Fostering the next generation of arts leaders
Wolf Trap 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 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.
And last but certainly not least, Wolf Trap internships and apprenticeships offer young professionals an opportunity to contribute to arts and education programs that enrich thousands of lives each year.
Major support of this program is provided by the Rubenstein Next Generation Initiative.
Additional support is provided by the Anthony and Beatrice Welters Family.
Available internships and apprenticeships
Wolf Trap is currently accepting applications for fall hybrid and in person internships and apprenticeships. Get more information and apply for internships HERE. Applications are being accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. No applications will be considered after July 15.
To receive information about future application seasons, sign up for the Internships email list here.
Explore internships with the National Park Service.
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 (21-24 hours per week) and summer internships are full-time (35+ hours per week)
- Hybrid and fully in-person positions are available. 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
- 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 interns and apprentices are paid $12/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
Diversity Initiatives
Multicultural Diversity Initiative
Wolf Trap values its commitment to diversity and knows the arts have the power to change society. To support promising young professionals, including those from cultural or ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in arts management, Wolf Trap offers the Multicultural Diversity Initiative. Students qualify for this initiative by selecting it on their application form and stating their desire to participate.
Economic Diversity Initiative
Wolf Trap believes everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed. This stipend will help eligible students, who qualify for Financial Aid at their college or university, to gain professional work experience while offsetting the cost of housing and transportation. If selected, these students will receive a $5,000 award (summer positions) or $2,500 award (fall + spring positions) paid biweekly over the course of their internship. This stipend is not guaranteed, as there are limited awards available each season. Students qualify for this initiative by selecting it on their application form and providing proof of Financial Aid at their college of university.
*Can be in the form of an email or written documentation from an administrative office at your college or university
Diversity Initiatives are made possible through generous individual, corporate, and foundation
support.