For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston, South Carolina’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with over 120 performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in disciplines ranging from opera, theater, music theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music, as well as the visual arts. Called “one of the best arts festivals in this country” by The Washington Post, Spoleto has presented 100 world premieres and 93 American premieres since its inception in 1977.
The Apprentice Program is a short-term intensive and exciting opportunity to learn about the world of the performing arts and acquire hands-on experience under the guidance of professional arts administrators and technicians in producing an international arts festival. Interns work at least a 40-hour week; this may include long workdays and nights as well as weekends. A weekly stipend, housing and travel allowance are provided.
Artist Services - Assist with arrangements for artist housing, travel and hospitality. Duties include the scheduling and set-up of backstage hospitality, preparing mailings and artist welcome packets as well as various administrative tasks such as answering phones, filing and correspondence. Positions may also involve providing special assistance to Music Director. Candidate should have excellent organizational and computer skills and the ability to work well with a variety of people.
Box Office - Handle incoming telephone sales orders, process mail orders, sell event tickets in the box office and at performance sites, disseminate program information, and reconcile daily ticket sales. Position requires articulate, detail-oriented individuals with initiative, customer service skills and computer experience. Previous experience in phone sales, retail, or hotel environment is a plus.
Development - Assist with logistics of over 30 special events ranging from a black-tie gala to picnics. Involves extensive phone work, managing invitation mailings, RSVPs and assisting with many last-minute details. Position requires excellent communication and basic computer skills.
Education - Assist Education Coordinator with logistics and coordination of all education events including in-school activities, special school day performances, workshops and performances talks. Involves assisting with on-site coordination of activities, mailings and artist transportation. Candidate should have good organizational skills and the ability to work well independently. Some backstage technical knowledge preferred
Finance - Assist Business Office in compiling and recording information related to cash receipts, accounts payable, purchase orders, payroll, personnel and accounts receivable. This position requires detail-oriented individuals with Excel spreadsheet skills and accounting education and/or experience. In addition to the apprentice term, part-time year-round hours are available.
Media Relations - Staff the Festival press room and assist working press to obtain interviews, photos, and story information for print, radio and television coverage of the Festival. Write media alerts, create media kits/press packets, maintain information, press clippings and photo files, as well as handle day to day operations of press room. Requires strong computer, organizational and interpersonal skills. Public relations, journalism or photography experience or coursework is helpful. Must provide three writing samples with application.
Merchandising - Retail sales, with a focus on official merchandise sold on-site at the various venues in Charleston. Duties include maintaining inventory, preparing bank deposits and reconciliation. Candidates must be multi-task oriented and attentive to detail; candidates must also possess excellent organizational and customer service skills. Sales experience is helpful.
Office Administration - Duties include but are not limited to answering multi-line telephone, data entry, correspondence and various other office responsibilities. Position requires excellent customer service skills.
Orchestra Management - Assist orchestra managers in all phases of orchestra operations, including set-up and transport of instruments, concert stage management, and library. Candidate must have the ability to lift large instruments, drive a cargo van, work under tight deadlines and prioritize. Knowledge of music and orchestras helpful, but not required.
Production - Work with professional theater staff in one of the following areas: stage carpentry, stage electrics, wardrobe, properties, sound, stage management or production administration. Candidates must have a willingness to work hard, a flexible/positive attitude and a desire to pursue a career in technical theatre. Related experience in technical theater required.