The Muny Internships: A Launchpad for Aspiring Theatre Professionals
The Muny, America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre, offers a unique and immersive internship program. Located in St. Louis, The Muny provides a platform for gifted artists, talented producers, and passionate staff to collaborate and create memorable theatrical experiences. The Muny's internship program is designed to provide hands-on experience, working closely with professionals from various unions, including IATSE, USA, SDC, AFM, and Actors’ Equity Association. Each summer, dozens of interns across production and administration departments participate in the creation of seven full-scale musical theatre productions in 10 weeks. The environment is intense, the stakes are high, but the rewards are endless.
A Comprehensive Internship Experience
Muny internships are open to rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as graduating seniors pursuing a career in theatre. New in, producing and directing positions are available to MFA graduate students. The Muny team comprises gifted artists, talented producers, and passionate staff working year-round to create experiences that resonate with audiences. Each summer, The Muny employs over 1,000 staff members, including ushers, security, housekeeping, groundskeeping, food and beverage staff, performers, and creative teams. For many young people, seasonal employment at The Muny marks their first job experience. A dedicated staff of full-time employees works behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of various administration and production departments.
The Muny's internship program stands out for its comprehensive integration of interns into the organization. Tali Allen, Muny Director of Education, emphasizes that interns are fully integrated into the entire organization, from stage management to marketing. Sara Akihiro, a former marketing intern, highlights the wealth of knowledge and experience available within the diverse departments. Jaron Cole, a producing intern, notes the collaborative spirit and shared mission that unites the team. Gregory Almanza, a directing intern, underscores the unique opportunity to be actively involved in the directing process. Dorathy Johnston, a costume design intern, appreciates the mentorship provided by experienced professionals.
Application and Selection Process
Interested individuals can join The Muny team by applying for an internship. Applicants are required to submit a resume, three references, and a brief statement of intent. Selected candidates will be contacted by February 10 for an interview.
Internship Details and Benefits
Muny internships are paid positions for the full summer season, with a starting salary of $600 per week and a partial housing stipend. The work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
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Available Internship Positions and Requirements
The Muny offers a wide array of internship positions across various departments. These positions come with specific duties and requirements, ensuring that interns gain practical experience and contribute meaningfully to the productions.
Automation Internship
Duties:* Assist the automation team as needed in all aspects for seven shows over 10 weeks.
- Work directly with the IATSE build crew, helping to create automated scenery in a safe and equitable work environment.
- At The Muny, work is earned, not guaranteed. Show up on time, stay consistent and do what is asked of you.
Requirements:* An interest and or experience in welding is a plus.
- Individuals should expect to remain outdoors through most workdays. Noise levels will range from quiet to loud, including large machinery. This site is a working environment with hundreds of employees, truck deliveries, etc.
- A high degree of working awareness is a must. A moderate to heavy degree of physical ability is associated with the internship.
Carpentry Internship
Requirements:* Strong background in hand and power tools and familiarity with build-shop procedures; reading blueprints is a plus. Ability to lift 40 pounds unassisted, withstand heat and move safely around the shop. Comfortable wearing protective gear as required.
- Ideal candidates are proactive, safety-conscious and able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Initiative, drive and good instincts to know when to ask questions. Physical stamina and attention to detail are essential. Familiarity with standard shop protocols, tools and procedures is strongly recommended.
- Resume highlighting carpentry, scenic construction or technical theatre experience. Any examples of prior build projects, blueprint reading or shop work (if available).
Costume Design Internship
Requirements:* Comfort moving safely and efficiently around a busy costume shop; this is not a desk job despite the paperwork involved.
- Strong communication skills-clear, transparent, and timely.
- Ability to anticipate needs, stay a step ahead, and manage multiple moving parts.
- Excellent organizational skills and meticulous note-taking.
- Portfolio or examples of previous costume, wardrobe, or design-related work (if applicable).
- Any documentation demonstrating organizational systems, paperwork samples, or production tracking experience is a plus.
Directing Internship
Requirements:* Must be Mac and PC proficient; have impeccable organizational, writing and editing skills.
- Must be available to work remotely for two weeks of pre-production (determined based upon mutual agreement) prior to residency.
- Ability to maintain the highest level of discretion and confidentiality is mandatory.
- Practical directing, choreography , dramaturgy, stage management or assistant directing experience is preferred.
- Energetic self-starter with strong initiative and exceptional attention to detail and an affinity to be extraordinarily helpful.
- Exceptional interpersonal/multitasking skills and an ability to manage relationships with multiple departments.
- The best candidate is not intimidated by strong personalities and knows that observation and notetaking are the primary goals of the internship.
- Having spent time at another professional theatre prior to being here is a plus.
Electrics Internship
Requirements:* Ability to lift 40 lbs unassisted, work outdoors in St. Louis summer heat, and move safely through active workspaces.
- Strong initiative, good instincts, and the judgment to know when to ask questions.
- Working knowledge of LED fixtures and EOS control systems is a plus.
- Consistent situational awareness in a fast-paced, tool- and equipment-heavy environment.
- Ideal candidates are proactive problem-solvers who communicate clearly, follow safety protocols, and adapt quickly to changing production needs.
- Success in this role requires both physical stamina and focus, especially when working outdoors or around heavy equipment.
- Applicants comfortable with a fast-paced schedule and collaborative environment will thrive.
- Portfolio, resume, or examples of previous electrics, lighting, or production work (if available).
- Any documentation demonstrating familiarity with lighting equipment, console operation, or technical theatre experience is helpful but not required.
Lighting Design Internship
Requirements:* Exceptional speed, accuracy, and organizational skills.
- Strong working knowledge of standard lighting equipment, DMX, LED systems, Lightwright, Photoshop, and Vectorworks.
- Familiarity with ETC Ion control consoles.
- Comfort participating in outdoor rehearsals and fast-paced design environments
- Ideal candidates balance speed with precision and thrive in a collaborative design environment.
- Individuals who enjoy outdoor rehearsals, detailed documentation, and cross-department communication will excel.
- A strong sense of initiative and the ability to stay organized while handling multiple design tasks is essential.
- Portfolio or examples of lighting paperwork such as plots, magic sheets, lineups, or visualizations.
- Any Vectorworks or Photoshop samples demonstrating drafting or documentation skills.
Materials Management Internship
Requirements:* driver’s license (mileage reimbursed).
- Able to lift 40 lbs unassisted, withstand St. Louis summer heat, and navigate shop spaces safely.
- Ideal candidates enjoy fast-paced, people-centered work and are comfortable representing The Muny to a wide range of local vendors.
- Must be proactive, dependable, and able to balance multiple sourcing tasks simultaneously.
- Knowledge of St. Louis-area vendors is helpful but not required.
- A resume highlighting relevant purchasing, logistics, customer service, production, or theatre experience.
- Any prior work examples involving vendor interaction, procurement, or project coordination (if available).
Pre-Show Entertainment Internship (Management)
Duties:* Collaborate and oversee a small team to set up, run and support the Muny Kids and Muny Teens troupes, along with overseeing and managing two pre-show side stages.
- Contact and create a relationship with the pre-show artists.
Requirements:* A sound degree-focused individual(s) who is willing to work outdoors and run their own side stage, and feel comfortable enough to handle situations as they arise.
- Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds.
Pre-Show Entertainment Internship (Sound)
Duties:* Works with the pre-show sound lead and small team to set up, run and strike three pre-show side stages, and support the Muny Kids and Muny Teens troupes as necessary.
- Contact and create a relationship with the pre-show artists. Figure out what gear/materials are needed for their set.
- Assist pre-show sound lead in writing nightly reports/check-ins.
Requirements:* A sound degree-focused individual(s) who is willing to work outdoors and run their own side stage, and feel comfortable enough to handle situations as they arise.
- Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds.
Producing Internship
Requirements:* Practical general/stage/project management, arts administration or directing experience is preferred.
- Having spent time at another professional theatre prior to being here is a plus.
- Energetic self-starter with strong initiative and exceptional attention to detail and an affinity to be extraordinarily helpful.
- Exceptional interpersonal/multitasking skills and an ability to manage relationships with multiple departments. The best candidate is not intimidated by strong personalities and has the ability to dive into situations with quick, ‘on your feet’ problem solving.
- Proficiency with both Mac and PC platforms; strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Workspace (Docs, Drive, Calendar), and digital tools such as Formstack, Vimeo, YouTube and Canva.
- Valid US driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.
- A previous internship experience is a plus.
- Ability to maintain the highest level of discretion and confidentiality is mandatory.
Production Management Internship
Requirements:* Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and self-motivation.
- High level of discretion and professionalism.
- Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license (mileage reimbursed).
- Ability to lift 40 lbs unassisted, tolerate outdoor St. Louis heat, and move safely through active production and shop spaces.
- Ideal candidates thrive in fast-paced environments, communicate clearly, and can manage multiple simultaneous responsibilities.
- Individuals who are detail-oriented, dependable, and comfortable working with many departments will excel.
- A calm, discreet presence during technical rehearsals and meetings is essential.
- Resume highlighting production management, stage management, or administrative production experience.
- Any examples of paperwork, tracking systems, or production documentation (if available).
Props Internship
Requirements:* Strong background and experience with hand and power tools.
- Initiative, good instincts, and the ability to know when to ask questions.
- Ability to lift 40 lbs unassisted, withstand St. Louis heat, and move safely around active shop spaces.
- Strong situational awareness in a fast-paced, tool-heavy environment.
- Candidates should be proactive, safety-conscious, and comfortable taking direction in a collaborative, high-paced shop.
- Success requires a combination of physical stamina, technical skill, and attention to detail.
- Resume highlighting props, construction, or technical theatre experience.
- Any examples of completed projects, set pieces, or tool-based work (if available).
Scenic Design Internship
Requirements:* Strong computer skills, including Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, or Vectorworks (highly recommended).
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, close-knit team environment.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- The design studio is a highly collaborative, creative space where teamwork and communication are essential.
- Ideal candidates are adaptable, proactive, and thrive in an intense, fast-moving production environment.
- Portfolio or examples of scenic, props, or design work.
- Samples of drawings, CAD work, or Photoshop projects are a plus.
Sound Internship
Requirements:* Strong knowledge of audio, including PA system design, signal flow, and console/mixer operation (preferred).
- Excellent computer skills, organizational abilities, and note-taking skills.
- Ability to lift 40 lbs unassisted, withstand St. Louis heat, and safely move through shop spaces.
- Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, proactive, and able to collaborate effectively with multiple departments.
- Comfort in a fast-paced, outdoor rehearsal environment is essential.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to document accurately under time constraints are critical for success.
- The console we currently use is a Digico SD7Q
- Resume highlighting sound design, recording, or technical theatre experience.
- Any examples of past audio projects, track layouts, or recordings (if available).
Stage Management Internship
Requirements:* Expect to work 70 hours a week for rehearsal weeks, and then 42 hours for the performance week.
- Comfort with outdoor rehearsals and the physical demands of moving around production spaces.
- Ability to lift 40 lbs unassisted, withstand St. Louis heat, and navigate shop and rehearsal spaces safely.
- Excellent teamwork skills and ability to act as a supportive anchor for the stage management team.
- Ideal candidates are proactive, collaborative, and able to manage multiple responsibilities efficiently.
- A positive attitude, attention to detail, and reliability in fast-paced rehearsal and performance settings are essential.
- Physical stamina and comfort with outdoor work are required.
- Resume highlighting stage management experience, including previous internships or professional productions.
- Any examples of cue sheets, run sheets, or rehearsal notes from past experience.
Stage Management/Assistant Stage Management Internship
Requirements:* Interest in stage management and desire to gain practical experience in a professional setting.
- Comfort with outdoor rehearsals and working in hot or variable weather conditions.
- Ideal candidates are proactive, detail-oriented, and collaborative.
- A positive, professional attitude and willingness to support a fast-paced rehearsal and performance environment are essential.
- Comfort working outdoors in potentially challenging weather is required.
- Resume highlighting previous stage management, production, or theater experience.
- Any examples of rehearsal tracking, cue sheets, or production notes (if available).
Video Design Internship
Requirements:* Speed, impeccable organization, and strong computer skills.
- Experience in Photoshop, and AfterEffects is a must additional experience in Premiere Pro is a plus.
- Affinity for outdoor rehearsals and ability to work in a collaborative design environment.
- 3D video design experience is a plus.
- Ideal candidates are creative, detail-oriented, and proactive in supporting multiple design disciplines.
- A positive attitude, adaptability, and ability to work in fast-paced, collaborative settings are essential.
- Candidates should be comfortable integrating their work into live rehearsal and production environments
- Portfolio demonstrating video, design, or digital media work.
- Examples of graphics, video edits, or 3D design projects if available.
Youth Coordinator Internship
Duties:* Work as a Youth Coordinator on at least 3 productions in the season and with the Muny Kids and Teens troupes (this includes: supervising and assisting them during all rehearsals and performances, tracking all entrances, exits, and costume changes, overseeing check in/out procedures, etc.)
- Maintain a consistent on-site presence to ensure a safe, positive environment and experience for all youth performers
- Administrative tasks in the office to prepare for each production and support department (i.e.
Requirements:* Excellent computer skills and organizational abilities.
- Positive attitude and professional demeanor.
- Attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy under fast-paced conditions.
- Ideal candidates are proactive, detail-oriented, and ab…
Success Stories and Testimonials
The Muny internship program has a proven track record of nurturing talent and launching successful careers in theatre. Alumni of the program have gone on to work in various aspects of the industry, from Broadway to regional theatre. The experiences and connections gained during the internship provide a solid foundation for future endeavors.
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