Internships – Variety Theatre St. Louis

Variety Theatre Internship Program

The Variety Theatre internship program provides the opportunity for an inclusive group of St. Louis teenagers to work side-by-side with some of the community’s top theatre professionals. Serving as an assistant in their department, the interns get hands-on experience in the theatrical production process from start to finish. The chance to attend production meetings, rehearsals, design meetings, and assist in the process of teching and mounting the show allows students to learn a specific technical theatre skill in a professional environment.

Internships are available in the following production fields: Producer, Director, Choreographer, Musical Director, Production Manager, Stage Manager, Scenic Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Costume Designer, Hair/Wig Designer, Makeup Designer, and Prop Design/Carpentry. See below for a brief description of each of these fields, and click here for a detailed packet outlining each internship position.

If you have any questions or would like any further information regarding our internships, please contact Company Manager Joy Addler.

When it becomes available, the 2020 internship application will be available on this page. Once completed, please submit it to Joy via email, or send it to our office at:

Joy Addler
c/o Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis
11840 Westline Industrial Drive
Suite 220
Maryland Heights, MO 63146

Internship Positions

Executive Producer Intern: The executive producer intern will work directly with the executive producer to ensure that the production meets required criteria for the Variety Theatre production including artistic merit, a professional staff, and budgetary needs.

Director Intern: Directing interns will work directly with and receive mentorship and training from the production director and assistant production director. Interns will observe the directing team and, in some instances, participate in the process of auditions, blocking, character work and overseeing the overall concept of the story being told. The directing intern will interact with professional Equity actors as well as other actors of all ages.

Choreography Intern: Choreography interns will work directly with and receive mentorship and training from the choreographer and assistant choreographer. Interns will observe the choreography team and, in some instances, participate in the process of teaching dances, taking notes, fixing choreography problems and overseeing the quality of the choreography.

Musical Director Intern: Music interns will work directly with the music director and accompanist. The intern will observe the music team and, in some instances, participate in the process of auditions, music rehearsals and other duties of the music director. The music intern will interact directly with professional Equity actors as well as other actors of all ages.

Stage Manager Intern: The stage manager intern will work side-by-side with an Equity Stage Manager and two assistant stage managers. Interns will observe and, in some instances, assist the stage manager with regular rehearsal duties. The stage manager intern will also have an opportunity to work with the rest of the production and intern team.

Scenic Designer Intern: Scenic interns will work with the set designer in creating the look of the show. The intern will observe and assist with the design and technical process to ensure the design properly executed.

Lighting Designer Intern: The lighting intern will work directly with a professional lighting designer and educator. The intern will observe and, in some instances, assist the lighting designer with creating the look of the show.

Sound Designer Intern: The sound intern will work directly with a professional sound designer and educator. The intern will observe and, in some instances, assist the sound designer with creating the sound for the show.

Costume, Hair/Wig and Makeup Designer Interns: Costume, Hair/Wig and Makeup interns will observe and work directly with a professional costume designer, makeup designer and wardrobe staff. The intern will learn about creating and organizing the looks of the costumes, makeup, and hair.

Prop Design/Carpentry Intern: Prop interns will work with the prop master in determining and creating all props needed for the production. The intern will observe and assist with the creation and gathering of props for the show.