Prop Shop

Internship Program

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival offers an internship program for qualified college students to expand their skills and gain experience in a professional theatre environment. As part of the ISF Internship Program, you will gain hands-on, real-world experience in a creative and supportive environment. You will have the opportunity to work one on one with professionals in your chosen area of study. You will be able to develop work that you can feature in your personal professional portfolio. For all internships, we are looking for individuals that are interesting in focusing their work on a specific area of study. To advance your learning opportunities we are looking for individuals who possess effective communication skills, are organized, and are detail-oriented. Individuals who apply must adhere to all health and safety guidelines set forth by Illinois Shakespeare Festival and Illinois State University. This may include, but not be limited to, daily health check-ins, COVID-19 testing, and additional required training.

Featured benefits of the ISF Internship Program

• Interns will participate in an internship class once a week for professional development and education. Interns will be registered for THE 398 - Professional Practice in Theatre at Illinois State University for the summer 2026 term. Our summer 2026 course will be facilitated by faculty members.
• Interns will receive mentoring from professional artists on staff at Illinois State University and from other institutions. Interns will also attend a weekly class facilitated by guest instructors allowing interns to learn about a broad range of creative areas within a professional theatre.
• ISF provides free housing during your internship for those individuals who are not currently residents of the Bloomington/Normal area.
• A $70.00 per week food reimbursement.
• Complimentary tickets for mainstage productions.

Eligibility Requirements

• Current enrollment in a college program with an anticipated graduation date of August 2026 or later.
• Ability to commit to the full summer season. All internships are full-time commitments. Depending on your internship area, the summer schedule will run from May 2026 through August 2026.
• Reside in, or able to relocate to, Bloomington-Normal, IL for the duration of the internship.
• Pass a standard background check.
• Individuals who apply must adhere to all health and safety guidelines set forth by Illinois Shakespeare Festival and Illinois State University.

Selection Criteria

• A strong desire to work in a specific intern's area of study.
• A resume and cover letter.
• Effective communication skills, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to demonstrate the basic skills listed below:

Prop Shop

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe Photoshop
• Basic painting techniques
• Basic knowledge of shop tools including electric and pneumatic tools
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• This internship is also a crew position for performance