Internships
NYMF Internships
The New York Musical Theatre Festival offers internships in a variety of fields. Each department allows for not only a further understanding of that specific area, but also interaction with the other departments and interns for a comprehensive view of not-for-profit theatre. Interns form an critical part of the organization and receive significant projects that assist in various aspects of the Festival.
Internships are open to current undergraduates, graduate students, and early-career professionals, and generally run by semester. Part time positions are available, but interns must commit a minimum of 15 hours/week.
Deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. NYMF internships are available for the summer, spring, and fall semesters. NYMF is in particular need of interns during the rush period before and during the Festival, from May to October each year.
Areas of Focus
In our open-office environment, NYMF interns gain experience in multiple aspects of running a not-for-profit organization. However, NYMF also strives to create focused internships catered to each individual’s personal goals and interests.
Operations (spring, summer, and fall) – The operations intern interacts and collaborates with the entire staff on a daily basis as a central point for information and coordination. Tasks include database management, mail merging, general filing, and reception. Activities vary based on the time of year. Interns should have general knowledge of both Word and Excel, and a good phone manner. This is a perfect position for someone starting out in theatre administration, as it gives a comprehensive overview of NYMF, and allows the intern to develop a breadth of administrative skills.
Development (spring, summer, and fall) – The development intern works closely alongside the Development Manager and assists with planning, coordinating, and executing of all membership, patron, and fundraising efforts. Tasks include database management, mail merging, coordinating large mailings, regular communication and interaction with members and donors, and involvement in development events including the gala. Interns should have excellent knowledge of Excel and strong writing skills. A writing sample is required when applying for this position.
General Festival/Gala (fall) – These interns work on all aspects of The Festival during the intense production season. Interns gain insight into the details of theatrical management with first-hand interaction with ticket buyers, theatrical staff, and production team members. Tasks include taking phone calls, handling ticket orders, attending administrative staff meetings, attending shows, and many other practical, hands-on responsibilities. These interns often continue through the fall to work on similar practical and hands-on tasks related to and during the NYMF gala, a seated dinner benefit for 300 donors. Interns should have a willingness to learn and basic theatrical knowledge.
Literary (spring) – The literary intern works closely with the Director of Programming to coordinate and evaluate the hundreds of musical submissions received each spring, as part of the Next Link Project. Tasks include script evaluation, tracking of submissions, database management, and attending programming meetings. Interns should have excellent knowledge of Excel, strong writing skills, and a strong literary/dramaturgical interest. A writing sample is required when applying for this position.
Marketing (spring and summer) – The Marketing Intern works with the Marketing staff, and focuses on publicity and sponsorship for the festival. This intern will assist in writing sponsorship proposals, researching potential sponsors, and help with managing all marketing and publicity. Tasks include assisting with development of marketing materials, attending marketing meetings, correspondence with advertisers and sponsors, and updating online media. Intern should have good interpersonal skills, proofreading skills, and web skills. Knowledge of html and Photoshop a plus! A writing sample is required when applying for this position.
Interviews
Once NYMF has received your application, our office will be in touch to confirm receipt of your materials, request additional information, and/or set up an interview. Phone interviews can be arranged in most cases. Interviews are conducted during office hours, Monday though Friday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
How to Apply
Materials
- Cover Letter including dates of availability and preferred department
- Resume including administrative and theatrical experience (performance resume not necessary)
- A letter of recommendation from an employer, professor, etc.
- A writing sample for development, literary, and marketing internships
Please Send Materials to the NYMF Operations Manager at info@nymf.org
For more information click here for the Interning with NYMF FAQ
Benefits of Interning with NYMF
Flexible hours. Office hours are 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. During the Festival, there are also opportunities to work evening and weekend events, such as shows and parties. NYMF has positions available for both full time and part time interns. Part time interns should be able to commit to a minimum of 15 hours per week.
Access to the whole organization. Though interns can focus in a specific area, the NYMF internship program provides an unparalleled opportunity to see and participate in multiple aspects of running a not-for-profit organization.
Areas of focus. Past interns have concentrated in business, development, marketing, production, and other facets of non-profit theatre management. NYMF is willing to work with interns to develop and area of focus that best suits their needs and experiences. The Festival strives to provide intensive training, hands-on assignments, and significant projects catered to each intern’s personal goals and interests.
Mentorship of theatre professionals. Each intern is assigned a specific staff mentor to guide his training and development. This one-on-one interaction with full-time staff provides a valuable learning opportunity not available in many workplaces.
A nymf.org email account. Like full-time staff members, interns receive nymf.org e-mail accounts, through which they can stay updated on assignments and projects.
Access to NYMF shows and events. During the Festival each fall, interns have the opportunity to both work and attend a wide array of NYMF shows, concerts, readings, seminars, master classes, and parties.
Praise from Past Interns:
"When I first started, my job duties would vary and I worked with just about everyone allowing me to gain better insight into everyone’s job titles and what they entail. Eventually I was given bigger projects, working for specific people, and given a great deal of responsibility for an intern. Originally I had thought I would only stay for the summer, but I have such exciting projects, I carried over into the fall semester and can't wait to see all my hard work come together at the festival!" - Eve (Summer '07)
“Having the opportunity to intern at NYMF was a fantastic experience. All the interns had responsibilities which were tailored to our individual strengths. Working in such a fast paced environment definitely allowed me to see just how NYMF functions and prepares for their three week festival in the Fall. It was incredible to be a part of such a great project as opening night grew closer and closer. It’s an experience not to pass up!” - Kerry (Summer ’06)
“NYMF has been an excellent asset in both my educational and professional career. As a staff member, cultivating relationships with other organizations, individuals, and participants was both fascinating and informative. With a small, dedicated staff, NYMF is a fantastic place to witness firsthand everything that goes into managing such a large festival of new work.” - Lauren (Summer, Fall ’06)
“Working at NYMF was the highlight of my semester. The sense of community and levels of responsibility given to interns is unlike anywhere I’ve worked in the past. I feel honored to have been a part of the 2006 NYMF festival process” - Leslie (Fall ’06)
“The main benefit of the NYMF internship program was that it helped me to build a marketable skill set. Working as the development intern exposed me to the inner workings of a non-profit organization, and the knowledge I gained is applicable to a broad range of future career options. NYMF's intimate office setting provides interns with hands-on experience in a way that larger theaters cannot; you get to participate in the growth and evolution of the Festival from a collection of initial ideas to an actualized, large-scale set of events. Most importantly, the staff was fun and supportive throughout the entire process. Their eagerness to make the internship as worthwhile as possible for everyone involved is the main reason for the program's continued success.” - Carolyn (Summer ’06)
“I initially accepted an internship with NYMF because of my passion for musical theatre, but I never anticipated developing such a genuine interest in arts administration in the process. Because of my experience with NYMF, I am now looking forward to a Broadway producing course, an arts management course, and a playwriting and dramaturgy internship next semester. Working at NYMF has opened my eyes to potential career path in the arts.” - Sarah (Fall ’06)