Technical Theatre Intern/Apprentice
Primarily onsite unpaid volunteer internship running August 24–December 14, 2026 in Springfield, Missouri.
About the Role
This position offers hands-on experience working directly with High Tide’s Technical Director on current productions, performances, and technical operations. The internship will be customized according to the selected applicant’s experience, interests, availability, and the organization’s needs.
Applicants may have experience in technical theatre, or they may be early in their training and looking for supervised, practical experience.
Responsibilities
- Sound equipment setup and operation
- Lighting setup, focus, and operation
- Technical rehearsals and performances
- Equipment maintenance and organization
- Technical documentation
- Production planning
- Booth operations
- Troubleshooting
- Installation and strike
- Crew support
- Shadowing the Technical Director
- Supporting transitions between productions and events
Ideal Candidate
- Interested in sound, lighting, technical direction, theatrical production, stagecraft, or live-event technology
- Dependable and safety-conscious
- Comfortable learning through hands-on work
- Able to follow technical instructions
- Willing to ask questions and communicate clearly
- Available for evening and weekend rehearsals, performances, and technical calls
- Able to work independently after receiving training
Schedule
This position requires substantially more onsite participation than High Tide’s other internship tracks and will offer minimal remote work. The exact schedule will vary according to production needs.
Mandatory attendance includes:
- Monthly staff meetings
- Ride the Cyclone College Night on September 11
- The Rocky Horror Show College Night on October 23
Additional rehearsals, technical meetings, performances, and production calls will be required.
Benefits
- Direct mentorship
- Practical production experience
- Networking opportunities
- Résumé or portfolio development
- Two complimentary tickets to each eligible mainstage production during the internship term
Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Arrange their own transportation to all onsite activities