Yokohama Theatre has previously hosted two international interns, both physical Theatre students from the Utrecht School of the Arts, and we're always looking for more.

Job Duties

As the international intern, you will be involved with working and training with the Yokohama Theatre Ensemble, and depending on the timing, be involved in a show or showcase with us. If your training includes teaching, then you will be invited to guest-teach some workshops for the Ytheatre School during your stay. You will also probably be asked to perform other tasks (limited office work, organizing costumes/props etc.).

Train in Japan

Aside from participating in Ytheatre classes as a student (which you are welcome to do), there are many great Theatre training opportunities in Japan: Butoh training with the son of Butoh founder Kazuo Ohno, Kabuki classes, and more... We will make sure you have time to participate in those as well.

See Shows

There is always lots of stuff going on in Yokohama and Tokyo. At the very least you should catch some Kabuki, Noh, and Kyogen performances. The live music scene is also very active, as is the visual art and modern dance scene. The Theatre scene is less active, but there is always something innovative to go see if you look hard enough.

Build Bridges

Yokohama Theatre is also in the process of building bridges with other small, local, innovative Theatre companies, so there might be some opportunity to make long term connections there as well.

Costs and Expenses

Because you're coming as a volunteer, Yokohama Theatre charges you nothing for any of our classes or workshops you might attend. On the other hand, we also can't pay you anything. Traditionally the intern is expected to pay his or her own airfare, housing, food, and transportation within Japan.

Housing

Housing is very expensive in Japanese cities compared much of the rest of the world. Depending on the length and timing of your stay and various other factors, you may be offered a free or extremely inexpensive billet with one or more of the YTG staff/volunteers/supporters to help you save money. Generally, you will spend the first 3 weeks or so in a billet while you look for suitable accomodations. Expect to spend 30,000 - 50,000 per month on accomodations (less, if a long-term billet can be arranged).

Food

You can expect your food costs to run about 5000 - 6000 Yen a week, possibly lower, depending on how you shop.

Transportation

You will be expected to pay your own domestic transportation costs but will be reimbursed for any Yokohama Theatre-related travel costs. It may be possible to borrow a bicycle to get around more cheaply, but be warned: riding a bike in Japan is very different from riding a bike in Europe or even North America... it can take a bit of getting used to. Also, Yokohama is a huge city and some areas are not practically accessible by bicycle. Expect to spend 5000 yen a week or more on train fare, especially if you are planning activities in Tokyo. If you plan to take a week or two off during your stay to visit other parts of the country (Hokkaido, Kyoto, etc.), we suggest you buy a Japan Rail pass that you can redeem for the week that you travel to save you some money.

Inquiries

If you wish to apply for an international intern position, or ask some questions about it, please use our contact form below: