Most entrepreneurship educators will agree that experiential learning is a critical component of the education of the young entrepreneur.  I’m fortunate to have been involved with the Phoenix Fringe Festival since its inception (with the help of a seed grant from the p.a.v.e. program). This year I am coordinating internships (i.e. experiential learning opportunities) for the Fringe.  If you’re in the Phoenix metro area and are interested in working with an innovative nonprofit start-up, the opportunity outlined below may be for you.

PHX:fringe 2011 Internship Opportunities

Phoenix Fringe Festival is currently seeking interns to work in all areas of Festival operations including artist services, web design, graphic design, production management, fundraising, marketing & public relations and administration.  The Festival takes place April 1 – 10, 2011, Internships are available immediately with increased activity during (and leading up to) the Festival dates.

Benefits of internship include possible academic credit (consult with your home institution) as well as hands-on experience working in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.  PHX:fringe board members and senior staff will serve as mentors. Interns will have the opportunity to take on responsibility for independent projects from start to finish.  This is a great opportunity to work side-by-side and learn from the experienced professionals on the Fringe board and staff while advancing the PHX:fringe mission to bring cutting edge performance to downtown Phoenix.

Internships are available in following areas:

Technical/Design – Work closely with and learn from the Technical Director and operations staff to oversee the technical logistics at each Fringe venue.  Participate in load-in, rental procurement, budget oversight and strike for each venue.

Marketing and Public Relations – Work with board and staff to get out the word about PHX:fringe.  Coordinate press contacts, online resources, social networking and word of mouth to market PHX:fringe in the community.  Plan and execute events, programs, activities and partnerships that will engage and grow audiences for PHX:fringe 2011 and beyond.

Web & IT Management – Manage website to maximize Fringe resources and deliver vital messages through high quality text and graphic content.  Assist with managing electronic ticketing software as well as PayPal, constant contact, and other electronic content.

Volunteer Management – Assist with and learn about recruiting, training and organizing more than 50 volunteers to operate Fringe venues during the Festival.  Oversee safety and logistics training and scheduling for volunteers.

Artist Services– Participate in delivering direct services to participating Fringe artists.  Organize and plan events, transportation, accommodations, recognition programs, and partnership programs designed to ensure the artists at PHX:fringe 2011 have the best possible experience.

Administration – Administrative interns will plan and implement box office operations, Fringe Central activities, artist contracts and other aspects of business operations.

Fundraising – Learn the fundamentals of nonprofit fundraising by assisting with the process of engaging individual and institutional donors to support the Festival.  This is a great chance to take the mystery out of the fundraising process and get experience raising funds.

Email a letter of interest and resume to <linda dot essig at asu dot edu>. BE SURE TO PUT “FRINGE INTERN” IN SUBJECT LINE.  For more information about the Phoenix Fringe Festival, see http://phxfringe.org