Festival Audience Support Team (Summer)

Experience an unforgettable summer at Interlochen, where creativity thrives! Join our vibrant community for Interlochen Arts Camp 2026, where passionate individuals come together to make art, make friends, and make it the best summer ever. Be part of inspiring the next generation of artists in the idyllic setting of northern Michigan. Embrace the magic and make a lasting impact!

Position Overview

Join us in the summer of 2026 and help us continue a long tradition of supporting creativity, building talent, and celebrating each artists unique journey at Interlochen. As a member of the Festival Audience Support Team, youll play a critical role in ensuring the safety, satisfaction, and comfort of thousands of patrons while supporting the successful execution of over 400 performances. This hands-on position is ideal for individuals interested in patron services, event security, and large-scale event operations. From setup to teardown, youll help bring the Interlochen experience to lifewhether for classical icons like Joshua Bell or pop legends like Brandi Carlile and Jason Mraz.

What You Get To Do 

• Patron Management & Guest Experience
• • Serve as a front-line ambassador for Interlochen student shows, greeting, directing, and assisting patrons across multiple venues
  • Proactively manage crowd flow and respond to patron needs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment
  • Coordinate and support volunteer ushers to maintain a welcoming and organized front-of-house experience
• Security & Safety Oversight
• • Manage audience entry points, enforcing venue policies and safety protocols
  • Assist in providing on-site security for high-profile performances, ensuring artist and audience safety
  • Maintain situational awareness during large events, helping to de-escalate incidents with professionalism and discretion
  • Support festival performance operations, including assisting security personnel at metal detectors and helping identify prohibited items.
• Festival Setup & Teardown
• • Participate in the physical setup and breakdown of indoor and outdoor concert venues (must be able to lift up to 50 lbs)
  • Deploy event infrastructure, including barricades, signage, and technical equipment
  • Work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions as part of daily duties
  • Work an average of five shows per week during the festival season.
  • Serve as a primary point of support at assigned station locations, occasionally working independently while remaining connected to the larger team.

What You Get 

• Compensation:
• • Residential Staff (those living more than 40 miles from campus): $2,172 stipend, including meals and on-campus lodging
  • Local Staff (those living within 40 miles of campus): compensated at an hourly rate in lieu of on-campus housing and meals
• Meals and on-campus lodging
• 10% tuition discount for Discovery Camp or 50% Interlochen Arts Camp for dependents
• 20% discount for tickets to most summer concerts. 
• 15% discount on merchandise from Scholarshop and food/beverages from Melody Freeze

What You Need 

• Availability 6/10/2026 - 8/23/2026
• Prepared to live in a residence hall with a roommate. While we offer accessible housing accommodations, please note that due to the rustic nature of our camp, these options are limited. 
• Prepared to live in a dorm or nature cabin setting
• Able to stand for extended periods and lift/move up to 50 lbs as needed
• Must thrive in high-pressure environments with large crowds and fast turnarounds
• Strong communication and customer service skills required
• Quick decision-making and adaptability are essential
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions throughout the season.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team, including instances where you may be the only staff member assigned to a location.

Required Items to Upload on Your Application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

What to Expect about Camp Life

• Rustic Living: Youll be living in a residence hall, surrounded by the beauty of northern Michigan. Air conditioning is not provided; you may bring your own fan.
• Embrace the Outdoors: The camp is nestled in a wilderness area, so expect to encounter wildlife and insects as part of the experience. Embracing the natural environment is key to enjoying your time here.
• Outdoor Work Environment: Many of your duties will involve working outdoors, often for extended periods, so being comfortable in various weather conditions is important.
• Community and Camaraderie: Youll be part of a tight-knit community where collaboration, creativity, and support are at the forefront. The connections you make here will be lifelong. 

About Interlochen 

Interlochen Arts Camp has been a haven for creative talent for nearly a century. Our summer camp is a vibrant, transformative experience where young artists from diverse backgrounds come together to explore, learn, and grow. We offer a range of programs spanning music, visual arts, theatre, dance, creative writing, film & new media, and interdisciplinary arts, providing a platform for every artist to thrive.