INTERN PROGRAM - 2008 SUMMER SEASON

I Hate Hamlet ~ Godspell ~ Evita ~ Thoroughly Modern Millie
~ My Fair Lady ~ Fiddler on the Roof ~
Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest ~ A Grand Night for Singing

 FAQs

What is the New London Barn Playhouse legacy?

The New London Barn Playhouse is one of the few Summer Stock companies still functioning as a traditional summer stock theatre.  This legacy means an Intern program of total immersion in theatre for a full summer.  Each Intern completes the program with a broader understanding of theatrical performance and production, and will have the opportunity to add professional credits to his or her resume under a variety of professional directors and choreographers. 

Where is the Barn Playhouse located?

The New London Barn Playhouse is located on the Main Street of New London, New Hampshire.  New London is a picturesque New England town thirty-three miles northwest of Concord, NH, the state capital city, and thirty miles south of Hanover, NH, the home of Dartmouth College.  New London is easily accessible from Interstate 89, approximately two hours from Boston, MA, and five hours from New York City.

What is New London like?

New London is a small town with a winter population of under 4,000 that almost doubles in the summer months. Home to Colby-Sawyer College, it has a distinct college town atmosphere.  Over the past several decades New London has grown into the retail/service center for the Lake Sunapee Region with many unique shops and restaurants. Its two lakes, conveniently located to the theatre, offer ample opportunity for boating and swimming; nature lovers can enjoy its many conservation areas and hikes. Find out more at http://www.lakesunapeenh.org .

What type of theatre is the Barn Playhouse?

The “Barn,” a 300-seat proscenium theatre was fashioned from an 1820’s hand-hewn barn. The former hayloft has been cut back into a balcony, and an orchestra pit added.  The dressing rooms and backstage area were part of a major renovation in the 1980’s.

What is New London Barn Playhouse, Inc.?

The Barn Playhouse, founded in 1933, is included on the New Hampshire List of Historic Places as New Hampshire’s oldest continuously operating summer stock theatre.  Until 2004, when it became an IRS Recognized 501(c)3 corporation, it had only three producing managements. The most notable was the legendary Norman Leger, who formed the not-for-profit to continue the Barn’s legacy.

Who runs the Barn now?

A Board of Directors, comprised of local citizens, is ultimately responsible for the Barn’s financial health and well-being. The Board hires an executive Staff comprised of an Executive Director, Artistic Director and General Manager.  The current team is made up of active theatre, education and/or media professionals. Their collective experience includes Hollywood, Network Television, PBS, Broadway, Off and Off-Off Broadway, Radio City Music Hall, Super Bowl Half Time Shows, Theme Parks, Regional Theatre, National Tours, and, of course, Summer Stock.  This combined effect is a range and depth of experience that benefits all our Interns.

Are there different types of Interns?

Yes. There are (1) Performing Interns, (2) Administrative Interns, (3) Production Interns and (4) Technical Interns.  Each Intern is assigned to a single area of expertise, e.g., performance, box office, costumes, scenery, electrics, children’s theatre, stage management, publicity or administration.

Do performing Interns also do tech work?

Yes.  As indicated, the Intern program exposes individuals to all aspects of theatre production: performance, production, technical and administrative.  These assignments are based on a show-by-show roster.

Are there any other duties?

Another yes. An Intern’s responsibilities also include, on a weekly rotation, “housekeeping” assignments such as sweeping the theatre’s porch, emptying trash cans, dining room set-up for meals, Barn clean-up prior to an Opening (actually an all company activity), and cleaning the patron restrooms. Therefore, it wouldn’t be unusual for an Intern to be picking up cigarette butts in the theatre’s parking lot in the morning, and performing Evita in “Evita” that same evening.

As an Intern, do I receive room and board at no charge?

Yes.  All members of the Barn’s company receive full room and board. The Intern housing isn’t fancy, and is close living, but it’s right next door to the theatre. In that same building we have a dining room, where you’ll be provided three meals a day, in addition to snacks and beverages around the clock.

Will I also receive a stipend?

Interns are given a stipend of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for the season, which is intended to help defray incidental expenses.  The stipend is prorated and distributed in three payments.  The actual distribution dates will be specified in your contract.

What are the chances for good challenging roles?

Excellent. The Performing Interns are our core acting company, so we actively seek people strong enough to carry leading roles. To be perfectly clear, with the exception of “mature” roles dictating older performers (Golda in “Fiddler.” for example), the vast majority of the roles for each main stage production are cast from the Intern company.  So, an Intern usually has the opportunity to perform roles they might not otherwise have the opportunity to do. This artistic challenge can only help an Intern hone their craft and, thus, increase their confidence to tackle any role anywhere.

Will I be guaranteed roles?

No.  We can’t tell you which roles you will play in advance. It’s our belief that a Director has the right to cast their production based on their own particular vision. We do understand some people will be concerned that they’re not guaranteed certain roles before the season begins.  However, also in keeping with Barn tradition, you are guaranteed the opportunity to audition for every role in every Main Stage production in the season.

What’s a typical day like?

A typical day Monday through Saturday begins at 8:30am with Intern “Housekeeping” duties. From 9:00am to Noon Interns fulfill Technical (shop), Administrative or Production (Stage Management) assignments. Lunch is at Noon.  Daily Rehearsals run from 1:00pm to 6:00pm except Matinee Day, Wednesday.  Dinner is at 6:00pm.  Half hour is 7:30pm. Performance is at 8:00pm.  Late night snack is at 10:30pm.  Then you get some time to learn lines.  Oh, and sleep.

As an Intern will I have any free time?

While your day as an Intern is structured by the demands of production, and is often lengthy, Interns have Sunday morning off each week. This is the Intern’s time to attend to personal matters or recreational pursuits. 

Who are the people I’ll be working with?

The Intern company consists of professionals beginning their careers in theatre; they range in age from 18 to 28, and are drawn from across the country.  Many have graduated from colleges or professional theatre schools, while some are still students.  And, as has been indicated, you’ll also be working with seasoned theatre professionals who have a desire to share their knowledge with you.  In fourteen weeks, you’ll work with at least eight different directors and choreographers, all of whom are actively working in New York, and at Regional and Summer Stock Theatres across the country.  Higher education is also represented with some individuals on the faculty of universities or colleges.

Any former Interns I might be familiar with?

Here are a few individuals who chose to spend a summer as an Intern: Taye Diggs, Laura Linney, Gerard Alessandrini, Sandy Dennis, Betsy Joslyn, Casey Nicholaw, Judy Kuhn, Leonard Foglia, Matt Cavanaugh, and June Harding.  Then there are the countless other former Interns who worked (are working) on Broadway such as Joanna Young, David Cleveland, Courtney Young, Michael Danek, Ann Brown, Whitney Allen, Rick Conant, Tracey Rosten, Mary Munger, Josh Walden, Marcia Rodd and Steve Trafton.

How do I apply to become an Intern at the Barn?

Complete an Application for Employment and return it to the Barn.  Those seeking to become members of the Performing Intern company must audition (in person or via DVD) for the staff.  Administrative, Production and Technical Intern applicants are required to have an interview (in person or by telephone).

Click here for the Intern Application (coming soon)

How do I audition/interview for the intern company at the New London Barn Playhouse?

The Barn is represented at the major east coast combined auditions (NETC & Straw Hat), and also holds private auditions in New York City and New London, New Hampshire.  Dates and times of auditions will be announced on this website and listed in the trade papers (Backstage).

What are the general dates for the 2008 Season?

Arrival for most Interns will be on Sunday, May 25, 2008 by 5:00PM.  The majority of Interns will depart after the Final Performance of “Fiddler on the Roof” on Sunday, August 24, 2008.  The remaining Interns will depart after the Final Performance of Agatha Christie’s “The Unexpected Guest” on Sunday, August 31, 2008.  In both departure scenarios, Monday is an alternative departure day/date.  In all cases, the contract will specify an individual’s arrival and departure dates.