NEW YORK CITY: Black Theatre United (BTU) has introduced the Broadway Marketing Internship Program, an initiative aimed at creating greater access for students from underrepresented communities in the theatrical industry and fostering a deeper understanding of how Broadway operates. Created in collaboration with CUNY and four entertainment marketing and advertising agencies: Serino Coyne, AKA, RPM, and Situation Interactive, the program provides paid summer internships for eight undergraduate students. Two students will be placed at each agency for the duration of the eight-week program, which runs from June 27 to Aug. 19. While open to all currently enrolled undergraduate students, the program is committed to providing opportunities for students who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color with an interest in the field. Applications will be accepted until March 28.
“This collaboration is one more step on the journey to creating pipelines and developing a more inclusive and accountable industry,” said Allyson Tucker, a founding member of BTU, in a statement. “The amount of talented Black advertising candidates and other advertising candidates of color is staggering and untapped when it comes to the theatrical industry. Providing opportunities for intelligent and creative artists of color to authentically and holistically hone their abilities in fields where there has been no access will elevate and excite this industry in ways we can’t imagine, but can’t wait to see. The dream of a truly relevant, vibrant, thriving, inclusive industry begins by ensuring that opportunities exist in every corner of this community.”
The internship will begin with a workshop on the production timeline from The Business of Broadway. In addition to receiving mentorship from Broadway professionals and BTU founders, students will gain hands on experience in various agency departments including strategic planning, research, creative development and art direction, media planning, social media, content development, partnership marketing, and sales and data analytics. Participants will also attend theatrical events, courses, and industry field trips.
Founded by members of the Black theatre community, Black Theatre United is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting awareness, accountability, and advocacy in order to protect Black people, Black talent, and Black lives in theatre.
