Spoleto Festival USA Apprenticeship

The Spoleto Festival USA Apprenticeship Program is a unique, seasonal employment opportunity to develop skills under the guidance of professional arts administrators and technicians while assisting in producing an international arts festival. Apprenticeships are available for college-age/early career professionals for a period of 4 – 6 weeks, with some positions beginning as early as April. Many colleges and universities recognize the Apprenticeship Program as a paid internship for required credits. Past employees in this program have gone on to work for major arts organizations and production companies around the world.

Apprentices receive:

• A weekly salary of $600.
• A one-time travel assistance stipend of $250-$350 (depending on departure location, and only for those outside of the Charleston, SC region).
• Free housing in dorms at the College of Charleston with shared bathroom and a communal kitchen and living space OR a housing assistance stipend.
• A Festival access badge for attending other eligible events and performances at the Festival (subject to availability).

Candidate requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age. Certain functions of some positions require candidates to be 21 years of age or older and are noted in the job descriptions.
• Must be able to pass and maintain a clear background check.
• For roles with driving requirements, candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• All candidates should be prepared to bend, lift, carry, move, etc.; apprentices should be physically able to lift 40 lbs. on their own.
• Position must reside and work onsite in Charleston, SC for the entire period of the apprenticeship (approximately May 12 – June 9, 2024).
• Apprentices work a minimum of 40 hours per week in a specific department; long workdays and six-day workweeks are typical. Flexibility with work schedule, including working nights, holidays, weekends, and extended hours is expected for all roles.
• Be authorized to work in the U.S. either independently (through citizenship status, green card, etc.) or through Student Visa Curricular Practical Training (CPT) approval from a current school by April 15, 2024; Optional Practical Training (OPT) approval timelines are often difficult for those graduating in the spring of 2024, so consult your school’s international student services officer for feasibility of OPT.

Application process:

• Before applying, please review the on our website https://spoletousa.org/get-involved/apprenticeships/. You will be asked to apply to one position as your primary area and you may be considered by other departments for other roles depending on availability.
• Before beginning your application, ensure that you are available for the entire period of the apprenticeship (approximately May 12 – June 9, 2024).
• Ensure that you have prepared your Cover Letter, Resume, and References.
• Some positions may require examples of your previous work. Please include a link to your uploaded material or to the media platform you want to share.

Dates and Deadlines

The priority deadline for all applications is January 1, 2024, and you will be notified of the status of your application by early April. Some departments may continue to accept applications after the deadline depending on their specific needs.