Newport Festivals Internship Program
The deadline to apply for the 2024 Internship Program has passed. The application for the 2025 Festivals will open up in the early Spring. Please follow our social media pages and/or check this page in March of 2025.
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Add America’s most iconic events to your resume
Newport Festivals Foundation is pleased to offer exciting internship opportunities. Gain valuable experience and make lifetime connections, working directly for industry leaders. Positions are available in many departments such as production, operations, marketing, and development.
Compensation: Interns will be paid $15 per hour for their time during the festival weekends. Interns will be expected to work 2-5 hours per week leading up to the festivals to be trained for the position. This portion of the internship is unpaid.
Must be 18 years or older to apply.
Deadline to apply is June 1, 2024
Housing is NOT provided for interns. All applicants must have a place to stay during the Folk and Jazz Festival weekends within 25 minutes of Fort Adams.
Newport Festivals Foundation welcomes and prioritizes the participation of Black, Indigenous, and other students of color as well as emerging English speakers, LGBQTIA+ youth, and students with disabilities.
Internship Positions:
Each internship position is unique – please read the descriptions below before applying via the form at the bottom of the page.
Stage Hands Intern
Description: As the name implies, “Stage Hands” work on stage to ensure the music happens. The Stage Hands Intern will get an understanding of the technical aspect of setting up and supporting the artists. They will have hands-on experience with instruments, audio, and lighting equipment. They will learn how to set up and break down the equipment in addition to helping road crews unload and load the equipment. They must be able to take direction, work well with others, and able to lift 75 pounds. If you’re looking to learn about live music and be part of a hard-working, tight-knit team, this is the place to start.
Compensation: Interns will be paid $15 per hour for their time during the festival weekends. Interns will be expected to complete an online orientation before arriving to Newport and an in-person orientation before each festival. This portion of the internship is unpaid.
Requirements: Applicants must be able to take direction, work well with others, and able to lift 75 pounds.
Schedule: During the festivals, 6am call until the last truck is packed (anywhere from 9PM to 1am).
Photography Intern
Description: The Newport Folk and Newport Jazz Photography Interns will work alongside the Chief Creative Officer and the photo team at the 2024 Festivals. Each intern will be assigned to a specific stage at the festival and will be responsible for:
- Alerting the photo team as to happenings on the stage (especially sit-ins)
- Alerting the photo team to any photo restrictions that pop up (liaison with photo pit team and the festival’s PR team at that stage for the latest updates)
- Photographing every set on the assigned stage
Requirements:
Must be 18 years or older
Must submit portfolio link for review
Must have your own professional digital camera
Must have a smartphone
Must sign photo agreement
Must pass a background check
Schedule:
tba
Compensation:
Interns will be paid $15 per hour for their time during the festival weekends. Interns will be expected to join 1-2 hour long planning calls prior to the festivals to be trained for the position. This portion of the internship is unpaid.
Ticketing and Credentials Intern
Description: The ticketing/box office is a great jumping-off point for anyone looking to get into the events industry. Working in this department will also introduce you to many of the other festival departments. Must have excellent customer service, strong on-the-spot problem-solving skills, be comfortable with new technology, strong organizational skills and a “how can I help” attitude.
Compensation: Interns will be paid $15 per hour for their time during the festival weekends. Interns will be expected to work 2-5 hours per week leading up to the festivals to be trained for the position. This portion of the internship is unpaid.
Requirements: Excellent customer service, strong on the spot problem solving, comfortable with new technology, strong organizational skills and a “how can I help” attitude.
Schedule: Two days a week beginning the middle of June, full time during the festivals.
Video Team Intern
Description
Video Interns or “production assistants” will work alongside the video team responsible for capturing everything that happens on the stages of the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals. This internship position would be great for someone looking to expand their knowledge of live mutlicam video production, interview setups including lighting, cinematography and audio, and to generally be a part of a great team behind the scenes!
Each intern will be assigned to a specific stage or interview area at the festival and will be responsible for:
-Running media between stages and video control room
-Helping setup, maintain, and breakdown the gear
-Assisting with meal times and water breaks
Requirements:
Please send any prior experience in video production and area of interest (camera operating, producing, media managing, ect.) along with your application.
Schedule:
10:30am – 7:30pm each festival day
Compensation:
Interns will be paid $15 per hour for their time during the festival weekends.
Production Intern
The Production Intern will work backstage for the Production Director to assist in the coordination of the performances. You will learn firsthand about backline, stage plots, load-ins, and everything else that goes into making a show happen. If you’re interested in concert management, this is the place to start.
Compensation: Interns will be paid $15 per hour for their time during the festival weekends. Interns will be expected to work 2-5 hours per week leading up to the festivals to be trained for the position. This portion of the internship is unpaid.
Requirements: Patience, ability to work with others, listening skills.
Schedule: Monday – Thursday prior to the festivals (Non show days) approx 10am-4pm. On show days approx 6am -8pm
Foundation Intern
Description: The Foundation Intern will learn about the nonprofit side of our organization. Reporting directly to the Directors of Development and Programs, the Foundation Intern will learn about fundraising, music education, and nonprofit management. Must have strong communication skills. If you’re interested in learning about how nonprofits work, or fundraising, this is the place to start.
Compensation: Interns will be paid $15 per hour for their time during the festival weekends. Interns will be expected to work 2-5 hours per week leading up to the festivals to be trained for the position. This portion of the internship is unpaid.
Requirements: Strong communication skills. Basic understanding of computers and social media.
Schedule: Intern will be expected to work 2-5 hours per week during June and July. And full day during the festival weekends.
Patrnership Intern
Description: The Partnership Intern will work with the Head of Partnerships to help ensure our sponsors have a great experience while on site. Work directly with some of the greatest companies on earth and learn about how festival sponsorships work!
Compensation: Interns will be paid $15 per hour for their time during the festival weekends. Interns will be expected to work 2-5 hours per week leading up to the festivals to be trained for the position. This portion of the internship is unpaid.
Requirements: Good attitude, hustle & respect are a must!
Schedule: 8am to 5pm on show days and a simple pre-festival meeting to review expectations and the lay of the land
For further questions about the Foundation and how you might help support our mission please contact us at info@newportfestivals.org.
Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, duly licensed. All donations are 100% tax deductible.