The Ringling offers paid summer internships for eight weeks every summer. We are the state art museum of Florida, governed by Florida State University. The Ringling includes several venues and departments including multiple art and circus museums, a historic mansion, rose garden, a theater, an archive, and an art reference library -- all contained with a beautiful 66-acre campus overlooking Sarasota Bay.

Ringling summer internships include practical, hands-on career-building experiences working on one or more projects. All summer interns gain exposure to The Ringling’s operations, professional development, and cultural enrichment activities. 

Summer 2023 internship applications are CLOSED. For 2023, applications opened February 20 and closed April 9. Please come back for Summer 2024 internships – applications will open on or about February 19, 2024. 

Internship opportunities vary by year. These were the internship opportunities for Summer 2023: 

Position: Archives Intern

• 40-hours per week, Monday-Friday, typically 8a-5p, schedule flexible
• On campus; not remote

• The intern will work in The Ringling’s Archives. The Archives holds an analog and corresponding digital collection of architectural drawings for each facility on the museum campus. The arrangement and description of these collections need to be brought up to date. The intern will be responsible for:
• Compiling the analog collection by the building name/ title 
• Arranging the analog files for each building in chronological order
• Placing the collection in file drawers, using appropriate archival materials and methods of document storage
• Creating a drawer list indicating the type of document and the content of the document. For example, identifying if the record is a design drawing, construction document, presentation drawing, shop drawing/ submittal for construction phase, or an “as-built” or records drawing of actual conditions. 
• Cross referencing the analog records with the digital collection inventory. Working with the archivists to determine what needs to be scanned. 

• Working with a specialist in the field of architecture, the intern will gain an understanding of the process of design and construction and the names, context, and purposes of the documents created. 
• The intern will learn how to identify the type of architectural document
• The intern will gain knowledge in appropriate archival methods for storage of the documents.
• The intern will learn about appraisal of the documents for retention in the collection
• The intern will gain an understanding of archival document retention strategies, as not all the materials are worthy of permanent retention. 
• Materials will be archived to professional archival standards. 

• Degree-seeking in bachelor of arts
• Must have the ability to use Adobe Suite products
• Ability to lift at least 15-pounds
• Detail oriented
• Preferred Qualifications/Experience:
• An interest in the information sciences

Position: Collections Intern

• 40-hours per week; typically Monday-Friday 8a-5p
• On campus; not remote

• This internship experience will serve to provide a broad overview of the collections management field. Opportunities will include: 
• Object handling training
• Introduction to records management and cataloging standards
• Participation in the project execution of museum exhibitions
• Additional efforts will be made for interaction with a variety of Collections staff members, tours through current projects at The Ringling Museum, as well as chances to view portions of the collection in a behind-the-scenes capacity. 
• The 2023 summer internship will focus primarily on a full inventory of Ca d’Zan, The Ringlings’ winter home, as well as cataloguing and rehousing three-dimensional objects in museum storage spaces.

• Develop an understanding of basic art handling skills for a variety of objects
• Learn the standards of object documentation, cataloging, and storage
• Develop an understanding for data entry, records management, and Collection Management Systems
• Assist in the preparation of artwork for outgoing loan, including handling, packing, and transportation
• Develop an understanding for the basics of framing and matting works on paper for display
• Develop an understanding for the scope of work for exhibition project execution, including assisting in installations, preparing labels and graphics for installation, and the general needs of project planning
• Gain a stronger understanding of the roles and responsibilities of museum collections staff

• Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a focus in Art History, History, Museum Studies, or Library Sciences
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Able to follow directions and complete assignments successfully
• Knowledge of applicable computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word), and basic computer functions 
• Able to meet physical requirements as determined by position to include bending/twisting, climbing/descending stairs or ladders, standing and walking for extended periods, handle delicate and fragile works of art, and lift and carry up to 30 lbs

• Currently enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, a related graduate program of Fine Art, Art History, History, Museum Studies, or Library Sciences 
• Academic and/or professional experience in museum Collections work
• Experience using collections software (such as TMS)
• Superior attention to detail
• Knowledge of office practices, procedures, and etiquette
• Ability to prioritize, organize and perform multiple work assignments simultaneously

Position: Curatorial Intern

• 40-hours per week, flexible; typically Monday-Friday 8a-5p
• On campus; not remote

• The intern will work directly with one or more of the Ringling’s six collections curators. The intern will accomplish the following: 
• Depending on candidate strengths, interns will be tasked with collection and exhibition research, preparing object checklists, cataloging, writing didactic materials such as exhibition labels, and preparing gallery talks. 
• They will have the opportunity to attend meetings with curatorial staff and other departments as appropriate. 

• Various responsibilities of art museum curators
• How departments collaborate to create exhibitions and manage collections
• Gain awareness of the considerations and processes of planning exhibitions and presenting works of art
• Gain experience in writing for and speaking to different audiences.

• A master’s degree in Art History or related discipline specializing in an area relevant to The Ringling’s collections (Link to Collections: https://emuseum.ringling.org/emuseum/collections)
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Adobe software

• Experience using collections software (such as TMS)
• Reading proficiency in language/s other than English

• IN ADDITION TO a relevant cover letter, resume, and transcripts, include an academic writing sample (3–5 pages; this could be a term paper or a publication on a relevant topic)

Position: Education Intern

• 40-hours per week, flexible; must be able to work some Saturdays
• On campus; not remote

• The intern will work in The Ringling’s Education Department and focus on family programming. The intern will complete the following tasks:
• Develop and implement public programming for ROAR! (early literacy and art making)
• Develop and implement public stroller tours focused on the interaction between caregivers, their toddlers, and the collection 
• Implement public programming for a multi-generational family audience focused on collaborative art making and the museum’s collection 
• Develop skills to engage a variety of audiences with the museum’s collection and history 
• Learn and practice gallery teaching
• Help implement outreach programs as needed
• Learn the duties and responsibilities of various museum staff, with an emphasis on Education

• By the end of the internship, the intern will have the opportunity to learn the following:
• Design and plan educational programming for children and teens
• Conduct museum educational programming for a variety of age groups
• Public speaking and writing skills for a variety of age groups
• Learn and practice research skills, specifically for museum education
• Learn and practice writing museum proposals 
• Museum event logistics, planning, and budgeting

• At least one year of college. Undergraduate, Masters, & PhD students welcome.
• Some experience working with children
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Desire to work in the museum or art education field 
• Written communication skills
• Familiar with Microsoft Office
• Positive, can-do attitude

• Some Art Education experience
• Some Art Historical knowledge

Position: Technical Theater and/or Performing Arts Administration Intern

• 40-hours per week, flexible; must be able to work evenings and weekends
• On campus; not remote

• The intern will study with dedicated theatre arts professionals in a hands-on learning environment at The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre (The HAT) during its summer season. The internship is focused on technical theater arts, but can include elements of arts administration depending on the intern’s interests. The intern will be introduced to theatre arts management skills studying under the Production Manager of The HAT and be involved in sound, lighting, video, set, basic rigging, props and stage management and planning.
• Assist the theater's Production Manager with the coordination of operations and performances.
• Assist Performance team with ongoing administrative needs, which will expose intern to a variety of aspects of arts management.  
• Assist with organizing technical and production equipment and programming needs for the performance season, including organizing technical requests and the production calendar.  
• Learn how to program a basic sound and lighting board, as well as run a projector, run video software on a variety of programs, and focus lighting instruments.  
• Have the opportunity to work with professional artists, cultivating important relationships and widening knowledge of a range of performance disciplines.  
• Participate in theater maintenance, safety training and learn about requirements and membership in the associated technical and artist unions (IATSE, et al).
• Have the opportunity to review technical riders and sit in on artist planning meetings to determine technical production needs.

• By the end of the internship, the intern will: 
• Be knowledgeable in the basics of technical theater arts management. 
• Gain practical experience, with direct mentorship from technical and curatorial staff.  
• Gain valuable hands-on experience within a professional theater environment, which will prepare them for collegiate theater programs and competitive professional work opportunities in the local market, or in regional and national fields.  
• Develop and improve communication, organizational and conceptual skills, and provide a mentoring experience for emerging professionals.
• Help students decide if technical work is the career path they would like to follow and provide an excellent springboard for professional networking. 
• Many of the technical elements apply to other industries, and this basic knowledge helps expand social, mental and physical discipline for problem solving, project planning, team building and communication, which are essentials in professional arts careers.

• High school diploma or equivalent. College degree not required.
• Interest in performing arts.  
• Experience should include some exposure to the performing arts as a student, pre-professional performer or theater employee.  
• Other experience may include technical theater, box office and front of house management, program design, costume and set design or promotions.  

• For technical theater:  Experience with sound, lighting and video equipment;  experience with theater front of house management.  
• For performing arts administration:  Experience with grant writing, marketing and social media.  

Position: Visitor Services – Admissions 

• 40-hours per week, Any five-day period during Monday-Sunday, 9a-5p
• On campus; not remote

• The intern will work in The Ringling’s Visitor Pavilion. The intern will perform the following activities:
• Set up and monitor e-Ticket check-in within the Visitors Pavilion
• Direct flow of visitor traffic to avoid congestion
• Help visitors and provide basic customer service

• The intern will learn the following:
• Attentive customer service
• Greeting and helping a diverse range of guests during their Ringling visit
• Problem solving skills in a fast-paced environment

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Need to be able to stand (at least three hours) and walk about the Visitors Pavilion
• Able to scan guests’ tickets for entrance to the museum grounds
• Able to perform basic customer service duties such as answering questions and directing guests to museum areas

• Any previous experience or interest in museums, ticketing a plus, but not necessary

Position: Visitor Services – Box Office Intern 

• 40-hours per week, Tuesday-Friday 9a-5p; Saturday 10a-6p
• On campus; not remote

• The intern will work in The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater Box Office. The intern will perform the following activities:
• Set up and Monitor will call ticket boxes
• Check-in summer camp, and large adult groups
• Follow up with all groups as to final guest list

• The intern will learn the following:
• Attentive customer service
• Greeting and helping a diverse range of guests during their Ringling visit
• Problem solving skills in a fast-paced environment

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Need to be able to stand (at least an hour) and walk about the theater (including steps) to guide patrons during seating and performances
• Able to scan guests’ tickets for entrance to the theater
• Able to perform basic customer service duties such as answering questions and handing out will call tickets

• Any previous experience or interest in theater is a plus, but not necessary
• Able to create and monitor Excel spreadsheets