2018-2019 Internship Program Overview and Information Sheet
Overview
Virginia Stage Company’s Internship Program offers internships which are designed to give high school students from the Hampton Roads communities intensive training and experience in the field of technical theatre. Qualified applicants should be current high school students who possess a strong desire to continue their focus in professional theatre, particularly technical theatre. Applicants are expected to be self-motivated, committed, and willing to learn a vast set of theatrical skills. In VSC’s Internship Program, you will discover within yourself new talents; engage in hands-on training with professional artists and technicians not only from Hampton Roads, but also New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago; and receive professional training ahead of your peers. Internships are an extremely valuable experience that you can include on any college application or professional resume. Internships inform your professional and academic communities that you are dedicated and willing to devote extra time to learning and perfecting your craft. The Internship Program consists of four main requirements: 1) Intern Classes Throughout the season, Interns will be required to attend classes focusing on various fields of technical theatre, taught by the professional staff at Virginia Stage Company. Classes are held roughly once a month, usually on Monday or Tuesday evenings, from late August through early June, and may be between 1.5-3 hours in length depending on the subject. Second- and Third-Year interns are still required to attend these sessions, during which their skill set will only expand and they may be called upon to assist in demonstrations.
2) Intern Work Calls Interns will apply the skills they learn in classes to hands-on practice by assisting the VSC production department in an assortment of work calls ranging from light hang to paint calls to dressing room prep and beyond. Interns are required to attend 6 work calls throughout the season on dates of their choosing, which may last between 1.5-3 hours each depending on the department. However, interns are encouraged to attend as many work calls as possible, especially in their field of interest, to maximize the learning experience.
3) Show Run Crew Assignments VSC’s 2018-2019 season will include 5 mainstage and 2 special event productions open to work for interns. As the ultimate culmination of their education in technical theatre, interns are required to complete show crew assignments on the full runs of 3 of these productions. Interns may work a variety of crew positions per show ranging from spotlight operator to backstage wardrobe crew and more. All show run crew positions offer modest stipends.
4) Designer Runs Regardless of whether an intern has been assigned as run crew on a particular production, all interns are required to attend each mainstage show’s Designer Run, usually on Tuesday evenings. Attending Designer Run (the first full run-through of a show performed in front of its designers) offers a valuable glimpse of a production still in the rehearsal stage. By attending, interns also perform the small but crucial role as serving as the very first test audience for performers.
The following pages of this overview provide further information, including dates, for each component. updated 30 May 2018 Page 1 of 8
2018-2019 Internship Program Overview and Information Sheet
VSC recognizes and encourages the inherent fun and camaraderie of working in theatre, and will seek always to build team spirit through theatre games and other light-hearted activities. Interns’ input will be sought for classes, and they are urged to seek out extra opportunities within their field of interest in the theatre. Interns will also be given two opportunities, once at the middle of the season and once at the end, to offer program feedback and/or to be personally evaluated. Benefits of the VSC Internship Program
• free professional classroom instruction in technical theatre • contacts and networking with professional artists and technicians • training and experience ahead of your peers • strong resume builder • complimentary tickets to each Virginia Stage Company 2018-2019 Season production
updated 30 May 2018 Page 2 of 8
2018-2019 Internship Program Overview and Information Sheet
Intern Classes Throughout the course of the year, interns will attend several classes covering a broad range of technical theatre, from audio to costumes to rigging, etc. Classes are structured to impart not just theory or technicalities, but practical, problem-solving knowledge and skills, and experience with show technology. Class Schedule (subject to change)
Thursday, Aug 23, 2018 – 5:00p – 7:00p stock, and talked through basic stage construction Class #1: Orientation / Basic Theatre Etiquette techniques. Interns will also learn to tie several Interns will meet with VSC staff and overview practical knots and learn about flyrail safety. the season, including ranking their choice of show run crew assignments. Interns will also be introduced to Monday, Jan 7, 2019 – 5:00p – 7:30p basic theatre etiquette, including common vocabulary Class #7: Theatrical Audio and call/responses, proper dress, etc. Interns will learn the principles of sound and the path sound takes through a theater, through Monday, Sep 3, 2018 – 4:30p – 6:00p hands-on experience with microphones (including Class #2: Stage Cleaning & Organizing maintenance/troubleshooting), speakers, and our Interns will be instructed in stage audio mixing console. custodianship, including proper techniques for sweeping and mopping. Interns will also become Monday, Feb 25, 2019 – 5:00p – 7:00p familiar with the usage of standard theatre supplies Class #8: Props & Paint such as tape and extension cables, and will be led to Interns will gain hands-on experience with think ahead re: stage safety and navigability. props sourcing and fabrication, and learn the basic techniques for painting standard theatre designs such Tuesday, Sep 18, 2018 – 5:00p – 7:30p as brick, wood grain, etc. Class #3: Theatrical Lighting Interns will learn the basics of electricity and Tuesday, Mar 12, 2019 – 5:00p – 7:30p common stage lighting fixtures, including proper Class #9: Interns’ Choice! hanging, focus, troubleshooting, and followspot Interns are invited to choose instruction in a operation. Interns will also receive demonstrations in topic of their choice. programming/operation on our lighting console, as Tuesday, Apr 23, 2019 – 5:00p – 6:30p well as the unique properties of color in lighting. Class #10: Script Analysis for Design & Tech Monday, Oct 8, 2018 – 5:00p – 7:00p In the previous class, interns will have been Class #4: Costuming sent home with the script for Native Gardens, and will Interns will be talked through the costume return with analyses of the various design and design process, learn different categories of costume technical needs for the show to discuss and clarify in a items, and receive hands-on experience in basic group format. costume construction and maintenance, including Monday, Dec 18, 2017 – 5:00p – 7:30p hand sewing. Interns will also have the chance to Class #11: Stage Management practice quick-change dressing techniques. Interns will be introduced to the Tuesday, Nov 12, 2018 – 5:00p – 7:30p responsibilities of stage management and will receive Class #5: Interns’ Choice! demonstrations in computer software to assist in Interns are invited to choose instruction in a solving tasks related to show planning. topic of their choice. Example choices include stage Tuesday, May 29, 2018 – 5:00p – 7:30p combat and stage makeup. Class #12: Wrap-Up Monday, Dec 17, 2017 – 5:00p – 7:00p Interns will be given the opportunity to Class #6: Scenery & Rigging evaluate and reflect on their learning experiences, and Interns will gain hands-on experience with a offer suggestions for next season’s program, all with a variety of hand and power tools and materials in VSC’s year-end celebration and scavenger hunt.
updated 30 May 2018 Page 3 of 8
2018-2019 Internship Program Overview and Information Sheet
Intern Work Calls
Throughout the season, interns will be provided a plethora of opportunities to apply skills learned in the classroom to hands-on work calls, assisting the production departments in show builds.
Interns must attend 1 work call in each of the four main technical theatre departments: Lights/Audio, Scenery/Rigging, Props/Paint, and Costumes. In addition, interns must attend 2 extra work calls in a field of their choosing for a total of 6 work nights over the course of the season.
Interns may choose their own work dates at least 1 week in advance based on the list below:
Show Lights/Audio Scenery/Rigging Props/Paint Costumes Miscellaneous Always… Patsy Cline LIGHT HANG FLOOR PAINT DRESS. RM. PREP REH. RM. STRIKE Tue, Oct 2, 2018 Sat, Oct 6, 2018 Thu, Oct 11, 2018 Wed, Oct 10, 2018 6:00p – 9:00p 9:00a – 12:00p 5:00p – 6:30p 8:30p – 11:00p
TECH NOTES PROPS PULL Sat, Sep 8, 2018 Sun, Oct 23, 2018 4:00p – 6:00p 5:00p – 7:00p
Sun, Sep 9, 2018 TECH NOTES 4:30p – 6:30p Sat, Sep 8, 2018 9:00a – 11:00a Mon, Sep 10, 2018 4:00p – 6:00p 5:00p – 8:00p Sun, Sep 9, 2018 9:30a – 11:30a 4:30p – 6:30p
Mon, Sep 10, 2018 5:00p – 8:00p Our Town A Christmas Carol The Santaland Diaries Fun Home The Secret Garden The Bluest Eye Native Gardens Matilda
updated 30 May 2018 Page 4 of 8
2018-2019 Internship Program Overview and Information Sheet
Show Run Crew Assignments In addition to classes and work nights, interns will gain hands-on experience in theatre by serving as run crew for VSC’s season shows. Interns may work as spotlight operators or dressers, or may run the sound or light board, etc., providing vital support for professional productions. All show run crew positions offer modest stipends, which are prorated based upon the number of days worked from first tech rehearsal through closing. Glossary of Show Run Crew Positions Light Board Operator (LBO) – tests and troubleshoots lighting fixtures before show to make sure they’re working. During show, sits at the lighting console in the stage manager booth, advancing through lighting cues. Spotlight Operator (Spot) – during show, sits in the spot bay at top of the stage manager booth and follows actors with spotlight. May perform additional duties during preshow set-up. Sound Board Operator (SBO) – during non-musical productions, test and troubleshoots speakers before show to make sure they’re working. During show, sits at the sound console at back of house, playing sound and possibly video cues through computer as needed. Audio Assistant (A2) – during musical productions, helps prepare microphones for actors and troubleshoots all mics and speakers before show to make sure they’re working. Is at the ready backstage in case of equipment failure, though may also help with other backstage tasks during performance. Deck Crew – the catch-all of backstage. Helps clean stage and set up props before show. During show, stands backstage ready to help with props switches, scenery changes, and other tasks (including possible costume changes) as needed, and helps clean up at end of night. Wardrobe Crew (Dresser) – helps keep track of and set up costumes backstage before show, including ironing or small repairs as needed. During show, stands backstage ready to assist with costume changes. At end of night, sprays costumes for cleanliness and starts laundry as needed. May also assist with hair, wigs, or makeup.
Assignment Breakdown VSC’s 2018-2019 season will include 5 mainstage and 2 special event productions open to work for interns. Interns are required to work as run crew on 3 of these productions, one assignment of which may be as a crew “swing,” or someone who fills in a position only when a regular crew member has an absence. The 3- show requirement may be filled by any one of the following combinations:
• serve as regular run crew for 2 mainstage productions and 1 special event production • serve as regular run crew for 1 mainstage production and 2 special event productions • serve as regular run crew for 2 mainstage productions, plus serve as a swing for 1 mainstage production • serve as regular run crew for 2 mainstage productions, plus serve as a swing for 2 special event productions • serve as regular run crew for 1 mainstage production, plus serve as a swing for 3 mainstage productions • serve as regular run crew for 2 special event productions, plus serve as a “swing” for 2 mainstage productions • or any combination that exceeds the above requirements Working a show run crew assignment is a significant time commitment for up to 4 weeks in a row, often requiring late nights, including on school nights. As this is an imperative component of the internship program, applicants are implicitly understood to have agreed to and accepted the schedule requirements.
updated 30 May 2018 Page 5 of 8
2018-2019 Internship Program Overview and Information Sheet
2018-2019 Season Production Dates and Show Descriptions Interns are required to attend the designer run of each mainstage production, regardless of whether they are assigned to that particular show. Special event productions are marked with ** The listings of run crew positions do not include positions as crew swings.
Always… Patsy Cline Designer Run: Tue, Sep 4, 2018, 7:30p – 9:30p First Tech Rehearsal: Fri, Sep 7, 2018, evening hours TBD Closing Day: Sun, Sep 30, 2018 (7:30p show TBD) One of the most beloved productions in Virginia Stage Company history returns to kick off the historic 40th Season. Celebrate the life and music of one of country music’s most iconic voices and her unlikely friendship with a Houston housewife as they bond over a pot of strong coffee, some dear letters between friends, and the beautiful tunes of Cline herself. You’ll go “Crazy” over 27 of her biggest hits. (Musical) The run crew positions open to interns on this show include: 1 Light Board Operator 1 Wardrobe Crew
Our Town Designer Run: Tue, Oct 9, 2018, 7:00p – 9:30p First Tech Rehearsal: Fri, Oct 12, 2018, evening hours TBD Closing Day: Sun, Nov 4, 2018 (7:30p show TBD) Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play has stood the test of time and remains one of the top produced and cherished shows in the American canon. Through humor and exceptionally powerful storytelling, audiences are transported to the small town of Grover’s Corners to follow the journey of its residents as they grow up and experience the beauty and heartbreak of life. This new take on an American classic proves to highlight what makes this little town enduringly iconic and not so different from Hampton Roads. (Drama) The run crew positions open to interns on this show include: 1 Light Board Operator 1 Spotlight Operator 1 Sound Board Operator 2 Deck/Wardrobe Crew (helping with cleaning, scenery, props, and costumes)
A Christmas Carol (rated all ages) Designer Run: Mon, Nov 19, 2018, 7:30p – 9:30p This show will not have intern run crew positions available. It wouldn’t be the holidays without Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Wells Theatre. Experience the childlike wonder of this heartwarming story that follows the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they take Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of redemption where he learns the power of kindness and compassion. This play is recommended for all ages and, in our opinion, is better the more kids you bring. (Musical)
updated 30 May 2018 Page 6 of 8
2018-2019 Internship Program Overview and Information Sheet
**The Santaland Diaries (rated ages 15+) First Tech Rehearsal: Mon, Dec 3, time TBD Closing Day: Sun, Dec 16, 2018 (7:30p show) Based on the memoir of award-winning comedic author David Sedaris, this hilarious one-man-show takes us back to ye olden days when he was one of Santa’s Elves at Macy’s Department Store. In this one-act play the struggling writer, who chooses the elf name “Crumpet,” weaves an unbelievable tale of drunken Santas, lascivious actors, and combative parents. Come laugh, drink and be merry with your friends at the Wells Theatre. This late night holiday treat for adults is sure to make your spirits bright! (Comedy) The run crew positions open to interns on this show include: 1 Deck Crew
Fun Home (rated ages 15+) Designer Run: Tue, Jan 15, 2019, 7:30p – 9:30p First Tech Rehearsal: Fri, Jan 18, 2019, evening hours TBD Closing Day: Sun, Feb 10, 2019 (7:30p show TBD) Alison Bechdel’s iconic graphic novel comes to life in this Tony Award-winning masterpiece musical. Follow her journey of self-discovery as Alison recounts the mysteries of her childhood with her father in the family funeral home. Coming to understand her past leads her on a path of self-discovery and her own journey as an LGBTQ writer, artist, and woman. Join Virginia Stage for this groundbreaking musical enjoyed by play and musical lovers alike that brings forward aspects of our society that do not often take center stage. (Musical) The run crew positions open to interns on this show include: 2 Spotlight Operators 1 Audio Assistant
**The Secret Garden First Tech Rehearsal: Wed, Feb 13, 2019, evening hours TBD Closing Day: Sun, Feb 17, 2019 (7:30p show TBD) [Insert Show Description Here] (Concert Musical) The run crew positions open to interns on this show include: 1 Audio Assistant 1 Deck Crew
The Bluest Eye (rated ages 15+) Designer Run: Tue, Feb 26, 2019, 7:30p – 9:30p First Tech Rehearsal: Fri, Mar 1, 2019, evening hours TBD Closing Day: Sun, Mar 24, 2019 (7:30p show TBD) Adapted from Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison’s first novel, this play explores race and class during the post-Great Depression era. Young Pecola Breedlove prays for Shirley Temples’ blue eyes, sure that love and acceptance will follow; but for a young black girl in Ohio in the
updated 30 May 2018 Page 7 of 8
2018-2019 Internship Program Overview and Information Sheet
1940’s, fitting in is easier wished for than done. This poetic narrative illuminates the destructive powers of racism, colorism, and how the dynamics of family and community can lift us up or tear us down. Produced in collaboration with Norfolk State University Theatre Company. (Drama) The run crew positions open to interns on this show include: 1 Spotlight Operator 1 Sound Board Operator
Native Gardens Designer Run: Tue, Apr 2, 2019, 7:30p – 9:30p First Tech Rehearsal: Fri, Apr 5, 2019, evening hours TBD Closing Day: Sun, Apr 28, 2019 (7:30p show TBD) When is a fence more than just a fence? In this hilarious and topical comedy, a rising attorney, Pablo, and Tania his pregnant, PhD candidate wife clash with their well-intentioned neighbors and learn that sometimes the small things in life represent a lot more. The ensuing battle of tossed words and acorns challenges the characters and audience to examine their views on race, affluence, and influence, as it shines a light on just what it means to be a good neighbor. (Comedy) The run crew positions open to interns on this show include: 1 Light Board Operator 1 Sound Board Operator
Matilda: The Musical (rated all ages) Designer Run: Wed, Sep 6, 2017, 7:00p – 10:00p This show will not have intern run crew positions available. This musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a young girl with a sharp wit and love for books. With her special brand of ingenuity, she dares to stand against the tyranny of adults who seek to crush her imagination. This multi-Tony award-winning musical provides the perfect opportunity for collaboration between Virginia Stage Company and The Governor’s School for the Arts to highlight our local students alongside some of the top professional actors from around the country. (Musical)
updated 30 May 2018 Page 8 of 8