After weekly seminar, Emil Kang speaks with Arts Administrative Intern. photo by Sara D. Davis/ADF 2009

The American Dance Festival is an international dance festival that attracts students, faculty, performers, and choreographers from around the world. ADF interns get hands-on experience in this fast-paced international arts environment. Throughout the program they will learn first-hand from professionals in the field.

Interns will participate in a weekly seminar on relevant issues in the arts with guest speakers including arts council staff, representatives of funding organizations, professional arts administrators from various types of arts organizations, and ADF board, staff and faculty members.

2009 Seminar speakers included:
David Byrd, Director of Marketing and Communication for the American Dance Festival
Margaret DeMott: Director of Artist Services for Durham Arts Council
Mark Dendy, Choreographer
Denise Dickens, Public Arts Coordinator for Town of Cary
Emil Kang, Director of Carolina Performing Arts
William Lynch, Vice President of Development for Brooklyn Academy of Music
Arthur S. Weber, President of Artsource Management, LLC
Karen Wells, Director of Arts North Carolina

Dates of the internship are June 1 – July 26, 2010.

The ADF is held at in Durham, North Carolina. The studios and administrative offices are spread across Duke University’s East Campus. Performances by visiting dance companies occur in Reynolds Industries Theater on West Campus and the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) in downtown Durham.

“What made this internship particularly outstanding was the level of gratitude and acceptance that existed within the ADF community. I felt like part of a community by the end of the eight weeks and I am truly grateful to have been able to take advantage of this unique opportunity. My advice to anyone considering an internship is, JUST DO IT!” –Emily Boles (ADF Intern 2008)

Additional Information

All interns may take one class (schedule permitting) through the ADF Six Week School, which includes more than 40 classes a day.

One complimentary ticket to each program in the ADF season, which features over 35 performances by the best dance companies from around the world.

Invitations to panel discussions with artists and scholars, seminars, lectures and informal showings throughout the summer.

Access to screenings of films selected as part of Dancing for the Camera: International Festival of Film and Video Dance.

Additional activities are available as work schedules permit.

Staff Supervision: The internship program is directed by Cynthia Wyse, Director of Finance and Administration. Each intern is supervised by the professional ADF staff member of their chosen department. ADF maintains a permanent year-round staff of fourteen that expands as the summer season approaches.

Stipend: All interns receive a stipend; amount varies on position $950 - $1,100.

Housing: Interns are responsible for their own transportation, food and housing. A driver's license and/or car are needed for some internships (please read internship descriptions to know which positions require this). Apartments and shares (mostly sublets) are available in the local area. More information about housing will be provided upon acceptance to the program.

Academic Credit: Please contact your university’s career center for this information. ADF will fill out any necessary forms for the completion of credit.

Questions? Contact Jill Guyton, Intern Coordinator, at 919-684-6402 or e-mail guyton@americandancefestival.org.

To Apply Application deadline postparked by: February 22, 2010 1. Completed Application (pdf) 2. Cover letter detailing your interest in working with the ADF, your particular skills and what you hope to accomplish with the internship 3. Current résumé 4. Two letters of recommendation, work-related preferred (please indicate if these will be arriving under separate cover) Applications and questions should be directed to: Intern Program, American Dance Festival Box 90772 Durham, NC 27708-0772 Phone: (919) 684-6402 FAX: (919) 684-5459 Email: adf@americandancefestival.org Upon acceptance to the program, participants will be required to submit proof of U.S. Citizenship or of lawful alien status which will permit you to work in the United States.