About Theatre & Media Arts Internships
Theatre and Media Arts students are encouraged to extend their learning beyond campus and participate in an internship. Due to the nature of Theatre and Film, it is hard for the department to have a program where we can place students, since the industry is so project based. Because of this, the department tries hard to inform students of internship opportunities that are available. You can find these opportunities posted daily at the following online boards:
Media Arts Students: http://film.byu.edu/?page_id=2674
Theatre Students: theatrestudentbyu.wordpress.com
IMPORTANT: The University does not accept retroactive internship work for credit. You need to sign up for credit before you start your internship experience.
Internship Credit Process
Step 1:
Secure Your Internship
Search and Apply for internships. If you need help researching internships, don’t hesitate to contact your area Internship Coordinator. Some resources are also provided at the bottom of this page. Most internships require you apply months in advance, so planning is key. Once you secure an internship move to the next step.
STEP 2:
MEET WITH YOUR TMA INTERNSHIP COORDINATOR
They will go over TMA’s internship requirements and guide you through the rest of the application process. Set up a meeting here: tma.byu.edu/meetwithus
STEP 3:
COMPLETE THE UNIVERSITY INTERNSHIP APPLICATION
You can find the University Student Internship Application at experience.byu.edu/students (Look for Internship Application)
STEP 4:
GET YOUR INTERNSHIP APPROVED
Fill out the information in the TMA internship packet and review it with your Faculty Advisor as well as your supervisor at your internship.
STEP 5:
RETURN ALL SIGNED DOCUMENTS
Return the TMA internship packet to your internship coordinator. Once it is received and approved by the department and University, you will be added to the internship class
Other Internship Resources
Links
Additional resources and services offered through BYU and other organizations to help jump-start your career.
University Career Services – links to various resources for employment/internship opportunities and tips.
BYU Alumni Careers – BYU’s alumni networking tool
Utah Film Commission – Learn about productions in Utah
Internship.com – BYU Promo Code: “cougars”
Internship Databases
Media Arts Internship Database
The Media Arts Internship Database contains businesses within the film, animation and digital media industries that offer internship programs. This database is updated regularly as information becomes available. Students are encouraged to use this valuable tool while searching for a quality internship experience.
Download Media Arts Internship Database
Theatre Internship Database
The Theatre Internship Database contains theatre groups and businesses that offer internship programs. This database is updated regularly as information becomes available. Students are encouraged to use this valuable tool while searching for a quality internship experience.
Tips on Using the Database (Excel spreadsheet format)
The current database exists in spreadsheet format. To search for specific words:
- Open the Find utility (Toolbar-Edit-Find or command key +F on a Mac or CTRL +F on a PC)
- Enter keyword into the Find what field within the pop-up window
- Click Find Next or press Enter on your keyboard to search for keyword
Unions and Guilds
Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences
Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films
Academy Of Television Arts And Sciences
Alliance Of Motion Picture And Television Producers
American Cinema Editors (ACE) Student Information
American Federation Of Musicians (AFM)
American Federation Of Television And Radio Artists (AFTRA)
American Society Of Cinematographers (ASC)
American Society Of Composers, Authors & Publishers
Association Of Film Commissioners International
Association Of Independent Commercial Producers
Conference Of Personal Managers, Inc.
Directors Guild Of America (DGA)
Assistant Directors Training Program
Greater Los Angeles Press Club
Hollywood Foreign Press Association (GOLDEN GLOBES)
International Documentary Association
International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
The Motion Picture Association Of America
The Motion Pictures Editors Guild – IATSE Local 700
Music Video Production Association
National Academy Of Recording Arts & Sciences
National Association Of Broadcast Employees And Technicians (NABET)
Producers Guild Of America (PGA)
Publicists of the Cinematographers
Guild Screen Actors Guild (SAG)
Set Decorators Society Of America
Society Of Motion Picture And Television Engineers (SMPTE)
Everywhere
Los Angeles Area
Santa Monica YSA Housing Board
LA Area LDS Housing Facebook Page
Westwood Second Ward Housing Resources
San Francisco/Bay Area
New York
Manhattan YSA Move-in Guide – Really great guide to moving to the city
Craigslist NY Apartment Listings
Salt Lake City
Tips for Finding an Internship
- Do some preliminary research. Write down what you want in your ideal internship: geography/location, industry, hours per week, pay, etc.
- Meet with your department internship coordinator to discuss your options for internships.
- Set up “info interviews” with potential employers-find out what kind of internships are available in your field and what employers are looking for.
- Visit Web sites that list job and internship opportunities (ie. state job boards, indeed.com).
- Remember that every internship could lead to full-time employment. Gaining related experience now will give you a step up on the competition later.
Sample Interview Questions:
- What’s unique about you?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- What did you enjoy the most about your university studies?
- Describe a major problem that you had in school and how you solved it.
- Tell us about three accomplishments you are proud of.
- Have you ever had any failures?
- Describe your ideal job.
- Why do you feel we should hire you for this position?
For more tips and resources, visit University Career Services.
Student Responsibilities
- The student’s first responsibility is to ensure that they have met all of the department’s prerequisites before seeking and obtaining an internship. Most students locate internships through their department’s internship office or on their own by pursuing a course of action similar to that of a job search. Once the student has secured an internship, he or she is responsible for contacting the department coordinator to initiate proper paperwork for the internship process.
- While completing the internship, you must remember that you represent BYU and the Theatre and Media Arts Department. All standards applicable to resident students at BYU are expected of you during your entire duration as a student whether on or off the campus. Your conduct and performance is critical to our program and our continued relationship with experience/internship provider. Remember, employment may be established through the internship experience.
- Tuition for the internship will be charged on a per credit basis.
