About The Yard

The Yard is a nonprofit creation and performance platform for local, national, and international artists, with a focus on contemporary dance. Founded in 1973 by the late choreographer Patricia Nanon, The Yard provides paid space, time, and resources for performing artists to create, perform, and engage with our community. We share these artists' work publicly through presentations and wide-ranging educational experiences for all ages. Through these programs and more, we provide year-round opportunities for our community to experience the arts.  

 

Located on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, The Yard’s 2.6 acre campus is in the “up-island” rural town of Chilmark. Our 100-seat black box theater and open-air studio are operable in the summer months. Three residences also sit on the property and serve as artist and staff housing. In the cold-weather months, we offer programs in various offsite locations, ranging from performances at the 700-seat Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center to libraries and community centers across the island.  

 

Our Mission –

The Yard supports diverse, contemporary dance-makers and related artists in their creative processes through paid creative residency, public performance, long term education, and artist driven civic engagement. We serve all ages and cultural populations on Martha’s Vineyard, and work collaboratively with artists, producers, and other cultural organizers within regional, national, and international contexts.

 

For more information about The Yard, visit dancetheyard.org. 

 

Job Description – Production Intern

 

Reports To: Production Manager

Employee Class: Intern

Work Location: 1 The Yard, Chilmark, MA 02535 on Martha’s Vineyard 

Dates: May 22, 2023  - September 2, 2023 - must be available and on Martha’s Vineyard for the full 15 weeks; travel and housing provided by The Yard (see below for details). 

 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: 

Actively assist other production staff and artist resident companies during load ins, technical rehearsals, shows, workshops and load-outs

Assist in running all shows and productions

Assist with sound hang and focus and/or backline setup for all productions

Assist with lighting hang and focus for all productions

Work Special Events as needed

Assist in the day-to-day upkeep and maintenance of The Yard’s Studio and Theater

Assist with the upkeep of all production equipment

Assist in Campus upkeep and company management, including travel, housing inventories, and general maintenance

This position often requires long work days and sometimes physically demanding work conditions.

 

Other Duties and Responsibilities:  

The Yard has a small, dynamic staff and relies on cross-departmental collaboration. All positions are expected to routinely contribute in areas outside of their primary focus to ensure successful programs and operations. Examples include but are not limited to answering the office phone, assisting with campus projects, providing support to artists-in-residence, and helping set up for and strike performances and events. 

 

Skills & Experience: 

A passion for dance, performing arts, and arts education

Interest in lighting design and/or sound design and engineering

Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a small organization

Cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences

Comfortable working at a height of 25’

Able to lift 50lbs

Proficient with common computer software such as Excel/Sheets and Word/Docs

Valid driver’s license

Familiarity with industry standard software, such as VectorWorks, Lightwright, and QLab, is a plus but not required

Familiarity with EOS Family Consoles is a plus but not required

Compensation & Benefits:

$400/week for 15 weeks of summer season (May 22 - September 2, 2023) 

Rent-free housing on The Yard’s campus in a shared dorm-style residence with other staff members. (Shared bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.) 

Artistic opportunities including time in The Yard’s studio and theater, possible dance and yoga classes, and performance opportunities TBD

Farm share from a local island farm and supplemental pantry items (pasta, rice, beans, etc.) shared amongst staff. 

One round-trip to and from Martha’s Vineyard at the beginning and end of the internship

 

How to Apply 

To apply, email cover letter, resume, and two references to jobs@dancetheyard.org with subject line “Production Intern” Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with priority given to those received by February 17th.

 

The Yard is an ally in the movement towards equity, social justice, and combating systemic racism, which includes developing a work environment that is equitable, anti-racist, and empowering for our staff and the communities we serve. Applicants from all populations and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Strong candidates will work in alignment with The Yard’s mission, values, and commitment to anti-racism.