Thanks to funding from Polk County Community Foundation (PCCF), Tryon Fine Arts Center offers hands-on learning opportunities for two local students. Applications are open now for an Arts Administration and a Technical internship for high school students interested in presenting and promoting the performing arts. This is an opportunity for rising juniors or seniors to work closely with Tryon Fine Arts Center’s staff and board in event creation and community engagement during the summer. 

  

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in a private, public, or home school high school program at the time of the application. They must have permanent residence in the area served by the PCCF (Polk County and Landrum zip code 29356). 

  

The Arts Administration intern will be involved with website management, email blasts, ticket sales, social media and preparation of marketing materials, photography and writing. The intern will get to know TFAC patrons and volunteers while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of a busy arts organization. Interns have the unique opportunity to develop a learning experience that fits their interests and career aspirations while doing important work for the community.    

  

The Technical intern will work closely with TFAC’s professional staff and have hands-on experience with the tools that make live events possible. The intern will learn the safety procedures of the TFAC facility with an emphasis on staging a production. Tasks will include how to set up and operate the equipment including lighting control board and the sound mixing board. This will also include basic maintenance of technical equipment important to the success of a professional entertainment establishment. Many Technical interns have gone on to have fulfilling careers in the performing arts. 

  

Both interns will experience a varied and broadly applicable learning experience. The 20 hour per week schedule will occasionally include hours in the evening during events. 

  

Tryon Fine Arts Center will accept applications through May 25. Interviews will take place the last week of May with eight weeks of work starting mid-June. Applications can be found at www.tryonarts.org/internships or at TFAC’s Box Office at 34 Melrose Avenue, Tryon.  

By Michelle Flemming