PCPA offers professional internships in multiple areas of theatre. PCPA’s mentor-apprentice approach to training provides unique experiences with theatre professionals both resident and guests. As an intern you will be training directly with professionals in their respective fields.
For more information about Technical Internships, please contact productionmanager@pcpa.org
For more information about Acting Internships, please contact casting@pcpa.org
Benefits of an Internship at PCPA
• Opportunity to gain practical experience in your chosen field.
• Gain experience in both an outdoor an indoor thrust stage.
• Taking time off before graduate school to train in a conservatory environment while mentoring less experienced students can help you prepare for graduate school.
• Join a network of over 50 years of alumni.
• Spend your summer or fall and spring in California.
• Winter/Spring interns are required to participate in a portfolio review each semester as a way of helping prepare and present a portfolio to the industry, in order to find employment after the internship.
• Having completed graduate school, build your professional portfolio.
• Prepare you for your next steps whether that be entering the industry or attending graduate school.
• Interns are required to be registered students of Allan Hancock College. The mandatory registration fees are covered.
• PCPA awards scholarships to a majority of the interns who are accepted. The IRS considers these scholarships taxable income.
• Interns will be informed of all required personal supplies before they accept the internship.
• The program does not offer a degree.
• Interns are scheduled, on average, for 40 hours per week with adjusted hours during tech periods.
• Internships can range between 3, 9 or 12 months with the possibility of more.
• Each department will have schedules that vary depending on the individual internship and the overall production schedule.
• Outside jobs can be discussed and coordinated with your department mentor and around conservatory schedules.
While at PCPA we expect you to experience the following
• Continue to develop and practice good work habits and professional level skills.
• Grow and refine you portfolio.
• Practice your craft
• Enjoy the great California weather
• Decide and plan your next steps in your career path.
• Have fun
Enrollment is by interview only
To be considered for an interview, PCPA’s Professional Internship applicants must submit an application via pcpa.org, a cover letter, a current resume listing previous theatre training, theater experience, and list three references.
Applicants may also be requested to submit relevant portfolio items. We will contact candidates that meet PCPA’s requirements to arrange an interview. Meeting minimum qualifications does not assure a candidate an interview.
Interviews are generally over the phone or via video conference.
Additional interviews occur at SETC, USITT, KCACTF region 7 and 8, and throughout the state of California. Exact dates and locations vary by department and time of year.
PCPA’s Company Manager can assist students in identifying reasonably priced housing options within the community. Rental costs vary greatly depending upon students’ requirements. A student can expect to pay between $600 and $1200 per month for housing costs.