Fostering the next generation of arts leaders
Wolf Trap Foundation internships and apprenticeships give budding professionals a competitive edge—whether they seek jobs in the arts or any other field.
Employers are looking for college graduates who can hit the ground running—those who don’t need training in basic workplace skills, like inter-office communications and coordinating multiple projects.
Wolf Trap Foundation internships and apprenticeships provide these fundamental skills, as well as specialized training in specific disciplines—from technical theatre and arts management to fundraising, accounting, and special events.
Interns and apprentices get a nuanced view of a field that is rapidly changing and what it takes to evolve and innovate. This experience helps interns and apprentices build leadership skills that can be applied to the performing arts or any line of work they choose to pursue.
Wolf Trap Foundation is committed to providing students from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities access to professional learning opportunities that also consider and support the students’ individual skill development. Interns and apprentices benefit from panels, workshops, field trips, and networking experiences that reflect the specific needs of participants. The program’s goal is to set up students for career success by fostering a workplace environment of shared resources, conversations, and connections that highlight the importance of hearing and learning from multiple perspectives.
Available internships and apprenticeships
Wolf Trap Foundation is currently accepting applications for summer internships and apprenticeships. Get more information and apply for internships HERE. Get more information for Opera apprenticeships HERE. Applications are being accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. No applications will be considered after March 1.
To receive information about future application seasons, sign up for the Internships email list here.
Who can apply
- Undergraduate students (must have completed at least 1 year of undergraduate study)
- Graduate students
- Recent graduates (up to 2 years out of school)
- Career-changers currently enrolled in a degree program
- International students (J-1 or F-1 Visa required)
Availability and length
Internships
- Available in fall, spring, and summer
- Duration is 12 weeks (unless otherwise stated) with flexible start and end dates
- Fall and spring internships are part-time (up to 21 hours per week) and summer internships are full-time (35 hours per week)
- Interns must be physically located in and have a local address in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia during the duration of their internship
- Please see individual position descriptions for details about work location
- Housing for internships is not provided
- Wolf Trap Foundation is accessible by public transit, though personal transportation is highly recommended
Opera Apprenticeships
- Apprenticeships are only available in the summer
- Duration can be up to 14 weeks depending on the Wolf Trap Opera schedule
- Apprentices must be physically located in and have a local address in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia during the duration of their apprenticeship
- Apprenticeships follow the Opera company rehearsal schedule and work on a 6 day/week schedule (one day off that varies from week to week; standard production schedule)
- Wolf Trap Foundation is accessible by public transit, though personal transportation is highly recommended
The perks
Wolf Trap Foundation interns and apprentices are paid $12.41/hour, while also enjoying the following benefits:
- College credit (not required)
- Career development workshops
- Guest speaker seminars with Wolf Trap professional staff
- Free tickets to select performances
- Tours of Wolf Trap’s performance venues
- Discounts at Wolf Trap concessions and gift shop
- Field trips to local performing arts venues
- Networking events with other DC-area interns
- Proximity to Washington, DC’s vibrant social and cultural scene
- Stipends are available to students who qualify for Financial Aid at their college or university. This stipend is intended to help reduce financial barriers by offsetting the cost of housing and transportation so that eligible students may gain professional work experience. If hired, students will receive a $5,000 stipend (summer positions) or $2,500 stipend (fall/spring positions) paid biweekly over the course of their internship/apprenticeship. This stipend is not guaranteed, as there are limited awards available each season. Students qualify for the stipend by opting in when applying and providing proof of Financial Aid at their college or university.