In the current Bulletin THEA 4541 is described as follows:"Supervised work in actual university, community, or professional theatre productions on internship basis."

The intent of this degree requirement and course is to provide the student experience in a full-time theatre situation. Off campus participation for a summer or a semester is an essential element of the BFA degree program.

Credit of three (3) semester hours is awarded for the internship.The BFA student must fulfill the following responsibilities:

EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS:You must find and make arrangements for employment. The job must involve a “meaningful length” of full-time employment in your field of study. The working situation should, if possible, be outside the city of Memphis.

APPROVAL OF ADVISOR:Prior to beginning your term of employment, you must receive the approval of your advisor in your area and present to him / her a contract or letter of intent, outlining the duties and remuneration expected. A form with internship information should be filed with Sherri in the main office.

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FROM EMPLOYER:You must obtain a letter of recommendation or written evaluation of your work from your supervisor at the end of your term of employment. The letter should be sent directly to your advisor at The Department of Theatre & Dance, The University of Memphis, 144 Theatre Building  Memphis, TN 38152-3150.

DAILY JOURNAL:You must maintain a daily journal while in the Internship situation. The journal must be presented to your advisor for evaluation upon your return. After receiving your grade in 4541, your journal will be returned to you.

WRITTEN EVALUATION OF SUMMER INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:Upon your return, you should write a 3-5 page summary evaluation of your Internship experience and give it to your advisor. The paper, typed and in manuscript form, should address: (1) the best aspects of your summer Internship; (2) the worst aspects of your summer Internship; (3) how your program of study at The University of Memphis prepared you for this work experience; (4) how your program of study at The University of Memphis did not prepare you for this work   experience; and (5) recommendations for BFA program at the University of Memphis.

FINAL EVALUATION BY THE BFA COMMITTEE: GROUP INTERVIEW
There will be a group interview of all students who have completed the BFA internship during a Lunchbox slot. It is your responsibility to be aware of deadlines and the Lunchbox meeting.

The Theatre faculty will be available to assist you in any way possible — helping with your audition selections or the development of your portfolio; suggesting what, in their best judgment, are possible improvements; and providing honest comprehensive letters or references. However, please give the faculty member several days warning prior to requesting a reference or an observation of your audition scene.