Technical Internship Program
Within the TD&P program, the David Geffen School of Drama offers a one-year technical internship training certificate for those seeking to become professional scenic carpenters, sound engineers, projection engineers, properties supervisors, scenic artists, costumers, or production electricians. This certificate combines six graduate-level courses with closely guided and monitored practical production work. Interns receive individual attention, training, and supervision from their program advisers and work side-by-side with the School’s and Yale Repertory Theatre’s professional staff.
Interns complete two terms of the practicum course in their chosen area of concentration, as well as two terms of anti-racism training offered by the program or School. An assigned faculty or staff adviser guides each intern in selecting three additional courses each term (four each term in a non-production year). Interns may also audit one additional course as well as participate in the TD&P Seminar course both terms. Most courses offered as part of the program’s three-year M.F.A./Certificate program of study are open to technical interns. The courses cover a wide range of topics, including: shop technology, electricity, drafting, properties construction, projection engineering, sound technology, scene painting, costume construction, pattern-making, rigging, and theater safety. Interns are encouraged to consider courses from the Design program as well. In addition to practicum and course work, interns may be assigned one or two professional work assignments (PWAs) in their area, giving them some technical design, production planning, and management experience.
Those who successfully complete the program of study receive an Internship Certificate during the School’s May commencement ceremonies. Some interns decide to apply and then, if accepted, subsequently enroll in one of the three-year M.F.A./Certificate programs of study—usually Technical Design and Production or Design—sometimes receiving credit toward the degree for requirements already completed. Other interns choose to apply for a second one-year internship in the same or different discipline. Those who choose to enter the job market receive assistance from the program chair and faculty supervisors. Our alumni provide many job opportunities for professionally trained theater technicians.
The Costume Technology Interns aid in the construction of costumes for DGSD and YRT productions. Duties in the shop are tailored to each Intern's interests and abilities. The objective is to sharpen existing skills and develop new ones. This program trains folx who want to become drapers, as opposed to costume designers.
The Electrics Interns assist in hanging and focusing lights for DGSD and YRT productions. Electrics interns are instructed in budgeting and scheduling procedures, special effects problem solving, maintenance, and repair of lighting equipment. Interested and qualified interns may be invited to serve as the Production Electrician on a DGSD or YRT production when schedules permit. This program trains folx who want to become production electricians, or who want to advance their careers in lighting.
Interns who have an interest in designing are encouraged to participate in the Yale Cabaret.
The Projection Interns come here to learn how to build content and learn how to work in a large organization. Interns are able to take classes within the Projection Design program or Design program. This program trains folx who want to become projection engineers, as opposed to projection designers.
The Properties Interns will assist in constructing and procuring properties for YRT productions and develop management experience. The Intern also has shop time for self-chosen projects that do not need to be show specific to develop personal area(s) of interest. Interested and qualified interns may be invited to serve as the Prop Manager on a DGSD production when schedules permit. This program trains folx who want to become prop artisan, as opposed to set designers.
The Scene Painting Interns assist in creating scenic art treatments and painting scenery for DGSD and YRT productions. They will gain experience in a range of scenic art tools and techniques. This program trains folx who want to become scenic artists, as opposed to
set designers.
The Carpentry Interns build scenery for DGSD and YRT productions alongside full-time staff carpenters. Interested and qualified interns may be invited to serve as Assistant Technical Director on DGSD productions. This program trains folx who want to become carpenters, as opposed to set designers.
The Sound Interns participate in the installation of sound systems for DGSD & YRT productions alongside full-time staff. They receive guided hands-on experience with a broad range of industry-standard equipment and develop skills related to all aspects of sound system design & installation. Interested and qualified interns may be invited to serve as the Assistant Sound Designer / Sound Engineer on DGSD or YRT productions when schedules permit. This program trains folx who want to become sound engineers, as opposed to sound designers.