INTERNSHIPS

Internships provide an excellent way to experience first-hand the workings of a professional theatre and to distinguish one's credentials. Most internships are "low-paid" or "no-paid," though in most cases academic credit can be arranged. Summer internships are especially recommended (financial circumstances allowing). Of particular merit are long-standing organizations of recognizable standing in the profession (Williamstown, Utah-and other-Shakespeare Festivals, etc.; also the American Dance Festival, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, and others.) Deadlines for these internships are usually in January or February before the summer in question. Students interested in such opportunities should regularly check the board in the conference room, and also regularly read the listings found under "Career Development" in the bi-weekly placement publication "ARTSearch" (found on the periodicals rack).

In some compelling instances, an internship may be planned during the academic year for academic credit. This would normally occupy one semester of time and would need to be planned with your advisor and in consultation with the Registrar's Office. Early planning in such cases is absolutely essential, as internships of this type need to be closely coordinated with the rest of the student's academic coursework.

STUDENT-FACULTY RESEARCH AND CREATIVE WORK

Any solid college or university faculty is characterized by teahers who remain current in their fields through ongoining research, writing, creative work and other professionally related endeavors. What distinguishes Dickinson's faculty is the degree to which this activity is shared with students through faculty lead projects which often involve students as key members of the research team. Of course theatre and dance has been characterized by close student/faculty interaction since their arrival on college campuses, with students and faculty spending long hours in the theatre preparing productions for public presentation. At Dickinson, this collaborative tradition has expanded to include creative work beyond the confines of the campus or the academic year. Our faculty is professionally active and engaged, and students frequently become a part of this work through internship and assistantship opportunitites. As this is being written, plans are underway for students to work alongside faculty on three professional projects through the summer, one assisting Sherry Harper-McCombs in the design and execution of costumes for the Greenbriar Valley Theatre's season in Virginia, another working as production assistant under Karen Kirkham's supervision at New York's Pendragon Theatre and a third assisting Todd Wronski in preparing a performance for revival and tour to California. Many other summers have seen comparable opportunities for studentss to obtain professional credentials and experience that grows from and complements their on-campus production work.

Student Intern Sara Bookin-Weiner (center) with Professor Todd Wronski (right) and other company members on the set of Dickens and Twain: Crossing the Pond in Einburgh, Scotland