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21st Century Artist Internship

The ever-changing environment of the performing world is requiring new skill sets of the 21st-century performing artist. They must be skilled at reaching communities and potential audiences in innovative and unexpected ways. They must be able to speak dynamically about their work and their inspirations, share their creative processes, provide interactive experiences for novice audience members, and transmit themselves and their artistry through any number of transmedia platforms.

The 21st-century performing artist must appreciate and embrace the necessity for entrepreneurialism and audience engagement strategies that go beyond pure performance.

Each year, UMS and the School of Music Theatre and Dance (SMTD) typically select 4 students to intern for 5-7 weeks between May and August with a professional dance, theater, or music ensemble that UMS plans to present during its upcoming season.

UMS presents ensembles from all over the world, though many will be based in major metropolitan areas in the USA. The tenth cohort of 21st Century Artist Interns will be selected to pursue internships either in-person or remotely during the summer of 2023. Students:

  • Work with the University Musical Society.
  • Spend the summer with an artist or ensemble.
  • Earn $5,000 to support your summer internship.

The intern’s stipend can be applied to travel, housing, and living expenses during the summer internship. Upon returning to campus, interns will enroll in a one-credit independent study during the semester in which their assigned company is visiting the U-M campus (ARTSADMN 491). Only current sophomores and juniors enrolled in the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance are eligible to apply.

Questions? Contact 21stcentury@umich.edu.

The 21st Century Artist Internship program is made possible in part by Tim and Sally Petersen.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted by Friday, January 27, 2023 by 5 pm.

Apply

Application Deadline

Friday, January 27, 2023 by 5 pm

Eligibility

Current sophomores and juniors enrolled in the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance

 

Past Recipients and Experiences

STORY

Meet the 2023/24 Season 21st Century Artist Interns

Meet our new class of 21st Century Artist Interns and learn about the artists they'll work with over the summer.

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STORY

Meet the 2022/23 Season 21st Century Artist Interns

Each year, UMS and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance pair students with an internship working with dance, theater, and music ensembles in the forefront of their fields....

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STORY

Meet the 2021/22 Season 21st Century Artist Interns

Each year, UMS and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance pair students with an internship working for a dance, theater, or music ensemble that UMS will present in...

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STORY

Meet the 2020/21 Season 21st Century Artist Interns

Each year, UMS and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance pair students with an internship working for a dance, theater, or music ensemble that UMS will present in its season. In the 2020/21 Season, they will be working directly with UMS staff and Digital Residency Artists.

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STORY

My Time at the Fringe

21st Century Intern Isabel Olson shares insights on experiencing political theater from her time working at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

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STORY

Meet the 2019/20 Season 21st Century Artist Interns

Each year, UMS and the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance pair students with a summer internship working for a dance, theater, or music ensemble that UMS will present in its upcoming season.

READ MORE

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