Internship in Artistic Performance

Course Number
IN-399
Description

Experiences through which students can apply their performance skills, knowledge, private instruction, and ensemble experience in professional performance settings are a vital component of a holistic artistic education. Performance opportunities are a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom and private/ensemble instruction with practical skill application and development in a professional setting. Outside performances give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience, develop critical interpersonal skills, and make connections in the industry; and give musical directors, conductors, and arts leaders the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent. In this internship course, students will draw on their innate abilities as improvisers, collaborators, creators, and listeners in order to better determine how they can use these skills to build a successful career in the arts and entertainment industry and beyond.

Under the direct supervision of a professional staff member at the internship site, students will participate in a primarily performance-based setting for a minimum of 70 hours over the course of the semester, with a minimum of 10 weeks at the performance site. Students will have a clearly defined and regular rehearsal and performance schedule limited to one site or venue location. Repertoire, instrumentation, roles, and performance and non-performance related responsibilities will be defined by the supervisor and agreed to by the student. Students will be an active participant in the learning process, receiving regular feedback by the supervisor and internship course instructor. 

*International students in F1 status

Must be eligible for off-campus work authorization as outlined in F1 nonimmigrant student regulations. Work authorization, called Curricular Practical Training (CPT), will be facilitated by the Career Center in conjunction with International Student Services. Performances under CPT are limited to one location. Tour opportunities are not eligible at this time. All performance opportunities must be vetted and approved by the Career Center to ensure there are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer that support learning objectives/goals. Courses will be managed by Career Center staff. 

If the opportunity includes multiple performance locations students must utilize Pre-completion OPT as long as the opportunity is within the students area of study and on a part-time basis. Pre-Completion OPT applications must be submitted to USCIS 90 days in advance of the start date to ensure approval is provided by the start of the semester. Learn more on how to apply for Pre-Completion OPT. 

Credits
1
Prerequisites
Participants must have completed IN-299 with a grade of B or higher and have at least a 2.7 GPA.
Required Of
None
Electable By
All B.M. and P.D. students
Semesters Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
Department
CSC
Course Chair
Jasmine Hines
Courses may not be offered at the listed locations or taught by the listed faculty for every semester. Consult my.berklee.edu to find course information for a specific semester.