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Shakespeare in Prison Intern

Detroit Public Theatre
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 Shakespeare In Prison is seeking a summer intern to work on-site with our ensemble! (This is a paid internship)
 

Detroit Public Theatre is seeking a summer intern to help facilitate our Shakespeare in Prison summer pilot program. 

The internship runs from June 16th, 2025 through August 22nd, 2025 and will be 20 hours per week for 10 weeks. There will be three required training sessions in May or early June prior to the formal start date of the internship  (two with the theatre and one with the MDOC). This internship is funded through the Applebaum Internship Program and there are additional events needed to participate in that cohort of summer interns, see below for details.

Shakespeare in Prison, DPT’s signature community program, has facilitated a 40-week theatre program for the past 13 years at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility (WHV). This summer we are piloting a new 10-week writing workshop to complement our existing programming at WHV. Additionally, we are facilitating the data collection of an evaluation of the SIP program at large. 

The internship responsibilities include: facilitating the program with supervision from the lead facilitator and program director at WHV two nights per week, carrying out various administrative tasks necessary for the program, taking over the social media platforms, and aiding with the facilitation of the evaluation as needed. Applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduate students. 

Experience and essential skills:

  • An enthusiastic commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in all aspects of work, and a passion for community connection.
  • Familiarity with, and interest in, issues related to the criminal legal system, mass incarceration, and challenges facing system-impacted people. This may include personal experience within and connected to the criminal legal system.
  • Previous experience facilitating and/or leading collaborative programs with people in underserved communities.
  • Previous experience with Shakespeare and/or classical texts is preferred, but not required.
  • Previous experience with playwriting is preferred, but not required.
  • A minimum of three years of related experience is preferred. This may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following:
    • Formal training in theatre, education, social work, criminal justice, etc.
    • Professional experience in theatre, education, social work, criminal justice, etc.
    • Experience with conflict management, trauma-informed programming, etc.
    • Demonstrated success in a collaborative workplace and/or project-based environment.
  • Exemplary writing, communication, presentation, time management, and organizational skills.
  • We are looking for what you bring to the process–we are eager to learn about your special skills and what you would like to offer/bring to the  program!

On Site Duties

  • Attend all sessions of the SIP Summer Pilot (Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:15 pm - 8:15 pm)
  • Have detailed knowledge and precise adherence to all WHV facility policies.
  • Manage relationships with MODC faculty
  • Organize materials into and out of the facility as needed
  • Lead group discussions
  • Lead theatre-games
  • Facilitate scene-work, textual work, improv games, and the devising of the SIP summer theatre piece
  • Provide in-depth guidance and support to ensemble members (in creative process, performance, operational decisions, interpersonal challenges, individual challenges)
  • Provide guidance and feedback to facilitators and apprentices on their work.
  • Take notes of on the happenings of a given session
  • Take on a role in the production as well as memorize lines and blocking as needed
  • Lead sessions if the senior SIP staff are absent or sick
     

Off Site Duties

  • Write formal write ups from field notes (make necessary redactions) within 24 hrs of each session
  • Attend fundraising, social, and company-wide functions connected to SIP
  • Write and maintain the SIP blog for the summer
  • Take over the creating and posting of all social media through our communication plan
  • Attend all Zoom debriefing meetings on Wednesday and Friday mornings
  • Assist in the organization and transportation of production materials from the theatre to the facility
  • Assist with the evaluation data collection, data preparation, and analysis as needed.
    • This will require certification in ethical human subject research certification per IRB requirements.

Applebaum Cohort Dates

  • Tuesday June 10th, 2025
  • Tuesday June 24th, 2025
  • Tuesday July 8th, 2025
  • Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 


All AIP sessions will take place during the workday, and the expectation is that the intern will additionally keep their Tuesday night SIP commitment.

 

Stipend

$3000 at the conclusion of the 10 weeks.


To Apply

  • To apply please fill out the google form provided, which will ask for a resume and cover letter.
  • In your cover letter include your relevant experience, your short and long term goals, and what you bring to the program.