Technical Theatre Internship Program
We’d like to partner with you to build your production. The Technical Theatre Internship Program is excited to work with professional companies to build professional productions at a reasonable cost. TTIP provides DU students with paid opportunities to work with professional companies and designers in a supportive setting that prepares them for work in the entertainment industry. During the build process, students are engaged in the construction shop with working professionals, and then experience the challenges of moving the show elements to a professional venue, working with the theatre company’s team to install and present the show.
Previous Productions
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Phamaly Theatre Company
Working with Phamaly is always an exciting challenge. Our students learn to think differently about construction for companies where people have different abilities. For example, we may need to accommodate for wheelchairs and other physical challenges. It’s also exciting in that Phamaly presents its summer show in the Kilstrom Theater in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Complex. Our students are exposed to the crews and work experience of DCPA’s professional company. The show was especially challenging with a full stage painted pentagonal floor that was painted at DU and then installed by the DCPA crew.
Confederates
Curious Theatre Company
Curious has a long history with DU - its faculty includes longtime company members and founders. Curious not only challenges us with their show choices, but with the challenges of a century-old building. There’s always something interesting, exciting, and out-of-plumb at Curious. "Confederates" was a masterclass in trim. The show required extensive baseboards and crown moldings with multiple compound angles. We were proud of the work of the students and the staff who guided all those miters.
School of Rock
Veritas Productions at Parker Arts
In the past couple of years, we have had the good luck to build shows at Parker Arts and Cultural Events (PACE). Twice a year PACE hires community partners to present full scale musicals in their 400-seat venue. We love doing musicals because they present challenges in moving scenery, rapid scene changes, and glitzy style that’s different from our other partners. "School of Rock" was a mix of flying scenery, rolling units, and a masterclass in LED neon. We always learn something new when we do a musical.
Steven McDonald
Scenery Director & DU Faculty
During the build process, Steven McDonald works with our professional staff and students to budget and plan for builds, organize crews, and serve as a liaison between professional companies and the DU team. In a regular build period, McDonald's team is balancing the needs of multiple productions for both academic and professional clients. McDonald navigates the use of materials, space, and funding to complete each project.
What Happens Next?
Contact us for a bid. Our calendar is limited due to the needs of the academic season and the fact that we make our students actually go to class, but we would love to talk to you about your project and finding exciting and affordable ways to realize your project.
