Summer FAQs

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WORKSHOP
AND AN INTERNSHIP?
The Summer Workshop is a seven week workshop in the acting style of our company offered to individuals from around the world. The Workshop starts in early July and ends in mid August. This is a 16 hour/week commitment; 8 hours in class, and 8 hours in the trenches - setting up our stage, postering or food prep.

Our summer internships are in conjunction with our summer production period. Typical Internships are in Stage Management, Costumes, Scenic/Tech, Sound, Tour Management, Community Engagement and Administration. These internships are offered based on our need for help in particular areas. Internships start as early as May and end when that aspect of the project is over.

DO THE INTERNS GET PAID?
Interns receive a small stipend of $50 per week.

CAN I DO BOTH THE WORKSHOP AND AN INTERNSHIP?
Yes. Keep in mind that the workshop is a 16 hour/week commitment (classes and work exchange) and an internship is typically 40 hours/week. If you do both, you are committing to 40 hour of internship plus the hours of the class each week. This is not a bad thing. Summer with us is a lot of fun. A lot of work and a lot of fun.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE WORKSHOP AND/OR AN INTERNSHIP?
For the workshop use the Summer Workshop Application. For an internship use the Internship Application. If you are applying for both, fill out both applications and pay the application fees for both.

Please do not let the application fees discourage you from applying. You may submit a letter of request which clearly states why the Mime Troupe should grant you an application fee waver. Note, you must be granted permission prior to mailing in your full application. Mail or email your letters of request 3 weeks before the application deadlines to the attention of the "Workshop Coordinator" or "Internship Coordinator" at the address listed at the bottom of this web page.

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WORKSHOP?
There is a non-refundable $25 application fee and upon acceptance into the workshop, participants will be required to pay a non-refundable $60 materials fee to cover workshop expenses and a deposit fee of $50 which will be returned upon completion of the workshop. The $50 deposit will be returned in full provided: 1) participants don't drop out of the workshop prior to completion. 2) Eight hours of work exchange is completed each week. 3) Attendance is met at the mandatory post mortem which is scheduled on the day directly following the workshop performance.

      NEW: Participants may now opt out of the full work exchange and pay $950 for the workshop classes! This is a great option for people who have full time jobs and demanding work schedules. Paying participants will still be required to work at least one full park day approximately 8 hours long. A non refundable down payment of $100 will be due upon acceptance into the program and the remaining, non refundable, $850 will be due one week prior to the start of the workshop.

HOW CAN I PAY THE WORKSHOP MATERIAL FEE AND DEPOSIT?
Once you have been accepted into the workshop, it is important to promptly pay the non-refundable $60 material fee and the $50 deposit in order to secure your spot in the summer workshop program. There are two payment options: 1) you may write a $110 check to the San Francisco Mime Troupe (or SFMT), and mail it to the address listed at the bottom of this page to the attention of the "Workshop Coordinator" 2) upon acceptance you may ask the Workshop Coordinator for a web address which will allow you to pay via PayPal. Please note, there will be a $3 handling fee if you choose to use PayPal.

HOW CAN I PAY THE DOWN PAYMENT IF OPTING OUT OF THE WORK EXCHANGE?
Once you have been accepted into the workshop, it is important to promptly pay the non-refundable $100 downpayment in order to secure your spot in the summer workshop program. There are two payment options: 1) you may write a $100 check to the San Francisco Mime Troupe (or SFMT), and mail it to the address listed at the bottom of this page to the attention of the "Workshop Coordinator" 2) upon acceptance you may ask the Workshop Coordinator for a web address which will allow you to pay via PayPal. Please note, there will be a $3 handling fee if you choose to use PayPal.

CAN I BANK MY WORK EXCHANGE HOURS FOR THE WORKSHOP?
We are flexible on an individual basis, but the basic answer to this question is NO. Expect to work eight hours a week in exchange for the classes.

Shift schedules are often posted two weeks in advance in 4 and 8 hour blocks. Sometimes you may have to complete your weekly work exchange over the course of 2 days. And at other times, like when working a park show, you will be able to complete you 8 hours all in one day. Shift schedules are first come, first served - but fellow workshoppers are often willing to switch to help each other out.

WHAT WORK IS REQUIRED IN THE WORK EXCHANGE?
Typically the work exchange happens on performance days in the park with participant helping us unload our truck, set up and strike the set. But sometime we ask for postering help or office work.

CAN I OFFER OTHER SERVICES IN EXCHANGE FOR THE WORKSHOP?
We are flexible on an individual basis, but the basic answer to this question is NO. We absolutely need this labor force to survive the summer. We appreciate your other skills and please feel free to volunteer them, but the reason this workshop is free is the work exchange as described.

CAN I MISS A WORKSHOP OR WEEK OF WORK?
NO. The workshop is only two days a week, four hours each day. Design your life around it. We only want people who can be committed. If you are determined to join the workshop, but know ahead of time that you must miss a day, then call and plead your case. Otherwise if you miss a class or a work shift without adequate communication, you will be asked to leave the workshop. The above info also applies to participants who are paying for the classes!

WHERE WILL I LIVE?
Admittedly the Bay Area housing market can prove challenging but if you're resourceful it's not impossible. Let us know if you need help in this department.

Craigslist has also been a good resource for some people to find a sublet.

Also, perhaps your college has contacts with local schools for housing opportunities or can provide a stipend/grant.

And for a shorter term, here's a hostel website: www.norcalhostels.org

CAN I GET COLLEGE CREDIT?
That is up to your institution. We will provide all the necessary letters, evaluations and information but you must let us know you are applying for credit up front.

WHAT IS THE MIME TROUPE COLLECTIVE?
The Mime Troupe Collective functions as the Artistic Director for the SFMT. In addition to making decisions regarding policies and upholding the artistic vision of the company, collective members are actors, designers, writers, directors, etc.. The Mime Troupe strives to foster an environment where everyone's ideas can be heard, but it is important for new comers to understand that they will be supporting the existing collective. The only way to join the collective is to be voted in unanimously based on talent, commitment and the politics required. Not everyone who is currently working at the Troupe is a collective member, and not every collective member is currently working at the Troupe. The Troupe also holds interviews and auditions for openings in the company that the collective can't fill themselves. The summer workshop and internship program is a great way to work with the Troupe and often results in long lasting relationships.

DO YOU OFFER WORKSHOPS AT OTHER TIMES?
Beyond the summer workshop we respond to inquiries from institutions who want to hire us for workshops. See the residency activities listed on the workshop page.

855 Treat Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110 * 415-285-1717 * info@sfmt.org