Job Title: Graphic Design Intern

Reports To: Director of Audience Engagement & Marketing and Graphic Designer

Duration: Summer (June 4 through August 4, 2026), 28 hours a week (7 hours including lunch 4 days a week with the exception of Fridays.)

Position Overview

Cleveland Public Theatre, through a grant from Studio in a School (Formerly Studio Institute), is offering an exciting opportunity for a Graphic Design Intern this summer to get firsthand experience in helping to elevate the theater’s internal and external design needs while learning the inner workings of a non-profit arts organization and the importance of show images in audience engagement.

The Cleveland Public Theatre Graphic Design Intern will design a show image for the theatre’s Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) summer show under the guidance of the Graphic Designer and Director of Audience Engagement & Marketing. The design should be representative of the show and will appear online, on a T-shirt, in a theatre program, and possibly more. The intern will learn how to develop materials by sitting in on possible rehearsals to learn what the story is about; and from that they will collaborate with Audience Engagement and get feedback from the Education Department STEP Producers to develop the overall image of the show and other materials. They will also assist the Graphic Designer and & Digital Strategy Manager in developing designs for social media posts.

The intern will also assist/and or create signage and other materials based on the existing template design for Pandemonium, CPT’s annual fundraiser, depending on availability. Other design opportunities might be available depending on progress. These projects could include last-minute program ads, flyers for our education program, and social media graphics. Other duties could be assigned based on the intern’s interest and time.

Goals of Internship

• Candidates will learn how to design a show image and the importance it plays in the initial engagement of an audience.
• They will also learn how to communicate their ideas as well as pitch ideas with methods such as story boards.
• They should be able to take constructive feedback as it is a major skill to have in the marketing and theater world.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design the show image for the Student Theatre Enrichment Program’s (STEP) annual summer touring show under guidance of the Graphic Designer.
• Conduct research, create vision board, attend rehearsal and meet with the team involved with creating the STEP show to gain inspiration to create the design.
• Archive season materials and file and catalog the new season print materials.
• Assist with creating signage (working with existing templates) for the theatre’s annual fundraiser Pandemonium if time allows.
• Assist with designing program ads, online ads, flyers, social media graphics and other small projects that come up sporadically.

Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled as a junior or senior in a college or university preferably in Northeast Ohio pursuing a degree in Graphic Design or Illustration.
• Strong interest in career in graphic design. An interest in theatre or other performing arts is preferred, but not necessary.
• Candidates should have basic graphic design skill and be able to use InDesign, PDF Creative Suite and other basic software.
• They should also know basic layout and topography on a computer.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must be able to take constructive feedback.
• Eager to learn new skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Compensation: $21/hr. (see Studio in A School/Studio Institute website for more details here. )

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in the internship position, any relevant experience as well as a link to your portfolio including samples that showcase your layout and topography experience. Apply through the internship’s sponsor Studio in a School.

ABOUT CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Cleveland Public Theatre has been at the forefront of new play development since 1981. Through developmental programs, CPT serves local artists at every step of the creative process, from early ideas all the way to full productions and the entrepreneurial step of launching a new work. With a national reputation for developing new plays and producing innovative interpretations of classic works, CPT has garnered praise for its work and received acknowledgement and recognition from The New York Times, American Theatre magazine, Theatre Journal, The Dramatists Guild, and Canadian Theatre Review. Shows created at CPT have toured to New Orleans, New York, Toronto, Minneapolis, Belgrade, the United Kingdom, and South Korea. CPT engagement programs have served as a model for similar programs in Turkey and Uzbekistan.

Cleveland Public Theatre’s CAN Academy to be led by multidisciplinary artist, Cassandra Miller.  

Cleveland Act Now (CAN) Academy is a free performing arts program for younger teens and youth from Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods ages 11-14, held on-site at the theatre. Young artists engage in rigorous (and fun!) theatre training, learning acting fundamentals, script analysis, storytelling techniques, and play creation.  

The Winter Session runs Jan. 20 to Mar. 12, 2026. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cleveland Public Theatre from 4:30pm-6:00pm.

To register, click the link here! 

For more information, please reach out to Cassandra Miller: 216.631.2727, x201 (Office) 

216.903.4526 (Mobile), Email: cmiller@cptonline.org 

Cassandra Miller Bio: Cassandra is a theatre artist, educator, and birth worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. Although raised in Florida, the Cleveland community has played a huge part in nurturing her into the creative she is. Graduating from Cleveland State University with a BA in theatre and a minor in dance, Cassandra also holds a certificate in arts management. Cassandra founded The Black Leading Arts Cultural Club while on the CSU campus. Through the student organization, she produced Take the Stage, an artist showcase for three consecutive semesters. Cassandra is a three-year company member of Blakk Jakk Dance Collective and also does costuming for the dance company. As an actress, Cassandra is an Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship (Lincoln Center) nominee and finalist for her work as Vera in By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. She has performed regionally with Karamu House, Mamaí Theatre, Cain Park, and in Playhouse Square’s Allen, Helen, and Outcalt theatres. Cassandra has worked in the early childhood capacity for over seven years, aiding in the development of babies and youth from birth to age 14. As a teaching artist, Cassandra has choreographed Jungle Book Kids and Frozen Jr. at Near West Theatre. Cassandra has also helped develop a variety of devised performances during the ’22 and ’23 summers at CPT before joining full-time. Cassandra is a birth and postpartum doula and a board member of The Black Birth Collective. Cassandra is immensely grateful to be a part of such a nurturing community that supports all her passions.