PA 499 - Internship in Performing Arts

Credits: 4 or 8
Students work in professional theatrical or educational settings under the direct supervision of an approved full-time employee at the site and the designated faculty internship coordinator assigned by the Performing Arts Department. Professional experiences on-site may have specific prerequisites, most of which pertain to completion of the appropriate level theory and/or production course at the College; students should obtain details from the internship coordinator. 

The College encourages qualified students to participate in internships to gain practical experience and develop professional contacts.  Performing Arts Internships will typically be in professional theatrical or educational setting. A 4-credit internship requires 16 hours a week over a 12-week period (192 hrs) and an 8-credit internship requires 32 hours a week over a 12-week period (384 hrs). Students must have their internships submitted and approved through the Career Development Center prior to starting work. Students are supervised by an approved full-time employee of the organization at which they work and by the Emerson department’s internship coordinator. The Emerson department internship coordinator may require additional academic coursework, journals, readings, and or papers related to the professional work environment.

Students are required to submit an Internship Application in Handshake, and receive permission of the Department Internship Coordinator prior to starting the internship. Students may use no more than 13 credits of any combination of PDE 100 Professional Development Experience and internship credits towards the total graduation requirements. Students seeking a credit-bearing internship in Los Angeles during the fall and spring terms must be enrolled in the Emerson Los Angeles Program, attend the LA Program Orientation, and have their internship submitted to and approved by the Emerson Los Angeles Experiential Learning office. Students who wish to intern in Washington, DC, are encouraged to do so through the Washington internship program.

Course Restrictions: Junior standing and 2.7 GPA
Liberal Arts Perspective(s):