The Smithsonian AssociatesInternships

Position Description

Internship Title:Discovery Theater Technical Intern

About TSA:The Smithsonian Associates advances the Institution’s mission “to increase and diffuse knowledge” through educational and cultural experiences inspired by the Smithsonian’s research and collections for DC-region students, families, and adults, and for learning communities nationwide.

Discovery Theater ( the Smithsonian Institution’s theater for children, is dedicated to offering the best in live educational performing arts for young people, serving as a gateway to the resources contained in the Smithsonian’s museums, collections, and exhibitions through performances and programs in museums, tours and in-school residencies.

Intern Duties:

  • Assist with various aspects of the technical side of theater.
  • Participate actively in running and preparing for both produced and presented shows for Discovery Theater. Work in one or more of the following areas: stage management, assistant direction, sound, lighting, props & costumes.
  • May also be called on to assist in office duties, daily operations, artist communication, and hospitality.

Professional Development

Opportunities:

  • The Technical Intern will receive basic knowledge of the technical theater work as well as insight into the administrative side of Museum Theater.
  • Beyond regular duties, supervisors will work with Technical Intern’s interests, in training and networking withthe DC theatre community and at the Smithsonian
  • Possibletraining opportunities includeSound and Lighting Design, Live Mixing Audio (theatrical/concert), QLab, SFX, Isadora, Basic Carpentry, Costuming (technologies, wardrobe and design), Puppetry (design, build and operation),Microsoft Office, Tessitura.

Qualifications:

  • Some experience inrelevant Technical Theater.
  • Should be flexible, creative, a team player, reliable, and have a good work ethic.
  • Display a willingness to assist in load in/out, as artist liaison, and setup/tear down stage and seating on a daily basis.
  • Computer and desktop publishing a plus.

Seasons:Spring (Jan – May), Summer (Jun – July) & Fall (Sept - Dec)

Time Commitment: 30 - 40 hrs/week; 1 full semester – 1 academic year. Part-time availability will also be considered.

Schedule: Weekdays with an occasional weekend day or evening

Supervisors:Roberta Gasbarre, Discovery Theater Programmer

Compensation:All TSA Internships are unpaid and housing is not provided. College credit may be granted, but must be coordinated in advance with the intern's university/college.

Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

To be considered in the first round of applications, please submit your materials by the dates below:

Fall Positions: July 1

Winter/Spring Positions: October 1

Summer Positions: February 1

Applications received after these dates will still be considered on an as-needed basis.

To Apply:Complete the online application at Questions can be directed to the Intern Coordinator at or 202.633.8631.

Rev. 11/2/2018