Dobama Theatre Internship Program - Season

For the 2026-27 Season, Dobama is looking to select 2 Resident Associate Directors (RADs): one with an Administration focus and one with a Production focus.

The Administration RAD will gain experience in the day-to-day running of an Equity Small Professional Theatre. This RAD will work in marketing, public relations, contracts, archiving, ticketing/box office, front-of-house, donor database management, grant writing, and more. Administration RADs will gain hands-on training in theatre management and operations. Successful Administration RADs come to Dobama with an interest in theatre operations and experience in some or all of the following areas: customer service, cashier, phone skills, marketing, social media, and writing (grants, marketing copy, and other communications).

The Production RAD works with the Artistic Director and Director of Production. This position is ideal for someone who wants a taste of everything that goes into producing a show. The Production RAD assists Dobama’s Resident Technical Director with the construction of each mainstage set throughout the season. RADs will gain experience working with designers to build their artistic visions, learn how to operate equipment, and assist in the management and daily operations of an Equity scene shop. Successful Production RADs come to Dobama with experience in some or all of the following areas: carpentry and set construction, lighting, sound, projections, and stage management.

Dobama Theatre has a small staff of seven full-time employees that utilizes a form of circular management. Each staff member is responsible for their role as well as supporting the needs of the theatre. As members of the Dobama team, RADs will also be expected to help out where needed, which may include cleaning and organizing theatre spaces, set strikes, opening nights, and other theatre events.

We have also found that successful RADs are intrinsically motivated, comfortable working independently and collaboratively, and able to communicate their needs and goals.  If you are looking to start or grow your career in theatre, we want to hear from you. All RADs are encouraged to express any interest they may have in other areas of theatre, and Dobama staff will do our best to include you in other opportunities.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

Applications for season internships are due no later than February 28. Interviews maybe begin before the application window has closed, and offers are made no later than April 30. All application materials should be submitted via the Google Form below.

Applications are closed until November 2026

Dobama Theatre encourages applicants to reach out in advance to have a conversation about your interest in the program and to answer any questions you may have about the theatre and any questions you may have about the submission materials. Please send any questions to WorkWithUs@dobama.org.

SCHEDULE

The time commitment for a Season RAD is ten hours per week on average scheduled during the theatre’s regular office hours (10am-5pm, Monday-Friday). In addition tasks related to a RAD’s Administration or Production focus, these hours are used for general administrative work, including things like staff meetings, development support, assisting with cleaning and organization of theatre spaces in preparation for the upcoming productions, as well as financial filing and other operations tasks.

Season RADs work throughout the entire season at Dobama (September-May). The start and end dates are flexible based on the Season RADs’ availability and are determined through a conversation with Dobama staff.

FAQs

  • All RADs are paid $15/hour.

    Opportunities for additional hours may exist for those who are interested in being trained in front-of-house duties (box office, bartender, house manager, etc).

  • Dobama Theatre is not able to provide housing for summer or season RADs. We encourage local applicants or those who are able to secure their own housing in the Cleveland area.

  • Applicants must be 18 years old. Experience in educational, semi-professional, and/or professional theatre is encouraged. College students, Graduate students, non-traditional students, and those looking to make a career change are all welcome to apply.

    We find that successful RADs are intrinsically motivated, comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, and able to communicate their needs and goals. If you are looking to start or grow your career in theatre, we want to hear from you.


  • Dobama Theatre requires the following materials to be submitted with your application:

    • Three references

    • Cover Letter

    • Resume

    There is an option to submit additional materials in the application form above.

    For your references, you will need to include name, title, organization, email address, and phone number in the application form. This could include past collaborators, advisors, professors, supervisors, etc., and at least one non-academic reference. Please DO NOT submit letters of recommendation.

    The following materials should all be submitted as PDFs.

    The Cover Letter should help us get to know you as a person and may address some of the following topics: What inspires you? What brought you to this art form in the first place? Why is this a good time in your career for this opportunity? Why is Dobama the right place for your next step? You could expand on one experience from your resume or share any other information you feel would be helpful for us to know. Please limit cover letters to two pages.

    The Resume should be a list of all of your work, both artistic (i.e. any production position and any design or directing work) and non-artistic (i.e. were/are you a barista? An RA? A cashier?), along with your past training/education and any awards or special skills. Please limit resumes to one page. 

    Additional Materials (Artistic Statement, SM Binder, or Design Portfolio) are optional at this stage of the application process, but we may ask for more details  at a later time.

    An Artistic Statement is a chance for you to tell us who you are as an artist. Please write in your own voice and try to answer some of the following questions: What kind of work excites you? How do you approach a play? What is something you’ve been wanting to explore? When was the last time you had the opportunity to learn something from a perceived “failure?” Please limit Artistic Statements to 2 paragraphs or about 200 words.

    An SM Binder should showcase your work as a stage manager on a past production. This could include blocking notes, paperwork, rehearsal reports and/or daily calls, run sheets, or any other materials that give us a sense of your work. Please submit no more than ten pages of materials.  

    A Design Portfolio could include a mix of sketches, renderings, or production photos. Please submit no more than ten pages of materials. 

  • Internships have led to many Dobama associates being employed both inside and outside Dobama. Current Director of Production Colin Anderson started as a Dobama intern, as well as multiple actors, stage managers, front-of-house personnel, and other contracted positions. We are dedicated to providing Dobama RADs with continued opportunities where available.