Interns Learn, Work and Play in Professional Setting

Theatre is one of the few professions where apprentices can still learn from those who practice their art. The internship program at Peninsula Players Theatre is part of a tradition, a tradition which runs as deep as the roots of the theatre itself. Since the Players launched their first season in 1935, interns, then called apprentices, have been given the chance to work side-by-side with professionals, learning the craft by observing and participating in it.

“The interns at Peninsula Players work with professional actors, managers, and technicians for 13 weeks in all aspects of theatre, making us unique among internship programs,” explains Business Manager Audra Baakari Boyle. The program’s diversity and atmosphere attracts interns yearly from across the country. Mixing work and responsibilities, interns are offered a chance to build up résumés, try different areas in theatre production, and make contacts with working actors, designers and managers.

From the Players 2004 production of Broadway Bound featuring Jeff Award Winners Carmen Roman and Greg Vinkler, two members of the Players 2004 professional acting company. The Jeff Awards are Chicago’s version of the Tonys. Carmen and Greg were awarded best actress and actor awards. Carmen won for her portrayal of an English professor afflicted with ovarian cancer in Wit. Greg received his Joseph Jefferson (“Jeff”) award for the title role in King Lear.

Not only do each of the interns work in the scene shop and box office, but most have rotated into areas which include production work such as lighting, properties, costumes, house management, stage management, concessions, and acting. “Working in theatre necessitates being well-rounded, and having experience in a professional setting helps one to communicate with one’s co-workers,” said Baakari Boyle. “Our internship program is a wonderful opportunity to find out if theatre is a career you would like to pursue.”

Interns participating in our 2007 season came from a variety of places, as far away as St. Paul, Minnesota; Highland Park, Illinois; and Norman, Oklahoma to as close as Green Bay, Mukwonago and Brussels, Wisconsin.  Looking to learn in a professional setting, each intern brought his or her talents to the Players. Most used their internships to explore the atmosphere of professional theatre. The Actors Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers, accredits the intern program. Interns can earn points toward membership in the union and/or college credit through their summer work at Peninsula Players.  Interns need to make arrangements with their schools.

Working in a resident company is a bonus for interns who need to make contacts in the business. With approximately 45 people living and working together, the company becomes a supportive network. “We offer a unique relationship--working, living, and eating with theatre professionals,” Baakari Boyle said. “Everyone in our theatre company lives on property: actors, interns, directors, designers, technicians, stage managers, and administrators. Interns get to know everyone involved in the creative process because they’re not off campus living a separate life.”

The interns work hard while at Peninsula Players, but as the assignments vary and shift from show to show, the interns gain diverse experiences which can include, but are not limited to, running crew assignments, board op assignments, serving as a dresser or props/lighting crew members to front of house assignments as a ticket taker or working the will call window.  This follows Artistic Director Greg Vinkler’s goal for the intern program wherein Peninsula Players provides a professional working atmosphere for future theatre artists.

Due to the season schedule, interns who can stay at least though Labor Day are given first priority of employment. We realize this causes a hardship on the student whose college term begins early. Sometimes special arrangements for late entry can be made with the educational institution and occasionally interns who must leave before Labor Day may also be offered positions.

The Peninsula Players offers an intensive and rewarding experience for students preparing for careers in theatre. Interns gain knowledge by working side-by-side with theatre professionals on a daily basis. Alumni of our program can be found throughout the industry. Many had their first taste of professional theatre here. Our Equity acting company, designers, directors, production staff and administrators are all working professionals from theatres across the country.

All of our employees live in housing on our grounds and eat meals together in our lodge. This has provided interns with the opportunity to work and live with our working professionals and to develop friendships that can become important contacts for future employment in theatre.

If you are interested in our program please return the application by April 1.

Thank you for your interest in Peninsula Players.

Cordially,

Audra Baakari Boyle
Business Manager
920-868-3287

About Internships at Peninsula Players

The Peninsula Players, America’s oldest professional resident summer theatre, is now accepting applications for our 2007 summer intern positions.

We are seeking eight to 10 college/university students with technical or management interests to become members of our company beginning in late May or early June. In addition, some staff positions will become available to summer interns in September for our 2007 Fall Season closing October 15.

Interns will rotate on a tri-weekly basis between technical and managerial areas, and a few will have the chance to rotate as the assistant stage manager and work with our professional Equity stage manager and actors in rehearsal. Interns will be involved on a daily basis with building and running our five-show season, each with a two to three week run. Areas of concentration include: stage carpentry, electrics, sound, wardrobe, properties and scene painting. Interns will also concentrate on all aspects of theatre operations including public relations, marketing, house management, box office management, and assisting the Executive Producer and Business Manager. Interns participate in all areas of production including pre-show assignments and show duties.

Up to five interns who are interested in acting or stage management may have the opportunity to assistant stage manage for one of our shows. Any small roles that cannot be filled with non-union actors may be cast from interested interns. However, please note no roles are guaranteed since we must first fulfill our obligations to Equity.

Interns and staff work in the concession stand and beer garden, direct traffic in the parking lots, and house manage pre-show. Intermission, show duties, and post-show assignments are also made.

Credit for the Equity Membership Candidate Program may be gained through work at the Peninsula Players. College credit may also be earned. The intern must make his/her arrangements with the college/university.
Peninsula Players believes in providing a well-rounded experience for our interns, which is why we have created our workshop program. Five to seven workshops will be held during the summer with various members of our professional company. For example, last season our Artistic Director Greg Vinkler held a workshop on performing Shakespeare while Carmen Roman worked with our interns on their audition monologues. Both Greg and Carmen are award-winning professional actors. We have also hosted workshops on stage make-up, stage combat, improvisation, stage rigging, and preparing for a career in theatre.

The Peninsula Players provides free room and board for all interns. Housing is located on the theatre’s beautiful grounds along the shore of Green Bay. Three complete meals a day are provided in the Players Bayshore Lodge. A weekly stipend of $100 is also paid.                                                             Company Member Joe Foust leads our    

                                                                                                                                  2005 interns in a fight choreography

                                                                                                                                                        workshop.

To apply, please dowload INTERN APPLICATION and follow the enclosed instructions.

Member of Peninsula Arts and Humanities Alliance