internship question/winter season shows

hey everyone. i will be a freshman BFA musical theatre major at uni in the US. for the summer after my first year of college, (june/july-august/sept) i want to do some internships in australia or any shows that will be running in that season (winter) i'm mainly into musical theatre, but can do straight plays and film as well. i'd really like to either intern for a company or be in a show for the experience and connections, seeing as i am an australian and would have to return to australia after i graduate as much as i'd like to stay in america. thoughts anyone? are there any companies i should look into? i'd really like to perform but if its not possible then interning would be good enough. thanks in advance :)

Australians don't do 'interships'. We do 'work experience' which amounts to the same thing, but is usually reserved for high school/uni students (currently studying in Australia). This is because the school/uni pays for the insurance of the student, in case of accidents to them/by them. On top of this, the placements are NOT paid (I believe some internships in the US have a nominal payment). If you're planning on working on a show or with a company whilst here, your best bet is to either a) apply for a job that is advertised, b) volunteer with a company that you're interested in working with. There's no way you'll be a performer unless you actually audition. Work experience placements are generally all about helping out in the admin/production side of things, and even if you're lucky you won't get creative input. Doesn't matter if you want to be an actor or not; the acting roles are reserved for those who audition and receive the role through normal channels. EDIT: As you're in NSW, you might try looking at what kind of work experience slots are available at the Sydney Opera House or other larger companies/venues. These would be snapped up quickly, but may also be available to non-studying people.

Thanks for your reply. i appreciate it! So what i think i'll be doing is looking out for any auditions for any winter season shows. I don't have an agent in australia though. I know a lot of auditions won't be open calls or anything so is it doable to do shows without an agent? sorry for all the questions! thanks!

Well, now I'm pretty much going to tell you to read the FAQ. The long answer is there, but the short is pretty much: no, you need an agent. Fringe or independent companies may audition openly through various venues (ie. here, on other websites, in the papers, etc.) but for pro companies you really do need an agent.