Theater Intern

Be a Star at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts!

The Patel Conservatory, located at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, is currently looking for Summer 2026 Theater Education Interns. This internship is for an emerging theater practitioner and undergraduate student who possesses a strong commitment to working with children and youth arts educators. This seasonal position teaches in all aspects of the Conservatory's Theater programs, including, but not limited to, classes/camps within the Patel Conservatory, classes for the Community Engagement Department and professional development workshops. Theater Education Interns may assist professional stage managers to successfully execute rehearsal, production, and backstage duties during a four-production summer season. Skills and experience in one of the following disciplines are ideal: stage management/technical theater, music direction/piano, and/or theatrical performance.

Located in downtown Tampa, the Straz offers a team-based work environment that shows our dedication to the community every day. Come and join us in our Mission: to inspire, educate and connect our community through the power of shared performing arts experiences.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares lesson plans and teaches classes and workshops as required each session (teaching includes planning and implementation with Conservatory staff and direct instruction with students in pre-K through adult).
• Develops written theater curriculum.
• Acts as an ambassador and serves as a community representative on behalf of the Conservatory at community functions as requested.
• Participates in all Open Classroom and Showcase events as requested.
• May assist with training and mentorship for technical theater students in the Conservatory's Theater Apprentice program, prepare rehearsal reports, run sheets, performance reports, document blocking, and other stage management documents as assigned.
• May assist with teaching music, music direction, and/or accompanying students in rehearsal.
• May assist in teaching acting, musical theater, and/or choreography.
• Participates in all Performance and Showcase events as requested. This may include but is not limited to run crew, spotlight or light board operation, props tracking, check-in, and dismissal duties, reset and strike of scenery and props.

Other:

• Attends and facilitates (when requested) mandatory teacher training and facility meetings.
• Provides operational support as needed including, but not limited to, production support and classroom set ups.
• Provides administrative support as needed, including, but not limited to, clerical and general office work.
• Other duties as assigned by the Theater Department Chair.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Works well in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• In-depth knowledge and expertise in theater performance and/or stage management.
• Knowledge and demonstrated practice of effective classroom management strategies to maintain a safe and effective learning environment.
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Effective prioritization and multitasking skills.
• Collaborative decision-making skills in a team environment.
• Detail oriented with ability to effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Has completed (at minimum) their sophomore year of an undergraduate program.
• Is currently enrolled in a college theater or theater-related degree program.
• Ability to facilitate group decision making.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule which may include nights and weekends during production weeks.
• Must be able to successfully complete a Level 2 background check*.

Education and Work Experience:

• High School diploma required.
• Has completed their sophomore year of an undergraduate program.
• Is currently enrolled in a college theater or theater-related degree program.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to perform physical activities that require constant use of arms and legs and moving the entire body to ascend, descend, traverse, and position self to handle materials (such as props, costumes, etc.). The employee is frequently required to remain stationary; use hands, arms, communication to express oneself (required for performance, teaching, listening to music, choreography, etc.).
• The nature of this job requires the employee to work on-site as a regular work routine.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

*As a condition of employment and in compliance with Florida House Bill 531, the candidate(s) selected for this position are required to complete a Level 2 background screening through FLClearinghouse. Please use the following link to view more about the required screening: https://info.flclearinghouse.com. Failure to complete the screening or meet the requirements may result in disqualification from consideration.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to being an inclusive workplace and strongly believes in the importance of having a diverse group of individuals represented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Please visit our website at www.StrazCenter.org to learn more about the Straz Center.