Performing Arts Internship Guidelines

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As part of your degree program in Performing Arts at ISU you are required to complete two internships. Credit for these internships can be included in your transcripts two ways. 

  1. Enroll in Performing Arts 310
    Perf 310 Performing Arts Internship
    Cr. R. F.S.SS. Required of performing arts majors. A job or intership with a professional or semi-professional performing arts organization.
  2. Enroll in Theatre 499
    Theatre 499 Theatre Internship
    Cr. var. 1 to 8 each time taken, maximum of 8. F.S.SS. Prereq: 18 credits in theatre, other courses deemed appropriate by faculty adviser; 2nd semester junior or senior standing; cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 overall and 3.0 in theatre courses. Supervised application of theatre in professional settings.

    Enrollment MUST take place during the time frame of your internship. DO NOT enroll prior to obtaining the internship. 
    Consult with the internship coordinator for the best class option for your situation.

The Purpose For The Internship In The Curricula

There are three primary reasons for the internship requirements.

  1. To provide the student with professional experience
  2. To provide the student with professional contacts to aid in their future career
  3. To provide the student with a new and different point of view of their field that what they would receive at Iowa State.

Requirements For Successfully Completing An Internship

For Acting /Directing:

At least one of the two should be out of the State of Iowa
At least one should be performing or directing in a professional setting.
An extensive workshop taken at a professional theatre or school, will be given full consideration

Evaluation:

  1. While on the internship the student will keep a daily journal describing each day’s activities. At the conclusion of the internship the student will write a final report outlining the value of the internship and their personal growth.
  2. The student will provide the faculty evaluator with the name of a contact person at the internship site.
  3. If appropriate to the internship, the student will present a summary of what the learned to the Performing Arts 105 class

For Dance

At least one of the two should be out of the State of Iowa.
At least one should as a member of a professional company or
an extensive (3-8 week) workshop with a professional company.

Evaluation

  1. While on the internship the student will keep a daily journal describing each day’s activities. At the conclusion of the internship the student will write a final report outlining the value of the internship and their personal growth.
  2. The student will provide the faculty evaluator with the name of a contact person at the internship site.
  3. The student will conduct classes, at the discretion of the Dance faculty to share their experience.

For Design /Tech

At least one of the two should be out of the State of Iowa
An extensive workshop taken at a professional theatre, school or institute will be given full consideration

Evaluation:

  1. While on the internship the student will keep a daily journal describing each day’s activities. At the conclusion of the internship the student will write a final report outlining the value of the internship and their personal growth.
  2. The student will provide the faculty evaluator with the name of a contact person at the internship site.
  3. The student will present a portfolio highlighting their work. This portfolio will be presented to the design faculty or Performing Arts 105 class.