We love interns!

Barrier-Free offers a variety of internships for undergraduate and graduate students.  Our internships provide college students hands-on, immersive experience with drama therapy work in the disability field.

Internship placements include The Life Skills & Social Studio, Inclusive Theater Companies, and/or expressive arts classes and social clubs.  Our interns play a critical role in building inclusive programming as well as bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm.

In most circumstances, Barrier-Free is able to partner with your college or university to provide college credit or licensure credit hours.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who:

  • Have a genuine passion for working with adults with disabilities and autism.
  • Are open-minded and willing to participate on stage alongside our neurodivergent actors.
  • Conduct themselves in a manner that is both fun and professional, ensuring a positive and respectful environment for everyone.​

Why Join Us?

  • Meaningful Impact: You'll play a pivotal role in empowering neurodivergent individuals to explore their talents, build confidence, and showcase their abilities on stage.
  • Inclusive Community: Be a part of an inspiring and diverse community that celebrates uniqueness and encourages growth.
  • Growth and Learning: Gain hands-on experience in inclusive theater practices and develop essential skills that will benefit you both personally and professionally.
  • Transformative Experience: Witness the power of theater in breaking barriers and fostering connections between individuals of all abilities.
 

"Best internship ever!"

Interning at Barrier free theatre was one of the most life-altering experiences I’ve had thus far. I started my internship as a philosophy major with no idea of what I wanted to do after college and ended the same internship with a passion and love for working with adults and teenagers on the Austim Spectrum. I only needed one semester of internship experience for my major. However, I stayed on for the next two years because it became something I looked forward to every week. I recommend this internship experience for everyone and anyone who wants more love, laughter, and an amazing community.

- Lucy Geeslin, McDaniel Class of 2017
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Former Barrier-Free psychology interns, Mimi, Lucy, Grace, and Jules now alumni of McDaniel College.

All The Details

What will I be doing?

​Students are embedded in on-the-ground work in our programs.  In our theater companies, interns work alongside actors with disabilities and the artistic to bring all elements of the theater production to the stage. Interns play a vital role in bringing our inclusion model to life at Barrier-Free, especially within our theater companies. They work side by side with neurodivergent actors and our creative team to bring every element of the theater production to the stage. From memorizing lines and stage directions to supporting the actors in their roles, interns have an active role in the show. Moreover, they serve as invaluable mentors, demonstrating social etiquette and skills that enhance the theater process.

But it doesn't stop there! At The Life Skills & Social Studio, our interns engage in front-facing work with clients, supporting and facilitating life skills, social skills, and expressive arts activities. They also accompany the group on community outings, enriching the overall experience for everyone involved.

Does this internship align to my major?

Barrier-Free internships are best suited for students studying drama therapy, expressive arts therapies, psychology, theater, philosophy, or other humanities majors, as well as genetics, biology or other human-science related fields.  Don't see your major listed but still interested?  Contact us!

How many credits can I earn?

College credit amount is dependent on college/university, program of study, and department approval.  Contact us directly so we can connect with your department head or professor and determine exact credit amounts.  In past situations, we have been able to provide 3 college credits per semester to our interns.

What are the time commitments?

Inclusive Theater Internships are seven month commitments from September - March.  It is preferred that interns are available during January winter breaks, but accommodations can be made if an intern is unable to attend during January.  Interns may join Company A (rehearsals Mondays from 7 - 8:30pm), or Company B (rehearsals Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30pm).

​Life Skills & Social Studio internships can occur year round as the Studio is open all twelve months, with daily programming.

Due to our flexibility in programming, internship lengths can be designed to meet an intern's needs.

Who supervises interns?

Britt Burr, Creative Director, and/or Lauren Burr, Executive Director, will be your internship supervisor(s).  Britt has a licensure in Drama Therapy (RDT) and Lauren has a teaching licensure in the state of Maryland. ​

What happens when my internship is over?

By the end of the internship, students will have an increased wealth of knowledge and skill in working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism.  They will have had extensive opportunities to build rapport with individuals with disabilities as well as research, analyze, and synthesize a wide range of information for diverse audiences unfamiliar with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. ​

We always welcome our interns to return for another season of Barrier-Free and are forever a part of our "family."  We have also had many interns grow from interns to paid members of our team as positions become available.  Jen Shillingburg, Barrier-Free Board Member & Co. B Assistant Director, Marie Angier, Assitant Director & Skill Coaching, Kelly Young, Assistant Director, and Evan Darr, Assistant Teaching Artist, started their Barrier-Free journeys as interns.

Depending on your program requirements, your internship supervisors will provide any official documentation, internship reviews, etc. needed to ensure your credit is earned.

Ready to apply?

Step 1:
Complete the internship application.  Complete and return the application via email. 
Step 2:
Wait to be contacted to schedule an intern interview.  Interviews will occur via Zoom or at The Life Skills & Social Studio and provide the chance to meet with Barrier-Free leadership.  At the interview you can expect to share about your program of study, your background & experiences, and design an internship to meet you schedule and interests.

Step 3:
If accepted, sign and return our internship contract prior to internship start, and then get ready for a wonderful experience!

Still have questions?

Email [email protected] to connect.

Make a Difference

Acting, singing, dancing, scene painting, and more.  Our interns are hands-on at Barrier-Free.
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to be a part of an innovative and inclusive theater experience! Join Barrier-Free today and make a difference through the magic of theater. Together, let's create a stage where everyone shines!

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