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, 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 (Electronic Media Department)
- 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)
Not all placements are available every term. Learn more about the placements:
Application Deadlines
Fall Internships
- Program Dates: September 9 – December 13, 2013 (14 weeks)
- Application Deadline: June 7, 2013
Spring Internships
- Program Dates: January 27 – May 16, 2014 (16 weeks)
- Application Deadline: October 14, 2013
Summer Internships
- Program Dates: June 2 – August 8, 2014 (10 weeks)
How to Apply
- Complete the online application
- Please note, all materials can be uploaded to the application. (i.e. resumes, transcripts, and other required materials).
- Application materials submitted via post will not be accepted.
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 two to six weeks after the deadline.
Questions
Please email questions to internship@kennedy-center.org or call 202-416-8874.