Breaking into the biz

Black Enterprise, Dec, 1996 by Eric L. Smith

EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER, OR SO THE saying goes. This axiom is never more true than when it comes to gathering work experience. And in the entertainment field - where it's who you know as well as what you know - the earlier students plunge into the entertainment job market the better.

Internship programs are usually the best way to get an early initiation into the workforce, giving students a hands-on experience and a chance to begin networking at the same time. The following entertainment organizations are seeking interns from a wide variety of backgrounds. Most of the positions are nonpaid, but you will receive college credit. To apply, submit a resume, cover letter and any applicable work samples.

THEATER

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Attn.: Darrell Ayers, The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC 20566; 202-416-8807

Upper-level undergraduate students, graduate students and graduates who have been out of school two years or less are eligible to apply. Positions are available in most areas, including advertising, arts education, development, National Symphony Orchestra, press office, programming, American College Theater Festival and production. Interns receive a $650 monthly stipend.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Attn.: Jay D. Spivack, Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-6583. No phone calls

Two full-time, 12-week internships run from June through August. Qualifications: one year of graduate course work toward an M.A., M.B.A., M.F.A. or an equivalent degree, strong verbal and analytical skills and a demonstrated interest in a career in arts management. The position pays a weekly stipend of approximately $450. Application deadline: February 10.

MUSIC

Arista Records Inc., Attn.: Human Resources, 6 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019; 212-830-8483

Interns receive academic credit only. Send resume and cover letter requesting a position in one of the following departments: promotions, publicity, A&R, video, artist development or sales.

EMI Records, Attn.: Lisa Kozlowski, 1290 Ave. of the Americas, 35th Floor, New York, NY 10104; 212-492-1700 ext. 3147

All internships are nonpaid; students receive academic credit. Positions are available in the following departments: marketing, publicity, promotions and A&R. Rolling application deadlines.

LaFace Records, Attn.: Christopher Boea, 1 Capital City Plaza, 3350 Peachtree Rd., Suite 1500, Atlanta GA 30326-1040; 404-848-8050 ext. 4053

Nonpaid internship with monthly stipend for transportation open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are studying music, business, law or other related fields. Four to 10 candidates are accepted four times a year.

PolyGram Holding Inc., Attn.: Human Resources Department Internship Coordinator, Worldwide Plaza, 825 8th Ave., 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10019; 212-333-1440 or 212-333-8320

Internships are for college credit only. Positions are available in the following areas: marketing, publicity, promotion, sales and A&R. A computer background is helpful.

Sony Music Entertainment Inc., 550 Madison Ave., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10022-3211; 212-833-7980

Sony has two internship programs. The Summer Minority Program offers 10-week, paid summer internships to students beginning in June. Undergraduates, first-year M.B.A.s and first-year J.D.s are eligible to apply. The application deadline is March 31.

The Credited Internship Program offers unpaid internships year-round to students of all ethnic backgrounds. Undergraduate and graduate students who are able to receive academic credit for an internship are eligible. There is no application deadline.

CABLE TELEVISION

Black Entertainment Television, Attn.: Human Resources, 1 BET Plaza, 1900 W Place NE, Washington DC 20018; 202-608-2800 ext. 2

Internship positions are available in various departments. Potential interns should submit a cover letter indicating their area of interest and a resume.

MTV Networks, Attn.: John Lyons, 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036; 212-258-7801

Interns must be available to work at least two full days a week in exchange for college credit. Submit a resume and cover letter. Positions are available in several departments, including marketing, advertising sales, press, on-air promos, animation, graphics, studio production, viewer services online and talent relations.

FILM

The Black Filmmakers Foundation, Attn.: Vallery Moore, 670 Broadway, Suite 304, New York, NY 10012; 212-253-1690

Several nonpaid positions are available, including program, newsletter, talent directory and accounting assistant interns. Preference is given to students seeking college credit. To apply, send a cover letter and resume.

PLAYWRITING

The National Playwrights Conference, Attn.: Mary F. McCabe, Conference Administrator, Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, 234 W. 44th St., Suite 901, New York, NY 10036

The National Playwrights Conference offers aspiring playwrights the opportunity to work on their plays with other professional theater and media artists in a noncompetitive atmosphere. The Conference selects 10-15 playwrights to read their plays aloud to other playwrights, directors, designers and Conference staff, who will help with the development of the work. Entries must be postmarked no later than December 1.