At
Backstage.com we are focused on creating the best casting tools, synthesizing academic level career advice and covering industry news and advice for actors and talent seekers.
The Editorial Team at Backstage is responsible for researching, creating and packaging written and video content to support and inspire our users. We are looking for an Editorial Intern with entry-level journalism experience and a passion for the performing arts to join our team. You will be tasked with researching, transcribing interviews and writing, along with providing administrative support for the newsroom.
If you are planning or have recently begun a career in journalism and are looking to gain experience in a professional and dynamic content organization, this is the opportunity for you. You will gain relevant experience in creating, editing and packaging content with a professional editorial team. Top interns earn consideration to join the team full-time.
Important Notes:
* This position complies with DOL guidelines for internships. The internship is for academic credit/unpaid and will require approximately 8 hours per week for a total of roughly 120 hours. Applicants MUST be current college students for the duration of the internship. We will not accept applicants who are no longer students.
*This is not a remote position; our office is based in Brooklyn, New York and candidates must be within commuting distance and able to work from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. in the office.
* Submissions will only reviewed if they include a cover letter and writing sample.
The Gig/Responsibilities
- Research and write articles for backstage.com, including industry and casting news
- Write remarkably clean copy
- Source images and video that perfectly reflect each story's content
- Transcribe interviews
- Assist with administrative tasks, such as compiling research, contacts, etc.
- Pitch stories you find and feel are relevant to Backstage and our audience and turn them around quickly
Requirements
- Coursework in journalism, film, television and/or theater
- Strong writing skills
- Strong ability to research a story
- Must be OK with dogs in the office (they are friendly and well-behaved)
Added Bonus
- Experience with interviewing subjects
- Multimedia or photography experience
- Experience pitching/cold-calling/cold-emailing subjects
- Experience working with a CMS
- Experience with analytics (Google Analytics and/or Parse.ly)
- Previous editorial experience (academic or at another publication or e-commerce company)
Additional Benefits
- Comprehensive internship program for credit
- Casual (and dog-friendly) office environment in DUMBO, Brooklyn
- Occasional access to after-hours film screenings and theater tickets
- A company that works with you to learn, grow, and excel in your career
Training Provided
- Sitting in on editorial meetings and observing the inner workings of a small, dynamic content team
- Working one-on-one with editors on the team to learn about their field of specialty
- Training in tools used to create daily web content and a weekly print magazine: proofing, backend CMS tools, etc.
- Interview skills: how to identify and contact a subject, how to craft your questions, how to get the most out of your interview time
Backstage, LLC, is the leading career platform for performing arts industries. We are currently composed of two brands:
Backstage.com, for acting; and
Sonicbids.com, for music—with plans to launch additional verticals organically and through acquisition. Nowhere else will you find the same combination of startup energy and entertainment industry creativity atop the solid foundation of an established, profitable and fast-growing business.
We are a close-knit, agile team of 60 that is supporting the performing arts industry through comprehensive research, technical innovation, and product development. At the heart of our success and growth resides a group of performing arts lovers, hardcore technologists, writers, marketers, and product designers who share a tight bond and believe that collaboration creates a better experience for our users (and team).