Patron Services & Venue Management Intern

Recruitment began on June 24, 2026

and the job listing Expires on July 25, 2026

Please ensure that you read the description and application instructions below in full. We regret that we are not able to respond to or accept applications that are sent to us on Handshake instead of via email to opendoors as directed. Thank you for your understanding.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is seeking an enthusiastic individual who is looking for hands‑on Patron Services and venue management experience in a fast‑moving environment. This internship will include experiences in customer service, safety and security, performance planning and management, as well as volunteer management, communications and event planning.

Timeframe: Internships are 10-12 hours per week with the potential for select evening or weekend events. Dates may be flexible to accommodate school schedules; please indicate your general weekday daytime, weekday evening and weekend availability in a cover letter.

• Summer internships are from mid/late May through mid/late August.
• Fall internships are from early September through early December.
• Spring internships are from early February through early May.

• Is flexible, accommodating, dependable, detail‑oriented and self‑starting.
• Has strong written and verbal communication skills with confidence in proofreading abilities.
• Has experience with customer service, data entry, and Microsoft Office.

• Is enrolled in or has very recently completed a college degree in Arts Administration, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Volunteer Management, Venue Management, Hospitality or Performing Arts/Theater or similar.
• Has previous work experience in the fields of event management, ticketing services, public relations or communications, nonprofit management, customer service, house management, volunteer management or similar.
• Has experience with customer service and/or arts administration.

Assist with Prepping for Performances

• Attend weekly events meetings and communicate pertinent takeaways to the team.
• Compile performance information and prepare various show night documents.
• Conduct front of house walk‑throughs for Kauffman Center Presents performances.
• Communicate with Ticket Office regarding patrons who have accessibility needs and coordinate the fulfillment of those needs.
• Shadow Performance Lead during shows for a well‑rounded understanding of front of house operations.
• Maintain and review quality control on performance nights for various front of house roles.

Assist with Internal Communications and Team building.

• Plan and execute monthly teambuilding events.
• Create a plan for recognizing staff during Customer Service Appreciation Week.
• Assist with planning, scheduling and assignments of part‑time staff for Future Stages Festival, the Kauffman Center’s annual family‑friendly community event.
• Compile all training materials into one unified document.

Assist with Volunteer Management and Events

• Take, label and archive photos at performances and volunteer events (camera and training provided).
• Collaborate with the Patron Services Team to plan and execute a volunteer social outing/event.
• Work alongside the Patron Services Team to lay out and execute the logistics and event timeline for the annual volunteer and staff training; prepare Volunteer Office for biweekly training sessions.
• General Office functions and administrative support as needed.

Up to a $2100 stipend will be provided in two parts, one in the middle of the internship and one at the end. Staff is also happy to help arrange for course credit.

Interns will have the unique opportunity to participate in the daily workings of a large, well‑known performing arts center and nonprofit organization alongside a tight‑knit team. Our goal is for each intern to walk away with a portfolio of event planning, arts administration, volunteer coordination and retention, training and data…