) or at off site venues (150-500 seats)
    • Approx. 6-10 performances per production, venue dependent
    • Production budgets: approx. $26,000-40,000
  • 1 Summer Spotlight Student Production, with 4 performances
    • Musical for ages 14-18. Past titles have included Pride & Prejudice, Anything Goes, Macbeth, Noises Off, Chicago, You Can’t Take it With You, Hairspray, Avenue Q School Edition, Oliver!, and Aida.
    • Held in July in the SPARC Center (80-100 seats) or larger venue (approx. 400 seats) (venue dependent upon title and cast size))
    • Production budgets: approx. $40,000
  • 1 SummerStarz Touring Student Production, with approx. 9 performances
    • Short musical for ages 9-14. Past titles have included The Big Talent (world premier), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Bugsy Malone, Willy Wonka, and James and the Giant Peach JR.
    • Production budgets: approx. $26,000
  • 3 Studio Series Productions (Fall, Spring, Summer)
    • Play or Musical designed to reduce production elements and create an acting studio environment where student focus in on analysis, dramaturgical research, character development and acting technique.
  • Specialty Programming – unique performance, social, or field trip/observation opportunities for students to engage with professionals and peers in the performing arts community
  • 5-6 Spring Showcases (audiences ranging from 80-150 each)
    • Students aged 5 and up perform a showcase at the end of the Fall and Spring terms. Young students (ages 5-7) perform small showcases at the SPARC Center. Older students (ages 8-18) perform in a series of mainstage Showcases in the Dominion Arts Center’s Gottwald Playhouse (approx. 150 seats).
  • 2 After-School Production Programs at area elementary schools
  • 6-8 Final Shares for STAGES In-School Outreach Program
  • New Voices for the Theater
    • 1 Opening Night Reception for New Voices for the Theater (currently including a staged play reading)
    • 2-Night Festival of New Works (staged readings for student plays) for
  • Approx. 12-15 Touring Ensemble Performances
  • Special events, as scheduled

TO APPLY

Submit cover letter, resume, references, and additional materials requested above to Ginnie Willard, Director of Production, at gwillard@sparcrichmond.org.  Incomplete submissions will not be considered.  For more information on SPARC, please visit our website at www.sparcrichmond.org.  NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

APPLICATION DEADLINE – March 8, 2019
Start Date – May 13, 2019
End Date – August 11, 2019
Salary – $100 weekly stipend + housing provided


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