Summer Opportunities in the Performing Arts

How to Pursue a Summer Opportunity

 

1. Determine what kinds of opportunities you are seeking. Explore the following:
1. What are your goals for the summer?

• i. Drama or music related?

• ii. Explore an alternative career?

• iii. Develop job or career-related skills?

 

**** if you are unsure what kind of work you want to be doing, meet with your career consultant to explore this question

 

• Do you need to be in a particular location and if not, do you have preferences?
• Do you need to make: some money, a lot of money, or can you take an unpaid internship if it's a good one (and perhaps get another job on the side)?
• Do you want to earn credit?
• Are you available for the entire summer or do you have other plans/commitments (travel, etc.)?

 

2. Explore opportunities.
1. Use the Career Center Library

•  key resources include:

•  National Directory of Arts Internships

•  Peterson's Internships

•  Check the shelves for other books, etc.

2. Visit relevant websites including:

•  Alliance of Artists Communities - http://www.artistcommunities.org/

•  Artists Health Insurance – www.actorsfund.org/ahirc

•  Entertainment Careers – www.entertainmentcareers.net

•  Showbiz Jobs – www.showbizjobs.com

•  Variety Careers – http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=variety_careers

•  New York Foundation for the Arts - http://www.nyfa.org/

•  Pro Arts Pittsburgh – www.proarts-pittsburgh.org

3. Network – email faculty, alumni, and others… tell them what kind of opportunity you are seeking and ask them for suggestions
3. Prepare your resume and portfolio if necessary

 

4. Draft cover letters

 

5. Apply

Timeline

The following is a general timeline… however note that many summer opportunities have specific application deadlines and those deadlines will obviously dictate your timeline.

September and October

• Clarify your goals

• Write your resume and work on your portfolio

November

• Research opportunities

• Attend Creative Careers – if you wish to network for Pittsburgh opportunities

November – February

• Prepare applications and apply

• Attend “Making A Living, Living Your Dream: A Forum for Students and Arts Professionals” to network and apply for opportunities

March and April

• Commit to the opportunity of your choice

• Make travel plans and summer living arrangements

Summer

• Keep an active file of contacts you make, for future reference