Information on summer internships will be posted in March of 2012.

The Ford’s Theatre Intern Program offers challenging and diverse experiences related to its unique mission as a professional theatre and Lincoln museum/education center. Qualified college students, graduates and young professionals who are actively pursuing careers in related fields are welcomed in semester-long positions in Business/Operations, Development, Education and Community Engagement, Museum Interpretation, Marketing/PR/Publicity and Production and Design. Ford’s Theatre interns will have the opportunity to work closely with Ford’s staff and be entrusted with significant responsibility.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Ford’s Theatre is an equal opportunity employer.

Why intern at Ford’s Theatre?

While at Ford’s Theatre interns can:

• Bridge the gap between collegiate work and professional life by working with some of the best in the business in a challenging, diverse atmosphere.
• Begin building professional networks with relationships initiated during the internship. These opportunities can lead to future jobs in the theatre, museums, historical societies and education.
• Take advantage of discussion with Ford’s Theatre staff, guest artists, and other members of the community to broaden their knowledge base and expand understanding of professional theatre and historical museums.

All interns must have excellent written and oral verbal proficiency; and demonstrate a strong work ethic, common sense and exemplary interpersonal skills.

Ford’s will offer intern positions in the following areas:

Administration/Operations
An intern for admin/operations will first and foremost demonstrate attention to detail.  She/he must be analytic and have excellent organizational skills and be able to determine critical information within a multitude of data.  She/he must be able to handle specific projects in an organized fashion. Background in business management is preferred but not required. Possible 2010 projects include organizing in preparation for office move; assisting with year-end audit preparation; collaborating with marketing/IT/development to sort and organize social media and/or shared drive; and assisting with various patron services.

Artistic Programming
Two categories will be possible: Management intern and Casting intern

The management intern will work on special projects under the supervision of the Executive Director. The preferred candidate would be available during the entire producing season (August/September to May/June).

The casting intern would work closely with the Artistic Programming Director on maintaining an artist database and seasonal casting.

Special Programming
The intern in Special Programming will provide administrative assistance to the Director of Special Programming.  This will include playing a significant role in the research and design of the 2012 Lincoln Legacy Project (LLP).  Launched in the fall of 2011, the LLP uses the central ethical theme of Ford’s fall production and presents a series of free events designed to promote civil community discourse related to the theme. The 2012 LLP will center on issues related to tolerance. The successful intern candidate must demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.  She/he must have excellent organizational skills; superior proficiency in written and oral communication; and demonstrated ability to interact seamlessly with individuals from diverse backgrounds.  Some experience in doing historical research is also important.  This is an opportunity to work on a unique project as it evolves.

Development
Development Individual-Giving
Development interns assist with individual donor fundraising activities. Programs include a national board of advisors, membership, annual giving, direct mail and capital campaign initiatives, among others. The Intern will gain specific experience in individual giving, while acquiring general fundraising knowledge. The intern may be asked to work on the following tasks: research individual prospects using WealthEngine and the internet, writing individual profiles (APRA professional standards); collaborate on creating and assembling marketing collaterals for membership groups; collaborate on writing, editing and/or mailing solicitation and acknowledgment letters; staff development department special events in evenings (where appropriate); write an article to be published in the fall newsletter. The ideal candidate would be available 30 hours a week, computer literate, proficient in excel and database programs and have strong speaking, writing and researching skills. A demonstrated interest in history and/or arts and cultural institutions is preferred.

Development-Corporate, Foundation and Corporate Giving
The intern will assist with corporate, foundation and government fundraising activities and gain experience in proposal writing, research and donor fulfillment. The intern will gain general fundraising knowledge, participate in development team meetings and assist with special events (requires some evening work). The intern may be asked to work on the following tasks: use the Foundation Center and Yellow Book to research potential funders; assist in preparing corporate proposals and sponsor fulfillment; schedule meetings with potential corporate partners; collaborate on writing and editing of donor newsletter and other donor materials; collaborate on proposal writing and submission. The ideal candidate would be available 30 hours per week, be computer literate and proficient in Excel and Word and demonstrate strong speaking, writing and researching skills. A demonstrated interest in history and/or arts and cultural institutions is preferred.

Education
The education intern will work closely with members of the department to support school and teacher programs related to Ford’s joint mission as a theatre and a historical museum  This may include developing, piloting and delivering school and teacher programs, both on-site and on the web. The education intern will assist the education department staff in cultivating and maintaining relationships with schools both local to D.C. and throughout the country. Comfort interacting with teachers on the phone and teachers and students in person, and a strong interest in how field trips and outside experiences can strengthen student learning are essential to success in this internship. For more information about the current education internship, click here.

Marketing/Public Relations
The marketing/ public relations intern will work in the daily operations of the Marketing and Communications Department. The intern may assist in audience development strategies, group sales, press relations, publications, social media and special seasonal projects. Strong written and verbal communication skills are a must.

Production
Design intern possibilities in production are project driven. Production interns will be assigned to specific projects and thus are expected to stay in residence throughout the production period, which could be longer than one semester. Design interns must have prior experience in their specific field. Design interns may work as assistants to the designers.

Exhibits
The exhibits intern will work directly with the Exhibits Supervisor to support the Ford’s Theater exhibition program. This may involve research, writing, exhibit planning and development, exhibit maintenance and working on public programming in conjunction with the education office. Candidates will have excellent research and writing skills and education in a related field.

Non-design focused production interns may be assigned to various tasks related to equipment inventory, artistic company management, guest artist hospitality, union compliance and other organizational projects.