Theatre Pathways Internship

Escondido, United States

CCAE Theatricals & CSU San Marcos Theatre Internship (Pathways to Purpose)

About CCAE Theatricals Inc.

CCAE Theatricals is a nonprofit professional theatre company dedicated to celebrating the human connection through theatre and education. Our mission is to share stories that illuminate individual experiences and cultivate a collective voice. Our core values—inclusion, collaboration, integrity, and kindness—guide everything we do. We are an organization that employs of 11 regular employees, and an average of 70 seasonal employees and over 100 contracted workers annually.

Description

Theatre Internship (Spring 2026)

Title: Theatre Internship: Artistic Production / Arts Education & Engagement

Reports to: Director of Education & Engagement, with supervision from Artistic and Education Department staff

Hours: 15–20 hours per week (flexible schedule to accommodate class times; some production weeks may require additional hours, class schedule permitting)

Term: January 20 – May 8, 2026 (12 weeks, with option for extension)

Location: CCAE Theatricals, Escondido, CA (various production and program sites)

Compensation: $20/hour

Overview

In accordance with our commitment to creating access to and pathways for careers in theatre arts, CCAE Theatricals invites CSU San Marcos students to join our team for a hands-on internship experience in one of two tracks: Artistic Production or Arts Education and Engagement. Students will gain exposure to professional theatre operations, receive mentorship from industry professionals, and apply classroom learning to real-world projects. This internship is part of the Pathways to Purpose initiative and is designed to build career readiness skills, professional communication habits, and confidence working in artistic and community settings.

At the conclusion of the spring term, a select number of interns may be invited to extend their internship into an apprenticeship for the remainder of 2026, deepening their experience and taking on advanced responsibilities. This extension is intended as a professional development opportunity for students who show strong engagement, growth, and alignment with CCAE Theatricals’ mission and a promise for developing into tenacious and equity-driven arts professionals.

Learning Objectives (All Interns)

Develop skills in arts administration, production, and education program delivery.
Learn professional communication, Zoom etiquette, and soft skills for workplace success.
Practice time management, project planning, and collaboration with theatre professionals.
Build résumés, portfolios, and interview strategies for future opportunities.
Engage with community partners and learn how theatre fosters belonging and cultural wellness.

Core Responsibilities (All Interns)

Attend orientation, weekly cohort meetings, and weekly check-ins with CCAE Theatricals supervisor.
Support day-to-day operations, production meetings, and community programs.
Maintain clear communication via email and digital platforms.
Assist with documentation, scheduling, and logistics.
Participate in mandatory dates to be communicated at the time of the job offer (evening rehearsals, afterschool programs, school tours, etc.).

Track-Specific Responsibilities

Artistic Track

Shadow artistic team members (director, assistant director, designers, production/stage management, executive director, artistic director).
Support casting direction, dramaturgy, and production management for the TYA Tour.
Assist with Scripts & Sips play reading program, Theatricals’ cabarets, and planning and development of the annual staged reading festival.
Work on accessibility and inclusivity in production and programming.
Gain experience liaising with artists, reviewing plays, and supporting community-based events.
Shadow and assist the education team as needed.

Education Track

Shadow and assist teaching artists during afterschool programs and spring break camps.
Support curriculum adherence, program administration, and student engagement activities.
Contribute to camp culture through skits, games, and activities.
Assist with data collection and program evaluation.
Participate in developing audience talkbacks and classroom connection curricula for the CCAE Theatricals performances.

Professional Development Modules

Email & digital etiquette
Public speaking (artists & educators)
Active listening & feedback
Navigating difficult conversations
Intercultural communication
Culturally responsive pedagogy (Education Track)
Networking and self-presentation in nonprofit spaces
Grant writing basics and event planning
Résumé and portfolio development & revision

Requirements

Current CSU San Marcos student in CHABSS (junior/senior standing preferred).
Commitment to 15–20 hours per week for 16 weeks (January 19 – May 8, 2026).
Flexibility for evening rehearsals, afterschool programs, and occasional weekend events.
Willingness to engage with diverse communities and maintain professionalism in all settings.
Registration in the internship course: ID 411