Applications for the 2025 Summer Intern Program are open!
2025 Internships run from May 27 through August 29 and are part of a structured program decades in the making. Jacob’s Pillow internships offer invaluable training and mentorship towards your professional career. By interning with the Pillow, you join a team of seasoned arts professionals and assist with multiple programs pertaining to the Festival, The School, the Archives, and Community Engagement.
Keep scrolling to learn more and apply before the February 3 deadline.
Hear from Jacob’s Pillow staff members about the Summer Intern Program and get your questions answered in our Zoom Info Session on January 8, 2025, 8 PM EST.
As a Festival Intern, you will:
– Be a member of the team executing one of the world’s most prestigious dance festivals, experiencing a Festival environment offering world-class dance; events including artist talks, master classes, community classes, open rehearsals, and free performances; and access to one of the field’s most valuable dance Archives.
– Receive on-the-job training and experience working with the Festival’s staff.
– Gain a broad perspective on the international performing arts field.
– Enjoy the rich heritage of this National Historic Landmark in the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.
Interns Receive:
Free access to performances and dance classes
On-campus housing (single rooms) and 3 meals per day
$2,856 stipend (tax exempt) and travel stipends, provided on a sliding scale ranging from $100 to $300, determined based on the submitted travel expenses.
Career talks, topical discussions, Staff-led seminars, training, and mentoring
College credit, work-study, independent study, and/or cooperative learning programs may be available through your school.
Or, register for college credit at Jacob’s Pillow through our partnership with the Division of Continuing Education at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Check with your college registrar’s office and department to determine whether these credits will transfer to your school. Credit fee information is available after May 1.
Additional Special Opportunities
Candidates may be eligible for an additional stipend & other support through The Barbara and Amos Hostetter Internship Program. Please fill out any of the intern applications to express interest in this program and to begin a review of eligibility for financial support, including travel stipends to/from the Pillow.
Not sure which internship to choose?
No problem! Apply for your top choice below, and in your application, indicate any additional positions you’re interested in.
2025 Festival Intern Positions
Archives / Audience Engagement
Two Archives / Audience Engagement Interns work alongside the Director of Preservation, Associate Archivist, and Digital Archivist to provide public access to the Pillow’s extensive collection of videos, photographs, books, and other historical materials; input festival documentation into the Archives online catalog system; and support Archives events.
Apply NowAudience Development
The Audience Development Intern works closely with the Audience Development Manager to collaborate on and execute strategic initiatives to develop new in-person and digital audiences for both free and paid events, as well as building strong relationships with local and regional community members and organizations, and serving as a supporting liaison to the Community Engagement department and The School at Jacob’s Pillow on year-round projects and initiatives.
Apply NowCommunity Engagement
Two Community Engagement Interns work collaboratively to implement Jacob’s Pillow’s community programs, serving participants of all ages and experiences, from first-time movers to advanced dancers. Through relationship building, critical thinking, and administrative activities, interns gain hands-on experience in arts administration, event management, and database systems, while interacting with community partners, artists, and participants.
Please note that additional materials are required to complete your application. You can find more information within the application.
Apply NowCompany Management
Company Management Interns support the daily operations of a multi-venue dance festival, managing logistics for artist services, campus operations, and hospitality. Interns rotate as the primary contact for performance logistics within their assigned venue each week.
Apply NowDigital Marketing
The Digital Marketing Intern reports to the Digital Marketing Manager and contributes to Jacob’s Pillow’s digital presence by crafting on-brand email campaigns, updating the website, supporting livestreamed performances, and engaging with audiences, while gaining experience in writing, graphic design, and marketing strategy.
Apply NowPatron Services
The Patron Services Intern delivers exceptional experiences for patrons, artists, and staff at Jacob’s Pillow. Working with the Patron Services team, the intern gains hands-on experience in guest services, including box office operations, ticketing, and front-of-house support for the Festival, while developing customer service and event management skills in a dynamic arts environment.
Apply NowPhilanthropy
The Philanthropy Intern gains hands-on experience in a fast-paced fundraising environment. Responsibilities include supporting donor stewardship and cultivation, coordinating VIP visits, assisting with membership recruitment and retention, staffing the Member information table, and contributing to special events and daily operations.
Apply NowProduction
Production Interns work closely with Jacob’s Pillow Production Staff, visiting company staff, and artists to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of production. Through department rotations, they assist with Festival set-up, advancing productions, company load-ins, backstage operations, and an independent project, while engaging with artists and productions across multiple venues.
Apply NowPublic Relations
The Public Relations Intern works closely with the Public Relations & Communication Coordinator and the Director of Marketing to assist with all aspects of securing, tracking, and archiving media coverage of Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival while managing the composition of weekly press releases, compilation of press kits for media, and other printed materials as assigned.
Please note that additional materials are required to complete your application. You can find more information within the application.
Apply NowSchool Programs
School Programs Interns coordinate and implement professional development programs at Jacob’s Pillow, including five on-site intensives with international Artist Faculty and dancers, as well as nationwide 360 Intensives. Responsibilities include managing logistics, facilitating orientations, leading public observation visits, and supporting artist classes and career talks.
Apply NowVideo Documentation
The Video Documentation Intern assists in capturing and preserving the Festival’s experiences including performances, classes, events, rehearsals, and lectures, working with staff videographers on video production, post-production, and archival management to support both promotional efforts and historical documentation.
Please note that additional materials are required to complete your application. You can find more information within the application.
Apply NowMore for You
Read Intern FAQ
This 14-week onsite internship is fully immersive, set in the heart of the Berkshires.
Dive Into the History
Discover the rich heritage of this National Historic Landmark in Western, MA.
Explore the Festival
Nine weeks of unforgettable performances, day and night, on campus and across the Berkshires.
Hear from Previous Interns
Read about the ins and outs of interning at the Pillow, firsthand, on our blog.
It’s important to note that not all internship opportunities are the same; they reflect the diversity of the professional field, with some positions requiring unconventional or extended hours. The organizational culture promotes a collective teamwork mentality, providing interns with numerous opportunities to collaborate across departments. This allows for valuable learning experiences and active participation in a variety of projects and tasks that contribute to the success of the 9-week festival.
We accept international applications. Some restrictions to the information provided about the internship may apply. Reach out to us for more detail using the contact information below.
For any questions, please email internprogram@jacobspillow.org or call 413.243.9919
Applicants must be 18 years of age in order to participate in the internship program. Criteria for acceptance are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, gender, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
Jacob’s Pillow is committed to providing an inclusive, diverse, accessible, and equitable environment that cultivates the celebration of the art of dance and its positive impact on communities. Jacob’s Pillow’s mission is to support dance creation, presentation, education, and preservation; and to engage and deepen public appreciation and support for dance. Organization-wide values include inclusion, leadership, integrity, flexibility, partnership, and sustainability. Learn more about Jacob’s Pillow, its mission statement, and its values here.
Jacob’s Pillow is a registered 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that provides equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. This policy also prohibits employees from harassing any other employee for any reason including, but not limited to, race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disabled status.