What an AWP Internship Means

Let us make it very clear: AWP interns never get sent out for a coffee run (everyone is responsible for their own hot & cold beverages!).  Our interns are immediately immersed  in the experience of theatre that suits them (performance; production; administration; education) or perhaps they opt for a revolving internship with participation in several areas.  At completion, our successful AWP interns have strengthened their skill sets with: professional maturity; poise in the workplace; setting & achieving goals; self-assurance; brainstorming with work peers; advancing individual artistry; creative problem solving;  and practical experience.

An internship with AWP puts you to work, for a real theater company, at their theater-in-residence home located at Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park, MD, or sometimes virtually. You don’t just reach for the stars with an AWP internship, you become one!                                     

• The time & commitment of  theatre professional(s) devoted to guiding you through your entire time with us. Your success equals our success. We want to become a future reference for you. 
• A professional working environment.
• The guarantee of working on one of AWP’s actual stage productions.
• Fair and unbiased treatment. We do not discriminate based on race religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status.  We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our AWP family. We believe that there is meaning in everyone and what everyone gives. 
• Appreciation & Gratitude is everything. We never run out.
• You will receive communication through-out the process, verbal and written. We are excellent record keepers.
• Every assignment will be a worthwhile one. Nothing will ever be busy work or a waste of one’s time. We are always trying to get from Point A to Point B, and it is our desire that you help us get there. 
• The time spent with us will be meaningful and FUN. We’re serious about the FUN!

• Commitment and consistency and dependability
• Timely communication
• Willingness to learn and try new things
• Maturity and self confidence
• Ability to follow direction and receive feedback
• Work comfortably in a highly collaborative environment
• Ability to digest new information and quickly apply it
• Can work in a fast paced environment when necessary
• Possess genuine interest in producing theater

• Interns coming in will be assigned to specific positions with specific goals in mind.  This will be done in conjunction with the mentor(s) assigned to them during their intern period.
• Interns will be provided with materials and/or supplies or equipment necessary to perform the tasks that are required. Interns need to have access to a computer for email communication.
• Interns work 5-7 hours per week on average.  May be more or less depending on phase of production and proximity to time of production.  (Hours may increase as we get closer)
• Interns are not required to incur any personal expenses during the internship period; however, will be reimbursed if that happens.
• Interns and mentors are expected to report progress to their internship coordinator at their corresponding educational institution.
• Interns may be allowed to work on other projects or assist with other projects that will benefit their learning experience in accordance to the internship agreement.
• Interns will be provided reasonable meals if working during meal hours, i.e., breakfast, lunch or dinner.
• Interns will report times through internship portal which will be approved by AWP mentor. 
• Credit calculations will be determined by the corresponding educational institution based on the attendance record, evaluation and final report.

Pursuant to the regulations of the FLSA, we have determined that the internship is unpaid; however, there are many valuable benefits to the intern in the form of training, learning and working on special projects that will assist the intern in obtaining course credits and resume building experiences. AWP will cooperate with the educational institution to provide class credit. Spring internships run from late January – mid-May; Summer internships run from late May/early June – mid/late October. Alternative internship timeframes are possible on a case-by-case basis. Applications should be submitted at least 1 month prior to your preferred start date to allow time for interview and orientation. An unpaid internship will benefit the organization; however, the primary benefit is for the intern who will participate in projects that align with their academic and professional aspirations.