Internship Opportunities

Overview

The Orlando Ballet Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students meaningful, hands-on experience within a professional performing arts organization. Rooted in Orlando Ballet’s mission to entertain, educate, and enrich through the highest quality of dance, this program provides interns with exposure to variety of departments across the organization. Interns will gain practical skills, build professional networks, and develop a deeper understanding of nonprofit arts administration and production.

Commitment

Internships are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters and are designed to be flexible to accommodate academic schedules. Interns are required to commit to a minimum of 12 hours per week for at least 12 weeks (some departments may be able to accommodate a shorter internship period with more hours per week).

While internships are unpaid, Orlando Ballet provides a $400 travel stipend upon successful completion of the program. Additional benefits include complimentary tickets and free dance classes during your internship. The organization is also happy to support students seeking academic credit for their internship.

Who Should Apply

The internship program is ideal for college juniors, seniors, or graduate students pursuing degrees in arts administration, nonprofit management, marketing, communications, event management, education, theater production, or related fields. Recent graduates are also encouraged to apply. Candidates should bring initiative, professionalism, and a genuine interest in the operational life of a performing arts organization.

Internship Areas

Interns may be placed in one of the following departments:

Administration — Gain insight into the organizational infrastructure of a professional ballet company, supporting operations, finance, governance, planning, and internal processes. Responsibilities may include assisting with internal processes, financial tracking, record retention/organization, creating calendar appointments, creating materials for the board of directors, and additional related duties as assigned. Interns will develop a strong understanding of nonprofit operations and gain practical experience in organizational and financial processes.

Marketing — Contribute to audience development, digital content, brand strategy, and campaign execution through project management, digital media archiving, and communications management, while developing an understanding of digital marketing collateral. Responsibilities may include content creation, social media coordination, campaign support, organizing assets, and additional related duties as assigned. Interns will walk away with hands-on experience in arts marketing, content development, and audience engagement strategies.

Merchandise — Support the organization’s retail operations, gaining hands-on experience in inventory management, sales tracking, and customer engagement. Responsibilities may include assisting with merchandise displays, monitoring stock levels, supporting sales during performances and events, and helping to identify trends and opportunities to enhance the patron experience. Interns will develop practical skills in retail operations within a nonprofit arts setting while contributing to revenue generation and brand visibility.

Philanthropy — Support fundraising, donor engagement, and stewardship efforts to help advance Orlando Ballet’s development strategy. Responsibilities may include assisting with donor communications, database management, donor research, and stewardship activities. Interns will gain valuable experience in fundraising, relationship management, and nonprofit development practices.

Events — Assist in the planning and execution of a variety of organizational events and provide support for external rental events and venue coordination. Responsibilities may include event logistics, guest services, production support, and coordination of timelines and vendors. In the spring semester, interns will play a key role in supporting the Ballet Ball, a premier $1M+ fundraising gala and one of Central Florida’s most significant arts events. Interns will develop skills in event planning, coordination, and execution within a dynamic performing arts environment.

School —Work alongside the faculty and staff of Orlando Ballet School on customer service, programming, curriculum support, and student engagement. Responsibilities may include supporting student services, registration, communication with families, and daily operations. Interns will develop a working knowledge of arts education administration and student services in a pre-professional training environment.

Community Enrichment — Help extend Orlando Ballet’s reach through outreach programs, partnerships, and education initiatives serving the broader Central Florida community. Responsibilities may include program coordination, participant engagement, and administrative support. Interns will gain experience in community engagement and program delivery, supporting initiatives that expand access to the arts.

Production/Stage Management — Gain behind-the-scenes experience in production planning, scheduling, and the logistical coordination that brings performances to life. Responsibilities may include backstage coordination, production tracking, and general stage management support. Interns will gain firsthand experience in backstage operations, production coordination, and professional stage management practices.

Basic Requirements

Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student (or recent graduate)
Ability to commit to at least 12 hours per week for at least 12 weeks
Availability for occasional evenings or weekends
Interest in performing arts, arts administration and/or nonprofit organizations
Detail-oriented with strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Professional, collaborative, and eager to learn
Ability to handle confidential information
Customer service experience
Experience in Microsoft Office
Ability to lift 25 lbs.

How to Apply

To apply for an internship, submit a resume outlining your coursework and experience and cover letter expressing your interest in specific internship areas. Please submit your materials to kfabian@orlandoballet.org by August 1^st for a fall internship and by December 1^st for a spring internship.