Where can I find a theater props internship in Canada for summer theater?

Question

I'm looking for a summer theater placement anywhere in Canada where I can serve as props master or as a props intern. Preferably somewhere that provides housing.

I'm looking for a summer theater placement as a props master or props intern anywhere in Canada for the summer. Most summer stocks in the States include housing or offer a housing stipend, so some place like that would be wonderful.

Edited again to add more details...by the time the summer hits I'll have a BFA in Tech. Theatre and I have experience in professional theater as a props master. The Shaw and Stratford Festivals are out of the question because they employ technicians from Jan-June and I can't start until late May. In terms of housing, many summerstocks in the US (where I live, but I'm a Canadian citizen) offer housing as part of the package (places like Glimmerglass, Santa Fe Opera, etc) so it'd be nice to have that.

Answer 1

Internships, or what are refered to as Apprenticeships, are fairly common in the big Festivals. Check out Shaw festival, Stratford, Blyth, etc. Try contacting your local professional companies (not sure where in Canada you live) - talk to them about creating an apprentice position, that way you can stay in your hometown and still live off the peanuts they will pay you.

It is extremely rare that your housing will be provided. I've worked all the festivals and they do expect you to pay for your own housing, though they do have a housing department to help you find reasonably priced accomodations.

Also, you won't be made a props master until you've had many many years experience and a degree from a recognized Technical Theatre program. Make that part of your plans as well.

Answer 2

I'm sure any theatre would be happy to have you help with props, but providing housing? That's definitely a rarity. Call around now to professional theatres that provide housing to their actors and see if they make the same provision to crew and see if you can work something out or apply for a position.

good luck,
Marianne