Just as the Festival nurtures emerging artistic talent on the stage and cultivates interest in music in Ojai Valley public schools, it is also committed to training the next generation of music and arts management students through its internship program.
Each year, the Ojai Music Festival Arts Management Internship Program welcomes 12-14 college students and recent graduates to go behind the scenes of a renowned summer music festival. Interns work closely with the staff and production team, providing critical support and gaining invaluable hands-on experience and skills for their future careers. Each intern receives during their 2-3 week internship:
- An immersive experience in the world of a festival and inside knowledge into the many different pieces that come together for a successful weekend of concerts
- Training for their areas of responsibility from staff and leaders in the field
- Free and discounted tickets to Festival concerts (depending on work schedule and availability)
- Housing and/or homestay in the beautiful Ojai Valley and most meals during the Festival
- Stipend
The Festival invites interested students from all fields of study to apply for an internship. The program is ideally suited for curious, motivated individuals who are interested in the diversity of possible careers in the arts, events, and the nonprofit world. Festival interns have gone on to have successful careers in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors – those who have gone on to work in the arts have done so at organizations across the country, including Pacific Symphony, Early Music Guild of Seattle, and Voices of Change, as well as forged new paths as entrepreneurial performing artists and composers.
In 2011, Ojai Valley residents Ila and Fred Rothenberg provided the Festival with a new fund to help support the internship program, which is dedicated to in memory of their son, Steven Rothenberg.Past Rothenberg Fellows:
2015 – Rebecca Shasberger
2013 – Emily Praetorius
2012 – Alissa Strople
2011 – Ryan Strand
Past interns have come from colleges and universities throughout the country, including:
- Baylor University
- Boston College
- California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
- California Lutheran University
- Manhattan School of Music
- Oberlin College
- Rice University
- Tufts University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Redlands
- Westmont College
Internship Requirements
Applicants must be 18 or over. Applicants should have their own means of transportation and meet state insurance requirements. Knowledge of classical music is suggested, but is not a requirement.
Interns commit to 2-3 weeks in Ojai and must be available during the Festival week (June 9 – 16, 2015). Please indicate on your application if you have special schedule requirements.
How to apply – Deadline: March 1, 2016
- Complete the OMF Internship Application and return along with a cover letter and resume
- Submit two letters of recommendation – these can be sent with the application or to the office directly.
Ojai Music Festival Internship Program
PO Box 185
Ojai, CA 93024
Attn: Andy Radford
[email protected]
Internship Opportunities
Each of the Festival’s internship opportunities places interns in a specific area of responsibility, enabling them to gain specialized experience. However, the multilayered nature of the Festival means that often interns will assist in many different areas, as projects require. Read the brief descriptions below to see what might best interest you and indicate your interests in order of preference when you apply. The “good fit for” is not at all a requirement, just a suggestion.
Administration
Administration Interns work with the Office Manager to provide a critical central point of contact for artists, staff, and vendors. They maintain office communications and coordinate/complete projects essential to all areas of the Festival. A good fit for: interns looking to gain experience in administration, customer service, and office management.
Development and Special Events Internship
Development and Special Events Interns work with the Director of Development to produce the various social and donor events throughout the Festival. They manage RSVP lists, coordinate and schedule vendors, create materials, and assist with other fundraising projects. A good fit for: interns interested in gaining experience in special events coordination and fundraising.
Education
Education Interns work with the Education Coordinator to produce the informative lectures, talks, and film screenings that occur throughout the Festival weekend. A good fit for: interns interested in gaining experience in event coordination and gaining experience in patron interaction.
Operations
Operations Interns work with the Operations Director on producing the Festival experience in Libbey Park and the Ojai Valley at large. Among other duties, they coordinate and schedule vendors, set up lighting and signage, and help to arrange artist housing. A good fit for: interns interested in gaining experience in event coordination and logistics.
Patron Services
Patron Services Interns work in the box office, serving as a guide to the Festival experience for ticket buyers, donors, and community members. A good fit for: interns interested in gaining customer service and hospitality experience.
Production Internship
The Production Intern is also each year’s Stephen Rothenberg Fellow. The Production Intern works with the Festival Producer to coordinate artists and their needs throughout the Festival. They also work on stage and with the Stage Manager to help produce the Festival’s concerts, manage rehearsals and performances, stage changes, and coordinate between lighting and sound engineers. A good fit for: interns interested in gaining experience in concert production.
Public Relations and Marketing
Marketing Interns work with the Director of Marketing & Communications and other marketing team members in communicating with and coordinating press in the days leading up to and during the Festival. They also assist with the Festival’s social media presence during the Festival and creating and distributing marketing materials. A good fit for: interns interested in gaining experience in public relations, marketing, and social media.
Retail
Retail Interns work with the Retail Manager and the Marketing Director to sell and manage merchandise. They complete pre- and post-inventories, determine signage and décor needs, and provide a warm customer experience during the Festival. A good fit for: interns interested in gaining experience in customer service and retail management.