Professional Internship Pathway
Xiaowei Chen
A fine art artist, well-known educator.
Michael Shi
Award-Winning Photographer and Master Visual Storyteller.
In collaboration with leading theatres and film professionals, XC Art Center, in collaboration with Sunrise Art Group in New York, offers unique two-week on-site internship programs designed to immerse students in the real-world performing arts and film industries. Each program provides hands-on training, mentorship from professionals, and tangible deliverables that students can showcase in their portfolios for future study and career opportunities.
Stage Management Internship
An on-site internship where students shadow and assist a professional stage manager in a live theatre production.They gain hands-on experience in rehearsal scheduling, backstage coordination, and communication across the production team, developing organizational and leadership skill sessential to stage management.
DELIVERABLES
Letter of Recommendation
From the Stage Manager or Theatre Director: A formal letter highlighting the student’s professionalism, growth, and contributions during the internship.
Short Documentary Film
For the Student:
A short film documenting behind-the-scenes experiences, personal reflections, and growth during the internship—ideal for portfolios and college applications.
Reflection Report
Learning Outcomes & Backstage Insights
A written report detailing what the student learned, challenges encountered, and behind-the-scenes experiences during the internship.
Professional Theatre Acting Internship
An on-site internship where students rehearse and perform alongside professional actors in a fully staged public theatre production. Participants are immersed in the entire rehearsal process, learning directly from theatre professionals while experiencing the discipline, collaboration, and creativity required of a professional actor.
DELIVERABLES
Stage Credits
Recognition in a Public Production:
Students will be officially credited for their backstage roles (e.g., stage assistant, production crew) in a professional performance.
Production Media Portfolio
Photos & Video Highlights:
Students will receive high-quality production photos and video excerpts from the final performance—great for portfolios and applications.
Student Documentary Film
Personal Internship Experience:
A short, student-made film capturing behind-the-scenes moments, reflections, and personal growth throughout the internship journey.
Professional Film Production Internship
An on-site internship where students join a Hollywood-level film production team, working
behind the scenes in areas such as research, props, costumes, and on-set support. This program
offers a unique opportunity to experience the professional workflow of the film industry and to
contribute meaningfully to a real production environment.
DELIVERABLES
Official Participation Acknowledgement
A signed acknowledgement of participation in the film’s production credits (when
applicable)
Portfolio Package
A portfolio package including photos, supervisor evaluation, and a student reflection
report
Student Documentary Film
A short documentary film about the student’s experience
An internship where students collaborate with professional production companies or established
playwrights to learn the craft of script development. They participate in brainstorming sessions,
assist with research, and contribute to drafting or refining scripts for theatre or screen projects,
gaining exposure to professional writing processes.
Remote or
On-Site
Professional Script Writing Internship
DELIVERABLES
Recommendation Letter
From the playwright or mentor (performance-based), recognizing the student’s creativity, dedication, and contributions during the program.
Script Submission Opportunities
Students may submit their original work to national and international scriptwriting competitions—an excellent chance to gain exposure and recognition.
An internship where students work closely with professional composers, lyricists, or music
production teams to create original songs and lyrics for theatre or film projects. They will be
immersed in the creative process, from idea development to final composition, learning the
collaborative art of songwriting for professional productions.
Remote or
On-Site
Professional Songwriting & Lyric Writing Internship
Name: Oliver Zhang
Song: Caprice Espagno
DELIVERABLES
Recommendation Letter
From the songwriter or mentor (performance-based), highlighting the student’s talent, creativity, and commitment to the songwriting process.
Songwriting Submission Opportunities
Students may submit their original works to national and international songwriting competitions—offering exposure, feedback, and potential recognition.
Successful Cases (2025)
Kingsley D. (Grade 12, The Lawrenceville School)
• Stage Management Internship with the Off-Broadway show “Joy The Musical” in New York
• Stage Management Internship with “Oscar’s Journey” by Vashon Repertory Theatre in Seattle
James L. (Grade 12, Shanghai American School)
• Stage Management Internship with the Off-Broadway show “Joy The Musical” in New York
Jerry W. (Grade 11, YK Pao School)
• Professional Theatre Acting Internship with “Oscar’s Journey” by Vashon Repertory Theatre in Seattle
• Professional Theatre Acting Internship with teen musical “Next to Normal” by Vashon Repertory Theatre in Seattle
Derek D. (Grade 9, Shanghai Concordia School)
• Professional Theatre Acting Internship with “Oscar’s Journey” by Vashon Repertory Theatre in Seattle
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the age requirement for the internship program?
Participants must be 13 years or older to apply for our internship programs.
2. What is the value of this internship program?
Unlike traditional summer schools, this internship program offers immersive, real-world
experience through direct participation in professional productions or creative industry
projects.
Students do not just observe—they become part of the team. Whether assisting on a Broadway-
bound musical, contributing to an original short film, or collaborating with professional writers
and musicians, participants gain hands-on learning in a high-stakes, real-world setting.
Many of our partner organizations are opening up to high school interns for the very first time—
making these opportunities truly rare and unique. Students walk away with professional
insights, new mentors, and powerful stories that stand out on college applications and beyond.
3. What types of internships are offered?
We currently offer five specialized internship tracks, developed in partnership with Sunrise Art
Group:
• Stage Management Internship (with Off-Broadway and regional productions)
• Professional Theatre Acting Internship
• Film Production Internship (short film crew)
• Script Writing Internship (mentorship by professional playwrights)
• Songwriting/Lyric Writing Internship (mentorship by professional composers and
lyricists)
Internships may be remote or on-site, depending on the track and availability.
4. Are meals and accommodations included?
No. Students are responsible for arranging their own meals and accommodation during the
internship.
5. Are travel expenses covered?
No. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel to and from the
internship site.
6. Can you provide a visa invitation letter?
We do not provide visa services. Students are responsible for securing their own visa if
international travel is involved.
7. What if a student gets injured during the internship?
Students and their guardians are fully responsible for their own health and safety during the
internship. We recommend purchasing appropriate medical or travel insurance.
8. Will I receive a recommendation letter? How and when will it be sent?
Recommendation letters are not guaranteed and are based on a student’s performance during
the internship. We encourage all students to be proactive and build strong relationships with their
mentors.
If granted, recommendation letters are usually sent via email within one month after the
internship ends. In some cases, letters may be submitted directly into a university’s application
system during college application season.
9. Is there a refund policy?
There is no unconditional refund policy.
• No refund will be issued if you cancel within 2 weeks before the internship start date.
• If cancellation is made earlier than 2 weeks, you may request to reschedule for the
following year, pending approval from XC Art Center.
10. Will students receive a video of their internship experience?
Yes. We will edit and share a 5-minute documentary-style video with the student and their
family within one week after the internship ends.
11. Will students receive professional photos from the program?
Yes. Work-in-progress photos will be taken and shared with students and families within one
week after the internship.
12. Can students take a photo or be interviewed with the director or mentor?
In most cases, yes. However, certain productions—especially Broadway or Off-Broadway
shows—may require students to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement). Some projects may
not allow public sharing of behind-the-scenes content due to confidentiality agreements. These
conditions will be clearly communicated by the host organization.
13. Is there a local contact person for parents to reach during the internship?
Yes. We have staff members based in New York who are available throughout the internship.
For internships outside New York, contact availability may vary by location and will be
communicated before the program starts.
14. What is the internship schedule like? What are the working hours?
Internship hours vary by project.
• For performance-related internships, the schedule often follows rehearsals or
production timelines, which may include evening or weekend hours.
• For writing- or composition-based internships, schedules are often coordinated with
each mentor’s availability. Flexibility is essential.
15. What is the application process?
The internship application follows these steps:
1. Select a specific internship track that matches your interests
2. Interview with the internship host organization, often directly with the mentor or
project leader
3. Receive admission notification if selected
4. Complete payment and confirm your internship schedule
We recommend applying as early as possible to secure a spot, as many of these internship
positions are highly limited.