Theater Planning Intern | Summer 2027

DLR Group's Theater Planning team has an opening for a Theater and Systems Design Summer Intern in our Los Angeles studio.

We have multiple positions and locations available; please refer to all openings posted and apply to the locations that are most suitable for your living situation during the course of your internship. This is not a remote position.

About EPX at DLR Group

As an intern at DLR Group, you’ll be part of our Emerging Professional Experience (EPX) Program, designed to give you a meaningful introduction to life within an integrated design firm and a strong foundation for your career in the AEC industry.

Each person at DLR Group has a design voice, and EPX gives you opportunities to develop and share yours. Through hands-on project work, mentorship, and learning experiences, you’ll gain exposure to the people, disciplines, and ideas that shape the built environment. You may participate in design discussions, project meetings, site visits, business development efforts, office activities, and other experiences that broaden your understanding of the design profession.

The program combines three core components: mentorship, project work, and weekly learning sessions. Topics may include design culture, sustainability, design technology, communication, marketing and business development, project and resource management, research, equity, career development, and more. Along the way, you’ll hear from leaders and integrated designers across DLR Group and build connections with fellow emerging professionals.

Position Summary

As a Theater Planning Intern at DLR Group, you will be an important part of our integrated design team, contributing to the design of theatrical lighting, drapery, and rigging systems for performance venues of various types, sizes, and complexities. Working alongside professionals across architecture, engineering, interiors, AV, acoustics and other disciplines, you will gain hands-on experience with the design process from early concepts and system development through documentation and construction administration.

Our Summer Internship Program is a paid, full-time opportunity running May 18 through August 6, 2027, and interns are expected to participate for the duration of the program. This is an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom, build your technical and professional skills, and contribute your perspective to design solutions that support our brand promise of Elevating the Human Experience through design.

What you will do

• Collaborate with architects and engineers as part of our integrated design process
• Support needs-assessment and early project planning efforts
• Assist in providing architects, engineers, and other project planners with theatrical design guidance on mechanical, structural, and electrical requirements for performance spaces and performance equipment systems
• Support senior staff with project design reviews, documentation, existing conditions/equipment assessment, and other theatrical design work
• Learn the tools, technology, and workflow involved with BIM and how today’s designers deliver successful projects
• Assist in developing concepts, calculations, modeling, drawing review, and project execution
• 2D drafting and 3D modeling using Autodesk Revit software

Required Qualifications:

• At least a third-year student in an accredited Architecture, Design, Theater, or similar program
• Excellent communication, technology, and organizational skills
• Good multitasking skills to easily switch between projects while keeping track of tasks
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Experience with drafting programs such as Revit or AutoCAD
• A desire to learn about the architecture/engineering design process
• Basic knowledge of typical theatrical production practice
• Basic knowledge of performance-related equipment systems such as theatrical lighting, rigging, audience seating, etc.; strong knowledge of at least one system preferred
• Goal-oriented with strong skills in problem-solving, creativity, and attention to detail

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of a school/employment or any other visa, regardless of expiration date, now or in the future.

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