Wisconsin theater arts

What are we looking for?

Qualifications

Interns for the Mukwonago Optimist Club Drama Camp must be:

[having at least ONE college age intern is preferred, but not required]

• high school student (ages 16-18) or
• high school graduate and/or college student (ages 18+)

• If a high school student: considerable performance experience in musicals and theater
• If a college student: Current Theater/Musical Theater major in college

Qualities

• Experience in working with children and adolescents
• Knowledge of theater and musical theater (onstage and backstage) is required
• Vocal training/knowledge/experience is required
• Dance training/knowledge/experience is helpful
• Maturity and good judgement
• Patience, nurturing, and positive attitude
• Able to keep campers attentive and motivated
• Self-starting, creative, and energetic
• Detail-oriented, focused work ethic, and ability to take initiative
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Punctual, organized, and can stick to a deadline

Professionalism

• Act in a professional and ethical manner (interaction w/campers must be as an intern and not as another camper)
• Dress in an appropriate manner 
• Follow through on commitments
• Does not conduct personal business during work hours (this includes cell phone use)
• Arrive early and ready to work
• Give your best effort

Attendance Expectations

Attendance is of utmost importance for the duration of summer theater camp therefore all interns must be available for each day of camp and performance day. Conflicts with camp dates must be discussed during the interview. If there are too many conflicts that cannot be accommodated/work with the camp schedule we will not be able to consider you for the position.

If hired, no new conflicts can be made for the duration of camp. Illness and/or emergencies do arise and we will work around those IF something comes up.

• Summer Camp runs for one week: June 21-27, 2026
• Auditions for camp are Sunday, June 21st from 11:30am - 6pm
• Drama Camp Rehearsals: June 22-26 from Noon - 5:30pm (interns must arrive early for camper check in & stay after to complete dismissal and clean up)
• Dress Rehearsal & Dinner: June 26 (Dress Rehearsal from 1-5pm; Dinner 5-6pm; Show Prep 6-7pm)
• Performances take place on Friday, June 27 (7pm) & Saturday, June 28 (1pm)
• Strike on Saturday, June 28th – Time: after performance concludes & campers have been dismissed – ALL interns are expected to stay and help.

Arrival & Dismissal

All INTERNS will:

• Arrive  at 11:30am to be ready to check in campers and stay until all campers have been checked out after the end of camp at 5pm and all clean-up has been completed.
• Supervise and help during camper arrival and dismissal is required for every intern.
• Performance Days - Interns will have an earlier call time than campers and will stay until all cleanup, etc… is finished after the performance is complete.

Daily Responsibilities

All INTERNS will:

• Assist directors with rehearsals: blocking, music, and choreography when needed.
• Assist with any set/prop/costume needs.
• Work with campers to memorize lines, song lyrics, practice music, and rehearse choreography during down times or other times when some campers aren’t needed on stage. We will have other spaces to use for this.
• Accompany/watch over campers during break times, snack, restroom breaks, etc…
• Lead campers through a basic morning physical warm-up.
• Be prepared to participate and/or lead theater games to warm up campers at the beginning of each day, use during break times, or any other time when appropriate.

Additional Responsibilities

Participation in Production:

• Must be willing and able to be cast in a sizeable role in the production. Intern actors are very important as they ensure the production stays on track since interns would have a larger amount of theatrical performance experience.
• Learn & memorize all blocking, choreography, lines, music, etc... to be prepared to perform as you would with any other regular production. The show is taught/learned in three to four days. 

Costumes/Sets/Props:

• Assist with camper measurements when needed and with costume fittings prior to the show.
• Assist with or create props for the production, help set up prop tables, etc...
• Assist with set configuration and any set changes (if needed) during the production.
• Assist with setting up, breaking down, cleaning, transporting costumes, props, sets, etc.. during rehearsals, shows and post show.
• Assist with costume changes during shows if needed.

Regarding Dress Rehearsals & Performances:

• Be punctual and ready to help receive campers and/or help directors with anything that is needed.
• Assist directors with show prep that is needed (costumes, props & set)
• Assist campers with costume, makeup, and hair prep if needed (we usually have parent help with this so you may only need to take care of yourself).
• Become additional backstage crew (if needed) for the production and assist with backstage duties assigned to you by directors and/or stage manager

Educator Intern Stipend

• All Interns for this one week camp will be paid $50 for the week to help offset the cost of gas and other expenses. Interns will also receive a camp t-shirt.
• Pay will be sent upon the completion of the one week summer camp.
• All interns must apply for the position and participate in an interview. 
• All applicants will be notified prior to the start of camp (at least 2 weeks prior) as to whether or not they're offered an intern position.