About Our Program

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. Apprentices work at least a 40-hour week, including long workdays and nights as well as weekends.

Areas of Apprenticeships

Artist Services - Assist with arrangements for artist housing, travel and hospitality. Responsibilities include preparing mailings and artist welcome packets, administration of backstage hospitality, local transportation of artists and various administrative tasks such as answering phones, filing and correspondence. 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.

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.

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.