The BDF internship program offers an opportunity to work with professional artists, receive mentorship from staff, participate in classes, performances, and other events, and create lasting relationships with your peer group.
Single-room dormitory housing and meals are provided for the duration of the internship, along with participation in one dance class each day. Interns receive an honorarium equivalent to $100 per week on campus, which varies for each position – dates are listed below. Interns are responsible for planning their own travel to and from campus. There are no out of pocket expenses related to their engagement otherwise.
2024 Internship applications will be open November 29, 2023 – January 29, 2024.
Technical and Site-Specific Production
The Technical Production Internship is intended for young designers with a strong interest in dance production and stage design. Interns work closely with the Festival Production Manager and visiting artists’ production staff and design team members as part of the crew for the Festival’s public performance series. Interns hang and focus the rep plot, run sound, wardrobe, fly rail, and maintain the theatre. In addition, interns assist in designing Bates Dance Festival in-house productions. Pending production schedule rigors, interns may enroll in one morning class during the Professional Training Program. All production applicants must have prior technical or stage management experience and a strong interest in dance and theater production. Five positions are available.
Video Documentation Internship
Interns work directly with the Director of Video Archives, in recording all performances and related events, and gaining experience in all facets of archival documentation. The focus of the internship is on camera work and video editing necessary for proper documentation. Other skills gained are: recording technology, concepts of documentation, interview techniques, proper titling, labeling and logging of material, editing dance and related video footage. Applicants should include work samples of their video editing and documentation by submitting links for review. Candidates should have some experience with digital video, as well as experience in recording dance. This is an intensive internship with a lot of hands-on experience, candidates should be prepared to be actively working each weekday for two periods, as well as many nights and weekends. Two positions available.
Video Promotions
Intern works directly with the Director of Video Promotions, in all promotional materials related to the festival. The focus of this internship is techniques for capturing and editing engaging content for short promotional videos. The intern will gain hands-on experience filming classes, workshops, performances, and other festival related events, as well as editing short videos for social media platforms. Skills gained are: camera and gimbal operation, storytelling in video, interview techniques, proper titling, labeling and logging of material, editing dance and related video footage. One position available.
Administration
Interns work closely with the Festival Director, Admissions Director, Box Office Manager and the faculty to support the day-to-day activities of the Festival. Interns assist with general office management; creation and preparation of materials for students, artists, public engagement and events; program scheduling and logistics; artist services; documentation and store management and sales. When applying, please highlight specialized skills in those areas. Applicants must have good computer, organizational, verbal and written skills. Two positions available.
Arts Education
This internship is geared to students of dance, music, theater, and visual art interested in arts education and preparing to teach K-12. Interns work side-by-side with the arts education faculty of the Festival’s Youth Arts Program (YAP). YAP overlaps with the three-week Professional Training Program, providing a diverse group of up to 60 local youth, ages 7-16, with daily dance, music, theater, literary and visual art classes. Interns provide classroom support for the faculty of seven, gaining valuable hands-on experience, and participate in daily staff evaluation and planning meetings. Interns are also contribute to the creation of the Festival Finale production. Applicants must document previous experience working with youth, an interest in exploring the arts with children, an ability to work as part of a team, and good organizational and verbal skills. Four positions available.
Community Engagement and Artist Services
This internship works closely with the Associate Producer to execute Community Interactions as well as special events throughout the festival. This position also interfaces with visiting artists and helps provide transportation and logistics for Community Events. Applicant should have strong communication skills (written and verbal), be confident speaking in front of a group, be able to multi-task, have a drivers license and be able to lift up to 25 pounds. One position available.
Social Media
This intern is part of the media team, working with the Social Media Manager, Videographers, and Photographer. The focus of this internship is to gain experience in managing many social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter – along with the festival’s blog through WordPress. Applicants should submit a work sample of their writing and social media work: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages managed, websites created, blogs written. One position available.
Photography
The BDF Photography Internship is open to applicants looking to hone their skill and interest in dance/movement photography. Applicants should have their own camera to shoot, although some equipment may be lent. The BDF dance photography intern will be ask to shoot multiple performances, community events and classes around campus while taking up to two classes each day. Please include a link to your current work in your application. One position available.
To Apply
- Complete the online application via Acceptd, which includes a cover letter, resume and the names of two references.
