Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts (CABCoFA) and Arena Stage are deepening their partnership with the launch of the second year of the Creative Administrators Internship Program, an initiative designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the arts. The program welcomes students from Howard’s Theatre Arts Administration Program (TAAP) to gain hands-on experience in the nation’s capital at one of the country’s most respected regional theaters. 

“We are excited to announce the second year of the Howard University Creative Administrators Internship Program at Arena Stage,” said Pat Parks, assistant professor and area coordinator of TAAP at CABCoFA. “Arena’s commitment to celebrating diverse American stories aligns perfectly with our mission to train the next generation of cultural and aesthetic activists, storytellers, and industry leaders.” 

The internship launched in 2024 with three Howard seniors — Amir Shackelford, Samarion Montgomery, and Simone Thompson — who were placed in the artistic, development, and general and company management departments. Thompson said the program broadened her career outlook. 

“Interning with Arena Stage provided me with a range of valuable, transferable skills,” said Thompson. “The strong sense of community and the intentional connections made the experience even more meaningful. Most importantly, it expanded my understanding of the kinds of roles I can pursue within the arts and beyond.” 

This fall, Arena Stage will host three to four Howard students within the various departments. The program, which runs from Sept. 2 to Nov. 21, is designed to give students direct exposure to the inner workings of a professional theater, bridging classroom study with industry practice. 

Faculty say the partnership is reshaping career opportunities for students.  

“This collaboration offers our students invaluable, hands-on experience in a professional setting — an opportunity that sharpens their skills and positions them for long-term success in the creative economy,” said Theatre Arts Master Instructor Robin Y. Harris.  

Dr. Dominique Douglas Hendricks, TAAP professor and director of operations and events at CABCoFA, added that the initiative strengthens ties between the university and the local arts community. “We are excited to keep this relationship going for years to come,” said Douglas Hendricks. 

Together, Howard University and Arena Stage are modeling how universities and cultural institutions can work hand-in-hand to expand pathways into arts administration, preparing the next generation of leaders to carry forward the transformative power of theater.