Young people in the Western Cape who want to work in the arts and entertainment industry now have a great opportunity. Artscape, together with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the Western Cape Government, is offering several EPWP internship positions for 2026.
- About the Artscape EPWP Internship Programme
- EPWP Internship Stipend and Contract Period
- EPWP Intern – Lighting
- EPWP Intern – Sound
- EPWP Intern – Stage Management (2 Positions)
- EPWP Intern – Marketing Administrator (Graduate)
- Minimum Requirements for All EPWP Internships
- Documents Required for Application
- How to Apply
- Application Closing Date
- Why This Internship is a Great Opportunity
These internships are designed to give young South Africans practical work experience in theatre, marketing, and technical production. If you are passionate about performing arts, media, or theatre production, this programme could be your stepping stone into the industry.
The available positions include:
- EPWP Intern – Lighting
- EPWP Intern – Sound
- EPWP Intern – Stage Management (2 Positions)
- EPWP Intern – Marketing Administrator (Graduate)
These internships offer hands-on training and real-world experience while working alongside professionals at Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town.
About the Artscape EPWP Internship Programme
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is a government initiative aimed at creating job opportunities and providing work experience to unemployed South Africans.
Through this programme, Artscape works with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) to provide training opportunities in theatre and performing arts.
The internship programme is a 12-month position where successful candidates will gain experience in:
- Theatre production
- Digital marketing
- Social media management
- Lighting and sound operations
- Stage management
- Event production
This programme is especially valuable for young people who want to build careers in the creative and performing arts industry.
EPWP Internship Stipend and Contract Period
Successful candidates will receive a daily stipend.
Stipend per day:
- Graduates (3-year qualification): R243 per day
- Grade 12 qualification: R162 per day
Contract duration:
- 12-month internship
- Contract runs until 31 March 2027
This internship provides both income and valuable work experience that can help candidates build a career in the arts sector.
EPWP Intern – Lighting
The Lighting Intern position focuses on the technical side of theatre production.
Lighting is a key part of live performances because it helps create atmosphere, highlight performers, and support storytelling.
Main Duties
The lighting intern will assist with:
- Practical theatre training in lighting production
- Learning about lighting systems and stage equipment
- Supporting lighting technicians during productions
- Attending all scheduled training sessions
- Assisting with technical theatre tasks
- Following safety procedures and PPE requirements
- Contributing to theatre productions as part of practical training
- Reporting to senior technical staff for mentorship and guidance
What You Will Learn
During the internship, the candidate will learn:
- Lighting design basics
- Stage lighting setup
- Technical theatre operations
- Equipment safety procedures
- Live production lighting management
This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to work behind the scenes in theatre.
EPWP Intern – Sound
The Sound Intern position focuses on the audio side of theatre production.
Sound technicians play an important role in theatre, concerts, and events. They make sure that music, microphones, and sound effects work perfectly during performances.
Main Duties
The Sound Intern will:
- Assist with sound equipment setup
- Learn about audio mixing and sound systems
- Participate in theatre training programmes
- Work alongside professional sound technicians
- Support theatre productions and rehearsals
- Attend scheduled training sessions
- Follow health and safety procedures
- Submit activity reports as required
Skills You Will Gain
Candidates will gain practical knowledge in:
- Audio mixing
- Microphone setup
- Sound system management
- Technical theatre support
- Production teamwork
This internship is ideal for young people interested in audio engineering or live event production.
EPWP Intern – Stage Management (2 Positions)
Artscape is also offering two Stage Management internship positions.
Stage managers are responsible for coordinating everything that happens during a live performance. They make sure that performers, technicians, and production teams work together smoothly.
Main Duties
Stage Management interns will:
- Participate in theatre production training
- Support stage managers during rehearsals and shows
- Help coordinate performers and crew
- Assist with backstage operations
- Ensure productions run according to schedule
- Attend training and mentorship sessions
- Follow theatre safety procedures
- Work closely with technical theatre teams
Career Opportunities
Experience in stage management can lead to careers such as:
- Stage manager
- Theatre production coordinator
- Live event manager
- Production assistant
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys organizing events and working in theatre environments.
EPWP Intern – Marketing Administrator (Graduate)
The Marketing Administrator Internship is designed for graduates who want to gain experience in digital marketing and media within the performing arts sector.
The intern will support Artscape’s marketing team with content creation, social media, and digital campaigns.
Purpose of the Role
The role supports Artscape’s digital presence and marketing initiatives, including:
- Graphic design
- Social media management
- Digital content creation
- Marketing campaigns
- Event promotion
Main Duties
The Marketing Intern will:
- Assist with managing social media channels
- Support marketing for events and theatre productions
- Create content to increase audience engagement
- Write and compile social media copy
- Take photos during theatre productions
- Create digital marketing material
- Design graphics for online use
- Create short promotional videos
- Develop digital exhibition content
Skills Required
Candidates should have knowledge of:
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Social media platforms
- Digital marketing basics
- Content creation and video editing
This internship is perfect for graduates in:
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Graphic Design
- Social Media Management
Minimum Requirements for All EPWP Internships
To qualify for these internship opportunities, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must have South African citizenship
- Must reside in the Western Cape
- Must have Grade 12 or a relevant qualification
- Must have computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet)
- Must be able to work in a team environment
- Must be willing to learn
- Must have strong communication skills
- Must be prepared to work overtime when required
- Must have no criminal convictions
Applicants should also have a keen interest in theatre and performing arts.
Language Requirements
Applicants must be able to communicate in at least two of the Western Cape’s main languages:
- English
- Afrikaans
- isiXhosa
Being multilingual helps candidates work with diverse teams and audiences.
Additional Advantages
Although not always required, the following can improve your chances:
- Experience in performing arts
- Social media experience
- Creative thinking ability
- Strong organisational skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving skills
For the marketing position, connections with social media influencers may also be an advantage.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Certified copy of ID
- Educational certificates
- Statement of results (if applicable)
Make sure all documents are clear and certified.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their application to:
Contact Person: Zandile Mbizela
Department: Human Resources – Artscape
Email your application to:
Application Closing Date
Closing Date: 15 March 2026
Applications submitted after this date may not be considered.
If you do not receive feedback within four weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Why This Internship is a Great Opportunity
These EPWP internships provide valuable benefits, including:
- Real work experience
- Exposure to the theatre industry
- Professional mentorship
- Skills development
- Networking opportunities
- A stipend while learning
Many people who start as interns in theatre go on to build successful careers in production, media, marketing, and live events.
If you love performing arts, technology, media, or event production, this programme could be your first step into the creative industry.
