Volunteers, Apprenticeships and Internships

Professional Training Program

The Fulton Theatre provides apprenticeship, internship and volunteer opportunities for emerging professionals to apply skills acquired in the high school and university setting to a professional institution, to build upon those skills and to learn new ones. Apprentices are recent college graduates and young professionals who desire a season long, full-time commitment (August through July). Internships can be accomplished for college credit or under a special project agreement made with specific department heads. Our summer camps for ages 3-18 provide a comprehensive hands-on experience for individuals interested in teaching theatre arts to youth. Apprentices and interns fully participate as Fulton Theatre personnel, attending appropriate staff and production meetings and monthly seminars, and participating in special events. Seminars are held throughout the program based on apprentices and interns interests.  Volunteers may be 16 years old or a retired professional.   The Fulton Theatre seeks qualified volunteers with special skills to help realize Fulton projects and goals.  A volunteer may also be a young person who desires a career exploration opportunity or shadow experience.

Apprentice candidates have experience in multiple areas of technical theatre, and are energetic, hardworking, team-oriented, and self-motivated. Apprentices support the technical production of the Fulton Theatre’s 10 mainstage productions (6 premier series and 4 family series). Apprentices will be assigned a focus area for a full or half season and will serve as a member of that team. Throughout the year apprentices will be assigned to crew positions on the mainstage shows. Apprentices are typically assigned to a crew position in their area, however if an apprentice develops an interest in another department, efforts will be made to assign them a crew position in that area. Additionally, apprentices assist in light hang and focus, load-in, and strike for each show. Apprentices may also be eligible to design for our cabaret and family series. Eligibility for design opportunities will be determined based on an interview with the Fulton Theatre’s Artistic Director and Production Manager. Apprentices are compensated hourly at minimum wage, less a housing deduction, if applicable.

Intern candidates must be 18 years or older, express an interest in one or more of the internship focus areas, have knowledge of Microsoft Office, and are energetic, hardworking, team-oriented, and self-motivated. Internships are unpaid. Housing is available for summer interns. Fulton Theatre partners with universities to devise a college credit internship, or designs special projects internships for those who have limited availability and seek to deepen knowledge about specific areas in the theatre arts field. Summer interns support the administrative and educational staff of our Academy of Theatre camps. Each Intern is assigned to a specific camp and area. Camps meet 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Monday-Friday. Summer interns must make a 3-8 week consecutive commitment between June 1 and August 31. Work schedules for Fall, Winter and Spring interns will be discussed during interview.

Volunteer candidates must be 16 years or older, and are energetic, hardworking, team-oriented, and self-motivated. Fulton Theatre seeks qualified persons with the expertise and skills to help realize Fulton Theatre projects and goals.  A volunteer may be a retired professional, an emerging professional, or a stay-at-home parent. Additionally, volunteers may also be a young person who desires a career exploration opportunity or shadow experience.  Fulton Theatre partners with high schools to provide experiences for high school credit.  If under the age of 18, parents must sign the volunteer application.  Due to our production schedule, we may not be able to accommodate requests.  As our resources are limited, Fulton’s shadow experience is competitive.  Applications are reviewed on a case by case basis.

Focus Areas and Applications

The Professional Training Program Apprenticeship at the Fulton Theatre provides an opportunity for emerging professionals to apply skills acquired in the university setting to a professional institution, to build upon those skills and to learn new ones.

The Fulton Theatre seeks recent college graduates and young professionals who desire a season long, full-time commitment (August through July). Ideal candidates have experience in multiple areas of technical theatre, and are energetic, hardworking, team-oriented, and self-motivated. All candidates should have knowledge of Microsoft Office and have the ability to lift 30 pounds.

Up to five production apprentices will be selected each season. Apprentices will fully participate as Fulton Theatre personnel, attending staff and production meetings, extended learning seminars, and participating in special events, while supporting the technical production of the Fulton Theatre’s 10 main stage productions (6 Premier Series and 4 Family Series). Apprentices will be assigned a focus area from the start of the build/rehearsal process to the opening of each production, and will serve in a run crew position in that focus area. They may rotate focus areas and run crew position with each new Premier production. Additionally, apprentices assist in light hang and focus, load-in, and strike for each show. Apprentices may also be eligible to design for our Cabaret and Family Series. Eligibility will be determined based on an interview with the Fulton Theatre’s Artistic Director and Production Manager.

Program Structure:  Apprentices will work hand in hand with our full time staff to craft the technical elements of our main stage season (6 Premier and 4 Family Series productions). They will also serve as run crew members as needed.  The Fulton Apprentices will be invited to attend staff and production meetings.  They will become an integral part of the Fulton Family. Extended learning seminars will be given to enhance the educational experience.  The Apprentices will have varied schedules.

Shop Schedule (when there are no performances):  Apprentices will work in their assigned shop for eight hours per day, five days a week.  If the schedule necessitates a longer day or week, the Production Manager must approve the extended hours.  Apprentices will be given a lunch break.

Shop/Show Schedule (during performance weeks): For the majority of productions, apprentices will work as Run Crew. Crew positions include: deck, ASM, wardrobe, rail, board op, spot op. When apprentices work on Run Crew, their weekly shop hours are adjusted down so that their total work week does not exceed 40 hours. Some Run Crew weeks may exceed 40 hours. Additional hours, when approved, will be paid at the overtime rate.

Load-in/Tech-Week Schedules:  Apprentices will have a set schedule for load-in/tech weeks.  All will work for specific periods of time in their own departments, as well as at “All Apprentice” calls, including Set Load In, Light Hang and Focus.  All Apprentices are required to work Strike.

Shop Descriptions:  Apprentices are assigned to a specific shop.  Responsibilities in each individual shop are as follows:

  • Properties Apprentice: Work with the properties designer to execute props for each production from the creation of the prop list through construction, acquisition, set dressing and maintenance of props during the run. Preferred skills include knowledge of Photoshop, experience in crafts, painting, sewing, woodworking, and upholstery. Maintain props shop.  Applicant must own a car.
  • Electrics Apprentice: Assist the Master Electrician in the following areas: preparing light plot, wiring practicals and electrified scenery, maintaining all equipment and maintaining production paperwork. Will learn to use ETC Gio. Will work with and assist the sound department as needed. Will also be given the opportunity to assist in the running of sound and lights for special events at the Fulton. Preferred skills include basic wiring knowledge, ability to read a light plot, soldering, live audio mixing.
  • Sound Apprentice: Work with the Audio Engineer and Sound Designer to prepare, implement and maintain Sound Designs for each production. Hanging speakers, preparing wireless microphones and orchestra pit, setting-up all consoles and computer systems. Will work with Yamaha M7CL-48 digital mixer, Shure UHF-R wireless microphone systems, and QLAB sound effects playback software.  Will also work with the Master Electrician and lighting department to implement Light Designs for each production. Will be given opportunity to assist in the running of sound and lights for special events at the Fulton. Preferred skills include soldering, live audio mixing and a knowledge of basic wiring, digital sound boards, and live sound reinforcement.
  • Costumes/Wigs Apprentice (January-July): Work with the designers to execute designs along with the costume shop department. Assisting Wig Designer with maintenance. Assist with load in and strike of show costumes. Work with the costume shop manager on an inventory management project. Preferred skills include stitching, cutting, draping.

Supervision:  Each Apprentice will be matched with a supervisor who works in his/her main area of focus and serves as the apprentice’s mentor.  Apprentices will meet individually every three months with the Director of Education and Outreach to complete a self-reflection assessment.  Each Apprentice will be given one-week off as paid vacation, the timing of which will be arranged with the Apprentice’s mentor.

Compensation:  Apprentices will be paid minimum wage for the first 40 hours ($7.25).  Housing is available.  Housing fee is $115/week, deducted from paychecks.  Hours worked above 40 are paid at 1.5 hours.

Requirements:  Apprentices will be required to hold a bachelor’s degree.  Ideal candidates will have 2-3 areas of interest in technical theatre and preferably some experience in a regional or summer-stock theatre.

The Professional Training Program Internship at the Fulton Theatre provides an opportunity for young artists 18 or older to develop skills necessary for a professional institution, to further expand skills acquired at the university setting and beyond.  Internships are not paid.  Free housing is available for summer interns only.

COLLEGE CREDIT INTERNS:  Fulton Theatre can partner with universities to devise a college credit internship during the FALL, SPRING and SUMMER semesters.   If you have an interest in the arts and love kids, consider applying to support our summer camps artistically and administratively.  Summer Camps meet 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday.   Summer Interns must make a 3-8 week consecutive commitment between June 7 – August 25. Work schedules are flexible to meet the interns semester course schedule.

SPECIAL PROJECT INTERNS:  Candidates may or may not be affiliated with a university but seek to develop skills and deepen knowledge about a specific area in the theatre arts field within a professional institution.  If you have an interest in the arts and love kids, consider applying to support our summer camps artistically and administratively.  Summer Camps meet 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday.   Summer Interns must make a 3-8 week consecutive commitment between June 7 – August 25.  All other intern work schedules are flexible, and options will be discussed during the interview.

Internship Focus Areas

  • Education-Teaching:  Support the Director of Education and Outreach and Fulton’s professional teaching staff in the planning, implementation and assessment of education programming.  Collaborate with and observe professional teaching artist in all theatre arts classroom activities designed for ages 3-18.  Preferred knowledge in one or more area: acting, puppetry, directing, singing, dancing, and/or playwriting.
  • Education-Tech/Design (summer only):  Support, collaborate and observe professional teaching artist in all design/tech classroom activities designed for ages 3-18.  Work alongside the Master Electrician and Audio Engineer to design, plan and implement the designs for all camp performances.  Preferred specialty in one or more area:  scenic painting, theatre crafts, costume design, properties, basic electrics.
  • Education & Outreach-Administration:  Assists the Director of Education & Outreach with administration of all programming.  Preferred knowledge in all Microsoft programs.  Experience in In-Design and Tessitura helpful.
  • Accessibility: Work with the Director of Education and Outreach to provide accessibility services to deaf and hard-of-hearing, blind and visually-impaired, and Spanish speaking audiences.  Ability to communicate in Spanish or ASL helpful.  Knowledge of CaptionView helpful.
  • Communications and Marketing:  Works with the Director of Communications in the following areas:  Devise content for Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Manage social media calendar. Design window posters, print ads, playbill layout, various fliers and brochures. Create graphics for web and print use.  Write, edit and/or solicit content for the playbill, brochures and other publications. Write and disseminate press releases.  Develop and manage the online pressroom component of the website.  Call various media outlets in solicitation of stories related the Fulton’s productions and/or educational programs.  Update press lists, clipping and filing media stories.  Assist in the development and execution of marketing plan, including coordinating of direct mail pieces, routing ads for print, TV and radio. Assist in conceptualizing and writing copy and scripts for ads for each production.  Assist in data entry and cleanup of patron records in Tessitura.  Assist with budget tracking, project management of marketing plan and other special projects, assist with special events, other tasks as assigned.  Preferred knowledge in all Microsoft Office programs.  Experience in Tessitura, InDesign and Adobe helpful.

Application Process

All 2013-14 Apprenticeships have been filled.  Apply for 2014-15 beginning January 1, 2014.

Internship applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Applicants selected for consideration will be contacted for an interview.  Interviews begin in mid-March (apprentices), and can be completed either in person or on the telephone. Do not contact the Fulton Theatre regarding the status of your application. You will be notified if you are eliminated at any time during the process. All applicants not selected will be notified by mail in June.

Applications will be considered until all positions are filled. Applications will not be considered until all materials have been received.

To apply, complete the online application and submit the following materials to protraining@thefulton.org:

  • A professional resume that relates to the internship for which you are applying, and a if available and relevant a portfolio (via web or DVD).
  • Three letters of reference from theatre professionals and/or theatre university professors who know your work and work ethic.
  • A one-page purpose statement. Consider the following questions: What is your eventual career goal in the theatre? Why are you seeking an internship at this time? And why specifically at the Fulton Theatre?

Professional Training Program

To apply to Fulton Theatre’s Professional Training Program, complete this online application and submit the supplementary materials to protraining@thefulton.org.


  • If different from current address.

  • Based on the program commitment indicated above, identify up to 3 appropriate focus areas for which you wish to be considered.
  • Based on the program commitment indicated above, identify up to 3 appropriate focus areas for which you wish to be considered.
  • Based on the program commitment indicated above, identify up to 3 appropriate focus areas for which you wish to be considered.
  • Detail your availability as it pertains to the job description for the focus area you wish to be considered.
  • Required for apprenticeships and college credit internships.
  • Required for apprenticeships and college credit internships.
  • Required for apprenticeships and college credit internships.
  • Required for apprenticeships and college credit internships.
  • Required for apprenticeships and college credit internships.
  • Required for apprenticeships and college credit internships.
  • Required for apprenticeships and college credit internships.
  • Required for apprenticeships and college credit internships.







 

Volunteer and Shadow Experience Application

Due to our production schedule, we may not be able to accommodate requests. Applications are reviewed on a case by case basis. Do not contact the Fulton Theatre regarding the status of your application. You will be notified if you have not been selected or we are unable to accommodate your application at this time.


  • Program Focus and Personal Statement

  • Identify up to 3 appropriate focus areas for which you wish to be considered. Costumes/Wigs; Electrics/Sound; Stage Management; Company Management; Education/Outreach; House Management/Box Office; Development; Props; Scenic Construction/Painting; Marketing/Communications
  • A clearly articulated and focused personal statement goes a long way in helping us to place you in our program!

    Volunteers: Fulton Theatre seeks qualified volunteers with specific skills to realize Fulton projects and goals. Consider the following questions: Why are you seeking to volunteer at this time? And why specifically at Fulton Theatre? What skills do you have to help Fulton Theatre realize its core mission.

    Shadow Experience Criteria: Note that Fulton Theatre receives numerous Shadow applications each season. As our resources are limited, Fulton’s program is competitive. Applicants who seek a career exploration experience should address your interest in a career in the theatre arts. Consider the following questions: What is your eventual career goal? Why are you seeking a shadow experience at this time? And why specifically at Fulton Theatre? What do you expect to gain from your shadow experience?

  • Volunteer Applicants: Detail your availability. How many hours would you like to volunteer? What days and hours of the week or month are you available?

    Shadow Applicants: On your application, list the due date of the experience (completion date), the number of hours you must complete, and detail your availability to complete the hours.

  • Education and References

  • How do you know this reference?
  • How do you know this reference?
  • If you are currently in school, note your school and expected graduation date.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian Permission

    Volunteers and Shadow Experience Applicants must be 16 years old. If under the age of 18, parents must sign the application.
  • We are pleased that you have chosen to take part of our Volunteer-Shadow program. Sometimes our students and/or their parents decide on their own to pursue private instruction with one or more members of the Fulton Opera House staff outside of the Fulton Opera House’s formal instruction program. In signing this Acknowledgement, you understand and agree that your decision to pursue private instruction independent of Fulton Opera House’s instruction program is a voluntary decision that is not under the endorsement, supervision or management of the Fulton Opera House. Fulton Opera House disclaims any responsibility for a student’s decision to undertake private instruction. As a participant you agree to hold Fulton Opera House and its foundations and affiliates, as well as each of the foregoing’s management, officers, directors and insurers, harmless from any and all liability rising from your decision to participate in private instruction with a member of Fulton Opera House’s staff outside of the Fulton instruction program.