Shanti

Organization: Shanti

City: San Francisco, CA

Unpaid

I was the HIV Services intern for Shanti during the summer of 2007.  I absolutely loved it there.  The work itself is extremely rewarding.  Shanti provides emotional and practical support to people living with AIDS.  I spent time working with several clients one-on-one, as well as working in the drop-in center with more transient clients. I also helped organize a women’s support group, and learned a TON about social services in San Francisco.  This internship definitely requires you to be adventurous and sometimes fearless as you will see and hear about things that you probably have never been exposed to in the past.  Shanti’s offices are located in the Tenderloin, so even getting to work can be eye-opening.  The people that work at Shanti are some of the coolest folks I’ve ever met- super relaxed, liberal, and eager to help interns learn.  I loved my summer their and continue to fundraise for the organization and stay in touch with people who work there.

American Conservatory Theater (ACT)

Organization: American Conservatory Theater

City: San Francisco, CA

Paid

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If you’re serious about pursuing a career in professional theater, there is no better place to spend a year than ACT.  This is not a year of making copies and fetching cappuccinos; rather, you will be fully immersed and included in this incredibly influential and prominent American theater.  Multiple internship opportunities are available:  1 intern each in Arts Management, Dramaturgy, Development, Publications, Marketing/PR, Costume Rentals, Costume Shop, Properties, Sound Design, Wig Construction & Make Up, Production Management and Stage Management (of which there are 4 interns).

Each intern is treated as a colleague and not as an amateur.  As an intern, you really understand that ACT is looking at you as a potential future member of their team, not as someone to collate scripts.  ACT is unique in that its LORT A mainstage is a combonation of ACT produced and developed shows along with remounts of Broadway productions, both with the highest caliber of American actors,directors and designers.  Its second stage houses new works and shows in development for its mainstage, an MFA and Young Conservatory program which includes fully commisioned, produced and designed productions as well – There can be up to 5 shows being worked on at any given time.  Each intern is placed in a situation where they are not only fully involved in ACT’s mainstage, second stage, conservatory and special events season; they are placed in a mentor relationship with their department head.  It is not uncommon to be hired on after a successful run as an intern, making your time even more valuable.

Although the weekly salary is significantly low compared to the cost of living in San Francisco, ACT tries to provide income opportunities by means of working as an usher or bartender at its mainstage theater if it interests you, along with other opportunities as well.

If you’re looking for a hands-on, intensive, full time post Bachelor’s Degree internship, ACT is a prime choice.