Work at The Playhouse

Thank you for your interest in The Playhouse!

At this time, we are accepting applications for education and production interns.

Education Intern

The Des Moines Community Playhouse is a nationally recognized organization seeking five college students to work as paid interns in our summer education program. Qualified individuals will work alongside seasoned education and theatre professionals in a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative environment, while fostering creativity and an enthusiasm for theatre.

Education Intern Job Responsibilities Include:

  • Assist teaching artists with classroom instruction, including creative drama, performance, devised, musical theatre, and event camps
  • Supervise extended care sessions, including before and after care
  • Supervise students in class, during breaks, and lunch
  • Assist with administrative duties as needed
  • Ensure a safe, welcoming environment for students from diverse racial, ethnic, economic, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds
  • Other duties as assigned

Education Intern Qualifications and Preferred Skills:

  • Enrolled in a theatre, music, education, or other arts related undergraduate program (Junior/Senior preferred)
  • Interest in theatre education or theatre for young audiences and/or prior theatre education experience
  • Previous experience working with youths ages 5-18 in a camp or classroom setting preferred
  • Strong leadership, organizational, collaborative, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to multitask and maintain professional demeanor
  • Ability to exercise judgement and discretion in matters related to classroom management
  • Performing arts experience, either onstage or in a technical/design capacity

Summer Education Intern 2024

Production Intern

The production internship at The Playhouse is a work experience and skills-building internship in which the intern works closely with industry professionals to complete carpentry and design projects for the theatre. The intern will spend the majority of their time working in the scene shop with the technical directors on staff. They will also be able to attend and observe production meetings, work on paints and finishing projects with the charge scenic artist, shadow staff interactions with designers, complete independent build projects, and earn a design credit on a Playhouse production under the supervision of a technical director. The production intern will work on many different technical aspects of the set build, installation, lighting, and sound needs of multiple productions, so flexibility and willingness to learn are a must.

Responsibilities include:

  • Assist with the installation, hang, focus, maintenance, and strike of lighting and sound equipment as needed.
  • Assist with the building or pulling of scenery and properties for all productions.
  • Assist with scenic painting of set and prop pieces for all productions.
  • Attend technical rehearsals as required.
  • Maintaining set pieces, props, or rehearsal items as necessary.
  • Assist the technical directors in all technical aspects of a given production.

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum 1 year of post-secondary education in a related field (e.g., theatre, production, etc.)
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Familiarity with both Windows and MAC operating systems, basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to hit the ground running and take initiative to assist wherever needed.
  • Ability to follow instructions well and have patience and flexibility.
  • Familiarity with and affinity for the arts, specifically theatre.
  • Familiarity with basic stage direction and terminology.
  • Occasionally position involves medium to heavy manual work that involves walking, standing, pushing, and lifting at least 50 lbs.
  • Applicants should be comfortable working at heights.
  • Familiar with hand and power tools.

If interested, please email technical director, Nicholas Amundson, at namundson@dmplayhouse.com