Second annual visual and performing arts career and internship fair seeks artists

Attendees are encouraged to dress nicely to make a good impression on potential employers (photo by Amy Rose).

Students and alumni interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts have the chance to meet with and talk to active members of the DMV area’s theater community at the upcoming annual Arts in the Real World Internship and Career Fair.

On Feb. 11, the Mason CVPA Alumni Chapter and University Career Services will be overseeing an internship and career fair that provides opportunities for both students and alumni to show their resumes and portfolios to theaters and other businesses that thrive off of the work of students and college graduates.

Whether your expertise is performance, technical or management based, this fair aims to give students the chance to speak with employers about pursuing work in this competitive and artistic field. Theater majors and non-theater majors are welcome to partake in the internship fair.

Many of the representatives who will be present at the event will be from non-profit organizations, many from the Washington D.C. and Virginia region with a few others coming from Maryland. Most will be seeking those interested in entry-level jobs or internships with the companies. 

Approximately 25 employers will be represented at the fair, including Arena Stage, Workhouse Arts Center, Shakespeare Theater Company, CityDance Ensemble, WETA, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center and others. Two visual arts representatives also seeking artists for fellowship projects include Hamiltonian Artists and Arlington Arts Center.

“We wanted to have [the event] as an opportunity for students and alumni to network,” CVPA’s Assistant Director of Development, Ryan Lawrence, said. “They may not be seeking a job directly, but it’s a chance to network with employers and to learn how to set themselves up for a position in the arts.”

This particular career and internship fair also provides two seminars and Q&A sessions.  The first, led by CVPA Alumnus and Marketing Director at Accelera Solutions, Brandt Heatherington, is geared towards those who wish to use their degree in government, technology or consulting fields. The second, led by Mason student and Crowd Funding Consultant for 180 Degrees Consulting, Jennifer Storm, is a seminar focused on crowd funding for visual and performing arts projects.

For those interested in attending, the event takes place on Feb. 11 in the Mason Hall Atrium from 4-7 p.m.

To register, please visit ARW2014.eventsbrite.com. Also, check out our upcoming Fourth Estate Weekly Print edition, where we will share the story of a student who attended last year’s internship fair.