Fabrication Intern

We believe that diverse teams make the strongest teams, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Fall Internship:
Application window opens July 1-31

Spring Internship:
Application window opens October 1-31

Summer Internship:
Application window opens April 1-30

Interns with What if Puppets work with the production side of our 35 year-old puppet company under the guidance of our master artisans who specialize in puppet, costume, and scenic design and construction. Interns will assist in the creation of puppets, props, costumes and set pieces for touring, theatrical, and commercial works. Our goal is to expand artists ‘hirable’ skills by increasing their confidence in adapting their own practice to new forms in order to open doors for their career to expand.

Following the successful completion of an internship, artists have the opportunity to apply to be on our roster of paid contract artists.

Inspiring play and cultivating connections through puppetry.

• Assisting in the construction of puppets using a variety of mediums
• Sewing costume pieces
• Constructing sets and props (basic woodworking)
• Painting puppets and scenery
• Participating in collaborative problem solving unique to puppetry

• Confidence in working with a creative director to achieve project vision
• Proficiency in working in a team environment
• Strengthening of sewing, fabric construction and sculpting skills as they adapt to the novel ways these techniques are used in professional puppet making
• Exposure to pattern-making and design principles for transforming 2D designs into 3D objects

Interns will benefit from the unique problem-solving challenges of puppet theater. Everything we create must meet three criteria: it must be visually appealing, sturdy enough to withstand hundreds of performances, and function as a performance object. Interns will learn how to plan for these criteria in their time with us.

• Basic sewing
• Basic woodworking
• Strong history in fabric manipulation
• Innovative problem solving

Unpaid. Qualifies for college credit.

WiP is based at the Plexpod Westport Building, 300

E. 39th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.

We will work with you to reach the number of hours needed to fulfill school requirements. Our shop hours are Monday through Friday 9AM-5PM, and internship hours are expected to take place during our office hours Tuesday through Friday.

Please apply below during the application window. We will ask for your resume and examples of your work. If you don't have a resume, tell us a bit about your experience and why you're interested in applying.

Please do not email your application. If you are interested in applying, apply when the application window opens.

• Fall Semester: application window opens July 1-31
• Spring Semester: application window opens October 1-31
• Summer Semester: application window opens April 1-30