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AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

I am not an arts administration or dance major, can I still apply for the ABT internship program?

Yes. The ABT internship program accepts interns from a wide variety of backgrounds and academic disciplines. ABT carefully considers each applicant’s strengths, interests, and talents and matches each application alongside their areas of interest. A strong interest in arts administration and the performing arts is highly encouraged and preferred.

Must I currently be enrolled in college while participating in the ABT internship program?

No. While the majority of applicants are undergraduate or graduate students, we welcome applications from recent graduates who are looking to further their knowledge in arts management.

International Students

Can international students apply?

Yes, international students are welcome to apply.

All interns are expected to be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing the English language. Applicants must include a paragraph outlining their visa status and ability to legally participate in the internship program. Cover letters not including this information will not be considered.

I am an international student currently enrolled at a university on an F-1 visa. Am I eligible for the intern stipend?

Yes, interns will be eligible for the intern stipend but exempt from Social Security and Medicare tax requirements.

To be eligible, interns are responsible for obtaining permission and filing the appropriate paperwork with their university for practical or academic training prior to starting their internship. Failure to do so may violate his or her visa status. It is our recommendation that each intern speak to his or her international student advisor as policies vary by institution.

I am an international applicant. Will ABT sponsor my J-1 visa?

No, ABT is unable to sponsor any visas. Interns are responsible for securing valid legal status under applicable U.S. visa regulations. You will need to find a designated third party organization or outside agency that has been authorized by the State Department to sponsor a J-1 visa. These sponsors provide mentorship and support, and oversee foreigners during their exchange in the United States. Please consult with the embassy in your home country to determine which visa will allow you to participate. Please be advised, obtaining a visa is a lengthy process with several costs associated.

Does ABT provide housing for international applicants?

No, ABT internship program does not offer housing for interns but can offer a list of housing options upon request and assist with any questions you may have.

Application Process

What do I need to submit for my application?

You need to submit the internship application along with resumé and cover letter for your application to be considered. The cover letter must specify the position(s) to which you are applying. Letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required.

Please apply via the form link on the Internships section of the Opportunities at ABT webpage. Any incomplete applications will not be considered.

Can I apply for multiple positions?

Yes, please clearly specify the positions you are applying for in the first paragraph of your cover letter.

How should I submit my application?

Please apply via the form link on the Internships section of the Opportunities at ABT webpage.

Is a letter of recommendation required?

No, recommendation letters are optional for all applicants but highly encouraged. If you would like to include one, you can upload it along with your other application materials, or send it independently to internships@abt.org.

Is there a specific format for letters of recommendation that my recommender should follow?

No, there is not a required format for letters of recommendation.

Can I submit additional materials with my application?

Unless specified in the job description, you may only submit the materials listed on the Internships section of the Opportunities at ABT webpage.

Will I be notified when ABT receives the application?

Yes, you will receive an email stating that your application was processed. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

I wasn’t offered a position for this term. Do I need to resubmit my application for another semester?

Yes. All applicants must resubmit all required paperwork each term.

ABT RISE Scholarship

What is the ABT RISE Scholarship?

The ABT RISE Scholarship is a diversity initiative created to expand ethnic and cultural diversity in classical ballet, particularly for racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in the art form. Selected interns will be eligible to receive a scholarship so that they may travel to and live in New York City for the duration of the internship with limited financial constraints. The scholarship may include round-trip transportation, housing assistance or a monthly Metrocard for travel.

How do I apply for the ABT RISE Scholarship?

Please refer to the scholarship application form included in the internship application that outlines the requirements and eligibility for the ABT RISE Scholarship.

Selection Process

How many interns do you accept into each program?

ABT usually offers between 6-12 internships for each term.

I am currently traveling abroad and will not be able to come for an interview should I be contacted. Are phone interviews allowed?

Due to ABT’s current hybrid work set-up, all interviews will take place over Zoom for the time being.

When will I be contacted with the final offer?

Each department conducts the interviews independently. Decisions are usually finalized within 7-14 days of the interview.

Will I be contacted if I do NOT receive an internship offer?

Yes, all candidates will be notified of their status.

Internship Program

How long do internships last?

Internships are offered three semesters each year: Fall (September-December), Spring (February-May), Summer (June-August). Internships last approximately 12-16 weeks. Unless specified, interns must commit for the entire term. Please check our website for the exact timeline.

What is the minimum weekly requirement?

Hours vary and times are flexible, but interns are required to complete a minimum average of 12 hours per week, with a maximum of 25 hours per week.

What would my typical day look like?

As each intern and mentor’s needs and schedule will be different, there is no set schedule that all interns follow other than the weekly meetings. Each internship will be customized to cater to the professional goals set by the intern and the mentor. Interns over the years have contributed to the ABT Intern Blog that can provide ideas about what your work might consist of. Please visit the blog and use the filter to search for specific departments.

Are there opportunities to meet interns working in other departments?

Yes. There will be weekly meetings held each Friday morning to provide professional development for all interns including professional development workshops and guest speakers.

Can I receive academic credit?

Yes. Academic credit can be arranged, but it is the responsibility of the student to check the specific requirements and retrieve the necessary forms from their university. ABT will provide any additional documentation if necessary.

Will positions listed this semester be available every term?

Maybe. Some departments, such as Education and Membership, will likely offer internships every semester, while other departments only offer internships based on their needs. Please make sure to check the available website for the most recent postings.

I would like to extend the length of my internship. Am I able to do so?

No. Internships are highly sought-after positions. ABT aims to serve the widest number of applicants and cannot extend internships or craft individual programs outside of the predetermined fall, spring and summer semesters.

Occasionally, interns may participate in projects or events that occur after the conclusion of the internship. Interns will be notified in advance of any schedule changes. We understand these situations arise and will be handled accordingly by your department’s supervisor on a case-by-case basis.

I’ve already completed an internship at ABT, but can I reapply?

You may apply for another internship but it must be for a position in a different department.

Stipends & Housing

Do interns receive a stipend?

Yes, interns receive a stipend of $125 per week to help offset travel and meal expenses. Stipend is contingent upon completion of hours, documents, time-sheets, mid-year and final evaluations and review.

Is ABT able to provide housing?

No, ABT is not able to provide housing but may provide a list of housing options upon request and assist with any questions you may have.

Some students may be eligible for assistance through an ABT RISE Scholarship. Please check your eligibility in the ABT RISE Scholarship application form.