Spoleto Festival USA Apprenticeship Program
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 performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. Now approaching its 42nd season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier international performing arts festival.
The Apprenticeship Program is a short-term internship 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 a minimum of 40 hours a week; long workdays and nights as well as weekends are typical. Housing, a small travel allowance, and a living salary are provided.
Artist Services
Assist with arrangements for artist housing, travel, and hospitality. Responsibilities include preparing artist welcome packets, administration of backstage hospitality, local transportation of artists, and administrative tasks such as data entry and correspondence. Candidates should have excellent organizational and time-management skills and the ability to work well with a variety of people and work long hours. A professional demeanor is a must. Positions are available for the Festival period mid-May through the end of the Festival; candidates must be available for the entire time period.
Assist with arrangements for artist housing, travel, and hospitality. Responsibilities include preparing artist welcome packets, administration of backstage hospitality, local transportation of artists, and administrative tasks such as data entry and correspondence. Candidates should have excellent organizational and time-management skills and the ability to work well with a variety of people and work long hours. A professional demeanor is a must. Positions are available for the Festival period mid-May through the end of the Festival; candidates must be available for the entire time period.
Box Office
As representatives of the Festival, you will interact directly with the public, artist services, development, production, and media staff. Handle ticket sales in the box office, over the phone, and at performance sites; maintain effective communication with on-site house management; be an expert reference for ticket buyers on program and venue information, reconcile daily ticket sales, and learn the Tessitura ticketing system. Position requires articulate, detail-oriented individuals with initiative, customer service skills, database experience, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience in phone sales, retail, or hotel environment is a plus.
As representatives of the Festival, you will interact directly with the public, artist services, development, production, and media staff. Handle ticket sales in the box office, over the phone, and at performance sites; maintain effective communication with on-site house management; be an expert reference for ticket buyers on program and venue information, reconcile daily ticket sales, and learn the Tessitura ticketing system. Position requires articulate, detail-oriented individuals with initiative, customer service skills, database experience, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience in phone sales, retail, or hotel environment is a plus.
Development
Assist with logistics of over 30 special events ranging from a large opening night Fete to outdoor tea parties. Involves extensive phone work, managing RSVPs, and assisting with many last-minute details. Position requires excellent communication, organization, and basic computer skills, to include: Excel, Paperless Post and learning basic functions of the Tessitura database. Working hours are frequently outside of normal business hours including evenings and weekends. Tasks may require light physical labor and extended periods of time outdoors. Access to a car for commuting to and from various venues is preferable and mileage is reimbursed. Possessing hospitality and/or service industry experience and customer service interaction is a plus but candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Assist with logistics of over 30 special events ranging from a large opening night Fete to outdoor tea parties. Involves extensive phone work, managing RSVPs, and assisting with many last-minute details. Position requires excellent communication, organization, and basic computer skills, to include: Excel, Paperless Post and learning basic functions of the Tessitura database. Working hours are frequently outside of normal business hours including evenings and weekends. Tasks may require light physical labor and extended periods of time outdoors. Access to a car for commuting to and from various venues is preferable and mileage is reimbursed. Possessing hospitality and/or service industry experience and customer service interaction is a plus but candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Finance/Accounting
Assist with all areas of accounting including payroll (including tax and compliance), cash receipts (including contributions and ticket sales), accounts payable, purchase orders, petty cash, bank reconciliations, and other accounting and administrative functions of a full-charge accounting office. Duties include data entry into accounting systems, handling petty cash, verifying employment documentation, issuing and reconciling purchase orders, filing, and financial data-compilation projects as needed. A deep working knowledge of Excel, prior experience with accounting databases, and two semesters of Accounting are preferred. Candidates should be detail-oriented and capable of working with sensitive information.
Assist with all areas of accounting including payroll (including tax and compliance), cash receipts (including contributions and ticket sales), accounts payable, purchase orders, petty cash, bank reconciliations, and other accounting and administrative functions of a full-charge accounting office. Duties include data entry into accounting systems, handling petty cash, verifying employment documentation, issuing and reconciling purchase orders, filing, and financial data-compilation projects as needed. A deep working knowledge of Excel, prior experience with accounting databases, and two semesters of Accounting are preferred. Candidates should be detail-oriented and capable of working with sensitive information.
Media Relations
Staff the Festival press office and assist working journalists with obtaining interviews, photos, and story information for print, online, radio, and television coverage of the Festival. Apprentices will manage photo opportunities, create press packets, monitor press coverage, collaborate with fellow apprentices to produce creative content for social media, and assist with day to day operations of the press room. Requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Public relations, journalism, social media, videography, and/or photography experience or coursework is helpful. Must provide a writing sample OR self-produced creative work (link to video, graphic design project, etc) with application.
Staff the Festival press office and assist working journalists with obtaining interviews, photos, and story information for print, online, radio, and television coverage of the Festival. Apprentices will manage photo opportunities, create press packets, monitor press coverage, collaborate with fellow apprentices to produce creative content for social media, and assist with day to day operations of the press room. Requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Public relations, journalism, social media, videography, and/or photography experience or coursework is helpful. Must provide a writing sample OR self-produced creative work (link to video, graphic design project, etc) with application.
Orchestra Personnel Management
Assist orchestra personnel managers and librarian with administration of orchestra, including taking attendance; tracking timings/breaks of all orchestra musicians' services; preparing and distributing orchestral parts; helping to maintain and communicate rehearsal and performance schedule; assisting conductors, production staff and musicians, as needed; and other related duties. Candidate must be able to work under tight deadlines and prioritize. Familiarity with musical instruments and equipment required, as well as a willingness to work with the artistic requirements of musicians and performing artists.
Assist orchestra personnel managers and librarian with administration of orchestra, including taking attendance; tracking timings/breaks of all orchestra musicians' services; preparing and distributing orchestral parts; helping to maintain and communicate rehearsal and performance schedule; assisting conductors, production staff and musicians, as needed; and other related duties. Candidate must be able to work under tight deadlines and prioritize. Familiarity with musical instruments and equipment required, as well as a willingness to work with the artistic requirements of musicians and performing artists.
Production
Work with professional theater staff in one of the following areas: stage carpentry, stage electrics, wardrobe, wigs/make-up, properties, sound, orchestra operations, 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 theater. Related experience in technical theater required.
Work with professional theater staff in one of the following areas: stage carpentry, stage electrics, wardrobe, wigs/make-up, properties, sound, orchestra operations, 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 theater. Related experience in technical theater required.
Orchestra Operations
Assist with all phases of orchestra operations, including set-up and stage management for concerts, rehearsals and special events. Responsible for frequently moving, tracking, and caring for instruments, chairs, stands, and all related orchestra equipment. Some heavy lifting required and ability to drive a cargo van is a plus. Candidates must have a willingness to work hard, a flexible/positive attitude, familiarity with musical instruments/equipment, and a sensitivity to the artistic requirements of musicians and performing artists. This crew works under the umbrella of the Production Department and reports to the Director of Production.
Assist with all phases of orchestra operations, including set-up and stage management for concerts, rehearsals and special events. Responsible for frequently moving, tracking, and caring for instruments, chairs, stands, and all related orchestra equipment. Some heavy lifting required and ability to drive a cargo van is a plus. Candidates must have a willingness to work hard, a flexible/positive attitude, familiarity with musical instruments/equipment, and a sensitivity to the artistic requirements of musicians and performing artists. This crew works under the umbrella of the Production Department and reports to the Director of Production.