Special Events Trainee

Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC), a Tony Award-winning nonprofit theatre dedicated to producing innovative theatre of the highest quality by American and international playwrights, with a focus on presenting New York, American, and world premieres, invites applications for the Paul A. Kaplan Theatre Management Program’s 2024-25 Early Career Professional Training Track Special Events position. For over 50 years, MTC has been the creative and artistic home for America’s most gifted theatrical artists, producing works of the highest quality by contemporary American and international playwrights. MTC is an anti-racist organization that respects and honors all voices, and upholds the values of community and equity.

The Paul A. Kaplan Theatre Management Program provides a unique opportunity to learn about producing not-for-profit theatre both on and off-Broadway through intensive on-the-job training. Program participants are assigned projects and responsibilities that contribute to the day-to-day running of the company. Additionally, support from supervisors and mentors ensure that participants are not only gaining valuable skills, but also receiving continuous advice and feedback.

The experience is further enhanced by an educational seminar series led by the industry experts on MTC’s staff as well as career development coaching with our human resources team. Program alumni go on to work in the industry at theatre companies producing on Broadway, off Broadway, and regionally; in casting offices, production companies, and theatrical advertising agencies; and, in allied arts and cultural organizations across the country.

As the Special Events Trainee, you will gain valuable, real-world experience while reporting to the Special Events Assistant and Special Events Manager. By working closely and in depth “behind the scenes” for each event, the trainee will become an integral member of the special events team and learn how a season of fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events come together.

In conjunction with the Special Events Manager and the Special Events Assistant this position is responsible for coordinating all aspects of Manhattan Theatre Club’s special events which include but are not limited to Opening Night Performances & Parties, Patron Dinners, ADC Cocktail Receptions, Fall Benefit and Spring Gala Fundraising events.

The Special Events Trainee will assist the team by processing RSVPs, completing event confirmation calls, prepping and organizing all event materials in addition to general administrative tasks, and other duties as assigned.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, open-minded and detail-oriented team-player. This traineeship requires excellent customer service skills, an ability to problem solve, along with strong attention to detail and positive attitude. Interest in fundraising, events, marketing, and theatre are a HUGE plus!

Please note that the Special Events position is only offered in the Early Career Professional Training track.

All Early Career Professional Training positions are full-time and in-person, 35 hours per week. MTC’s office hours are Monday through Friday from 10am-6pm. Currently, our office is remote-optional dependent upon work priorities on Fridays. There will be some evening or weekend commitments during the season. The standard schedule for most Trainees will be Monday-Thursday from 10am-6pm (with 30-minute unpaid lunch break) and Friday from 10am-3:30pm (with 30-minute unpaid lunch).

These are full-time, non-exempt positions paid at $577.50 per week (35 hours per week at $16.50 per hour). The 2024-25 program will begin on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 and end on or around May 23, 2025.

Trainees are eligible for a benefits package which includes: choice between two group health plans with options for spousal, family, and/or domestic partner coverage; basic life and long term disability insurance; paid time off (sick and personal), voluntary dental, vision, and flex savings plans for healthcare, dependent care, and commuting expenses. Additionally, trainees will have access to MTC’s affinity spaces and receive complimentary tickets to productions at MTC and at other arts organizations.

The application deadline for the 2024-25 Early Career Professional Training track is Monday, May 27 at 11:59pm EDT. All components of the application must be received by this deadline in order for it to be considered complete.

A complete application consists of:

-Select the one or two departments to which you are applying.

-Share general interview availability for weekdays between June 17-July 18.

-Respond to four personal statement questions directly into the application form (no more than 225 words per response):

—What specifically about MTC’s mission, history, or place in the theatre landscape drives you to apply for this program and why?

—How have your educational and/or work experiences led you to be interested in the department(s) you selected?

—What specific knowledge and/or skills do you hope to develop further as a result of on-the-job training in the department(s) you selected? How might this professional development experience benefit your career?

—How do your personal values and life experiences energize your aspirations as an arts administrator?

-Submit a PDF of your résumé.

-Share the names and contact information for two references.

Please visit https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/education/internships/ to learn more about the program and each available trainee position, to register for an open house, and to submit an application.

Manhattan Theatre Club believes that equity, diversity and inclusion should be essential elements of all activity within the organization.  We have made it a priority to create and maintain an environment that is attractive to and supportive of all individuals regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender identity, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, military or veteran status, etc. MTC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.