Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater

Title: Arts Administration Intern
Location: Middletown
Dates: Monday through Friday starting June 10
Hours: 11 am - 6 pm will be the general hours, but there will be some flexibility. Due to the event-oriented nature of arts administration & event management, some weeks will require more hours, balanced by weeks in which the schedule is less demanding.

Job Description: 

The Arts Administration Intern will work with the Executive Artistic Director and the Managing Director to assist in many aspects of the Playhouse’s administration,development,  marketing and event management. Specific tasks will be assigned based on the intern’s interests and abilities, as well as the most pressing needs of the organization during the summer months.

Responsibilities will include:

• Marketing and publicity for summer and fall programs and events, including our 34th annual Children’s Circus performance, Summer Shakespeare program and performance, as well as Fall programs. This will include working with the Executive Artistic Director to create and execute a marketing plan for each event and performance, including social media, direct email marketing, press releases and posting on media websites;
• Managing class rosters and program evaluation;
• Providing assistance in grant writing and donor management;
• Basic graphic design, if appropriate, including designing flyers and handouts for distribution to program participants and families;
• Distributing posters and flyers, electronically, through the mail, and through in-person posting on community bulletin boards and kiosks;
• Participating in the coordination, planning and execution of public events;
• Assist with box office management and site preparation for public performances;
• Fielding general phone calls and emails throughout the day;
• Managing and updating our website on a regular basis;
• Communicating with clients through email and social media;
• General administrative support and office tasks as needed;
• Assist with organization of costume and prop collection and other summer theater upkeep tasks.

Oddfellows is a relatively small organization with a small core staff, but ambitious goals and very active programs. The intern will be a key member of the staff during the summer months and will be expected to take on real responsibilities, to be creative, punctual, reliable, and to be able to take initiative as well as follow directions. They will participate in staff meetings, planning, and will be supervised and mentored by both the Managing Director and Executive Artistic Director. This is a great opportunity for a young person who is interested in pursuing a career in arts administration and is looking to make an impact with a small non-profit with a 49 year history and a strong commitment to arts, education and social justice.

Career Experience: 

Intern will be working at the heart of a busy, socially-engaged small non-profit arts organization. They will gain experience in event management, fundraising, marketing and media, box office management, community engagement, customer service and basic financial management and grant writing. Additionally, they will learn what it is to be a productive member of a hard-working team working on a clear schedule with hard deadlines, and how to manage their time so that projects remain on schedule and deadlines are met. Practical professional habits that will be nurtured and developed include accountability, goal-setting, collegiality and follow-through. Rewards include helping the dreams of hundreds of young people come true by supporting powerful arts-based programs serving Middletown’s least-resourced young people.

Suggested College Major: 

Theater or any Arts-based major; Arts Administration/Management; Marketing; Community Organizing; Social Work

Applicant Requirements: 

• Interest in performing arts and work with youth is a plus, as is a passion for social justice.
• Reliability is essential, as is a willingness to think on your feet, respond to changing circumstances, and go where the need is most critical, even if it means letting go of what was initially planned.
• Good communication skills and a willingness to speak openly and be transparent.
• Able to take initiative, but also to follow instructions.