WHAT IS THE SURFLIGHT INTERN & APPRENTICE PROGRAM?
Surflight Theatre’s Intern and Apprentice Program provides invaluable training and a wealth of experience to young people with an interest in theatre, and who may have chosen a career in the performing arts. This training is provided by the staff at Surflight Theatre, a professional Equity theatre located in Beach Haven, New Jersey on Long Beach Island. The Intern/Apprentice Program affords practical experience in all areas of production under the supervision of directors, designers, teach-ing artists, performers and technicians from the professional theatrical community.
WHAT IS AN INTERN?
An Intern is a young adult 16 or older who has chosen theatre as a livelihood, and wishes to gain more experience by working alongside the professional technical and artistic staff at Surflight. Intern-ships are offered in either Technical Theatre or Performance. Interns may be resident, meaning they are provided with housing, or non-resident. Interns of res-idential status must be at least 18 years of age.
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICE?
An Apprentice is a person 14-16 years of age who has an interest in theatre and wishes to learn more about it. Apprenticeships are available on a non-resident basis only.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE AN INTERN OR APPRENTICE?
There is no cost to applicants or to accepted Interns or Apprentices at this time.
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING WILL I RECEIVE AS AN INTERN OR APPRENTICE?
The program offers hands-on experience in several aspects of the performing arts. An Intern’s primary focus will be rehearsing and performing shows in the Surflight Children’s Theatre series (CT). When not performing CT, Interns will assist with front-of-house duties (ushering and/or concessions) during Children’s Theatre and Mainstage performances. Interns fulfill additional duties under the guidance of theatre staff, and may include training in Arts Management, Stage Management, Costuming, Scenic Painting, Set Construction, Spotlight Operation, Lighting/Electrics, Sound Assistance, Properties and/or Assistant Teaching on a rotating basis and at the discretion of the Intern Directors. The Surflight Apprentice will primarily be responsible for spotlight and front-of-house duties, and may be asked to perform in one or more children’s theatre shows. In addition, Interns and Apprentices are offered the chance to take part in Master Classes. These workshops are taught by professional actors, directors, designers, choreographers and technicians.
DO I GET PAID TO BE AN INTERN OR APPRENTICE?
Interns receive $150 per week to help cover the cost of food and travel expenses. Some Interns at least 18 years of age may also receive housing at no cost. Apprentices receive practical training in lieu of formal compensation. Interns and Apprentices may earn commission from the sale of the theatre’s souvenir program. Interns and Apprentices may also apply for paid positions in the Surflight box office or the Show Place Ice Cream Parlour kitchen.
WHO WILL BE IN CHARGE OF MY TRAINING WHILE I AM WORKING AT SURFLIGHT?
The Directors of the Intern/Apprentice Program at Surflight are part of the theatre’s permanent management team. These individuals audition, interview, and select the Interns and Apprentices for each season with the final approval of the Artistic Director.
WHEN DO I GET TO DISPLAY ALL THAT I LEARN AS AN INTERN OR APPRENTICE?
Performance Interns are cast in many of the Children’s Theatre productions and may be asked to audition for ensemble roles in the Mainstage season. In addition, each season the Interns and Apprentices write, produce and perform their own show with the guidance of the Intern/Apprentice Directors. The format of this show varies with each season, but is always a favorite of the Surflight community.
HOW LONG IS THE SURFLIGHT SEASON?
The season runs 15 weeks from mid-May until early September. Most Interns/Apprentices are contracted from the beginning of the season until school resumes in the fall. Children’s Theatre performances occur weekends only until June 21st. Rehearsals for shows before June 21st will be during evening hours.
WHERE IS SURFLIGHT AND WHERE WOULD I LIVE IF I WORKED THERE?
Surflight Theatre is located on Long Beach Island, an 18-mile barrier island just north of Atlantic City. Technical and Performance Interns live in one of two housing units within the Surflight complex.
IS THE SUMMER ALL WORK AND NO PLAY?
Not at all! While free time is at a premium during a busy stock season, the entire company is given one day off each week (usually Mondays). The ocean is just two blocks from the theatre. Many other summer diversions are within walking distance as well. Intern and Apprentice “parents” (local volunteers and board members) typically arrange barbecues, ice cream socials, and other activities throughout the season.
HOW DO I BECOME A SURFLIGHT INTERN OR APPRENTICE?
To apply for an internship or apprenticeship, performers will be
asked to attend an audition. (Details are above)
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE SERIES?
Children’s Theatre shows rehearse weekly at the discretion of the
Children’s Theatre Direc-tor and Musical Director. Performances
are approximately 1 hour and occur at 6pm Tuesday through Sunday.
For exact dates of shows, check out
Surflight Theatre's 2011 Children's
Theatre Schedule
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