Graphic Design Intern - Cleveland Public Theatre

Position Overview 

Cleveland Public Theatre, through Studio in a School Association, is offering an exciting opportunity for a Graphic Design Intern this summer to get firsthand experience in helping to elevate the theater’s internal and external design needs while learning the inner workings of a non-profit arts organization and the importance of show images in audience engagement. 

The Cleveland Public Theatre Graphic Design Intern will design a show image for the theatre's Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) summer show under the guidance of the Graphic Designer and Director of Audience Engagement & Marketing. The design should be representative of the show and will appear online, on a T-shirt, in a theatre program, and possibly more. The intern will learn how to develop materials by sitting in on possible rehearsals to learn what the story is about; and from that they will collaborate with Audience Engagement and get feedback from the Education Department STEP Producers to develop the overall image of the show and other materials. They will also assist the Graphic Designer and & Digital Strategy Manager in developing designs for social media posts.  

The intern will also assist/and or create signage and other materials based on the existing template design for Pandemonium, CPT’s annual fundraiser, depending on availability. Other design opportunities might be available depending on progress.  These projects could include last-minute program ads, flyers for our education program, and social media graphics. Other duties could be assigned based on the intern's interest and time.  

Goals of Internship 

Candidates will learn how to design a show image and the importance it plays in the initial engagement of an audience.  

They will also learn how to communicate their ideas as well as pitch ideas with methods such as story boards.  

They should be able to take constructive feedback as it is a major skill to have in the marketing and theater world. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design the show image for the Student Theatre Enrichment Program’s (STEP) annual summer touring show under guidance of the Graphic Designer.  
• Conduct research, create vision board, attend rehearsal and meet with the team involved with creating the STEP show to gain inspiration to create the design. 
• Archive season materials and file and catalog the new season print materials. 
• Assist with creating signage (working with existing templates) for the theatre’s annual fundraiser Pandemonium if time allows. 
• Assist with designing program ads, online ads, flyers, social media graphics and other small projects that come up sporadically. 

Qualifications: 

Must be currently enrolled as a junior or senior in a college or university preferably in Northeast Ohio pursuing a degree in Graphic Design or Illustration. 

• Strong interest in career in graphic design. An interest in theatre or other performing arts is preferred, but not necessary.  
• Candidates should have basic graphic design skill and be able to use InDesign, PDF Creative Suite and other basic software.  
• They should also know basic layout and topography on a computer.  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Must be able to take constructive feedback. 
• Eager to learn new skills. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. 

Duration: Summer (June 4 through August 4, 2026), 28 hours a week (7 hours including lunch 4 days a week with the exception of Fridays.)