Hands-on Experience for Aspiring Arts Managers

As one of the largest, busiest performing arts centers in the world, the Kennedy Center and its leadership have developed extensive expertise in performing arts management. Founded in 2001 by Kennedy Center President Michael M. Kaiser, the DeVos Institute leverages this expertise to train, support, and empower arts managers and their boards locally, nationally, and internationally. As part of this mission, the Institute offers competitive Internships for aspiring arts managers to gain critical hands-on experience in many areas of performing arts management.

DeVos Institute Interns develop valuable relationships in the industry by training with Kennedy Center Staff within departments aligned with their interests. Interns also gain a broad understanding of the performing arts industry by participating in weekly seminars and activities, attending Kennedy Center performances and events, and connecting with a vast network of DeVos Institute alumni. Alumni have gone on to organizations such as The Atlanta Symphony, The National Endowment for the Humanities, The New York Philharmonic, The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the offices of Renée Fleming, and The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts.

About the Internships

DeVos Institute Internships are full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (20-30 hours per week) unpaid opportunities that are intended to complement a student’s current program of study or other employment. Thus, Internships are offered according to the academic calendar in the Fall, Spring and Summer terms. Interns may receive transportation assistance, complimentary tickets to Kennedy Center performances during the Internship, and/or academic credit for either their college or university upon request. Please note, the Kennedy Center is not an accredited institution; therefore college credit must be granted by the Intern's current college or university.

Interns are expected to contribute between 20 and 40 hours per week during the Internship. Upon acceptance into the program, Interns develop a personalized schedule with their host department based on their availability. In addition to departmental projects, program seminars and activities are held throughout the semester. If possible, prospective applicants are encouraged to be available during this time to take full advantage of the program’s benefits.

Applicants must be currently enrolled juniors or seniors in undergraduate programs, Master's candidates, or have completed a degree within the past two years.

Placements

DeVos Institute Internships are offered in many Kennedy Center departments including:

• Fundraising (Individual Giving, Corporate & Foundation Relations, Special Events, Volunteer Management)
• Marketing (Press, Advertising, Graphic Design)
• Education (Performing Arts for Everyone, Community & National Partnerships, Theater for Young Audiences, Changing Education through the Arts, and Explore the Arts)
• Programming (Dance Programming, Jazz Programming, International Programming)
• IT (Multimedia, Web Content)
• Production Management
• Institutional Affairs
• DeVos Institute of Arts Management
• Washington National Opera (Artistic Administration, Production, Costume Design)
• National Symphony Orchestra (Artistic Administration, Operational Administration, and Education)
• General Counsel

Not all placements are available every term. Learn more about the placements:

• Fall 2012 Internships
• Coming Soon – Spring 2013 Internships

Application Deadlines

All materials must be written in English or have a certified translation. Postmark deadlines are:

Fall Internships

• Program Dates: September 5 – December 7, 2012 (14 weeks)
• Application Deadline: Monday, June 4, 2012

Spring Internships

• Program Dates: January 22 – April 26, 2013 (14 weeks)
• Application Deadline: October 1, 2012

How to Apply

Please mail the following in one package:

• Internship application form (Requires Adobe Acrobat)
• Cover letter discussing career goals, computer skills, and three internships of interest
• Resume
• Writing Sample (no more than three pages)
• College/University transcripts (Unofficial transcripts will be accepted if available from your College or University)
• Two letters of recommendation* from individuals who can speak for your background and skills.

*Letters of recommendation can also be emailed to internship@kennedy-center.org, if necessary

Important, Please Note:

To prevent any delay in delivery of your application, it is recommended that you send your materials by FedEx, UPS, or U.S. Priority Mail. Send application to:

All materials submitted become the confidential property of the Kennedy Center and are not returnable.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for an Internship without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, or any other protected status. The Kennedy Center offers equal opportunity and treatment to all who apply and is committed to diversity.

Applicants are notified within six to eight weeks after the deadline. All materials submitted become the confidential property of the Kennedy Center and are not returnable.

Questions

Please email questions to internship@kennedy-center.org or call 202-416-8874.