Rocky Hock Playhouse
Washington, North Carolina
OUR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Why we offer
internships...
The Rocky Hock Playhouse is a professional “stock company theatre.” Many actors and theatre technicians seek to become members of the actor’s union (Equity) and find working their way up the ladder to be a good approach. Theatres like the Rocky Hock Playhouse offer opportunities for actors and technicians to gain professional status. The “catch 22” is that many non-equity professional theatres will neither hire nor work with interns which makes gaining professional experience difficult. The Rocky Hock Playhouse is a theatre which welcomes professional quality, non-union actors and technicians.
A little history...
The Rocky Hock Playhouse is owned and operated by Jeff and Gloria Emmerich. You can read their biographies by clicking here. The Emmerichs earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees in music and theatre from San Diego State University and have been involved professionally in music and drama for 36 years.
During the 90s the Emmerichs taught at North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. Jeff was head of the drama department and Gloria was professor of both music and theatre at the university. The Rocky Hock Playhouse is an outgrowth of what started as a summer stock theatre on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in 1997.
The Emmerich Theatre Production Company (ETPC) relocated to Edenton, North Carolina in 2000 and the Rocky Hock Playhouse was founded that summer. The Playhouse draws crowds (over 200,000 people as of the end of 2009) from the entire mid-Atlantic region. The company’s goal is to uplift, inspire, and encourage. The theatre relocated again to Washington, NC in 2009.
The Rocky Hock name...
The original Rocky Hock Playhouse was located near Edenton, NC in an area of Chowan County called Rocky Hock. The theatre was housed in the former Rocky Hock School building for about 8 ½ years before relocating again in 2009. The word Rocky Hock (originally pronounced Roc-a-hoc by local Native Americans) meant “beautiful garden” in their language. The Emmerichs named the theatre after its geographic location and because of the reputation chose not to change the name when they relocated to Washington.
The Playhouse today...
Over the past decade we’ve produced and premiered over 50 major musicals,
held over 1400 performances, and worked with actors from 30 different
states. We’ve also toured with our productions to cities across North
Carolina, Virginia, Puerto Rico, St. Croix (US Virgin Islands), and Germany.
Opportunities exist for interns working with ETPC to perform at the World
Outreach Center in Kaiserslautern, Germany. A relationship exists with the
American directors of this facility. Their mission is to work with US
military personnel based in Germany as well as German nationals and
immigrants from Eastern Europe and Africa. Opportunities in Germany include
teaching theatre skills at the Center as well as performing in dinner
theatres and producing Rocky Hock Playhouse musicals.
Several of our interns have taken advantage of their college’s distance learning programs and extended their internship programs over the course of an entire semester. For instance, we’ve had students participate in both our fall and Christmas productions or the Valentines and Easter productions and complete a semester’s work online at the same time. In many cases we have also employed actors between productions in our offices where they have put their computer talents to work and learned important skills related to audience development, box office, and other “behind the scenes” theatre activities.
How our internship program works...
All interns are extended a full contract with ETPC and are given the same casting options, opportunities, and considerations as any regular actor also hired by the production company. We work with interns as actors, technicians, stage managers and front of house managers.
Actors/techs working with ETPC are able to use this experience as a legitimate college internship when sanctioned and approved by their college or university. Other individuals who simply wish to build their professional theatre resume may also work with ETPC under the same internship program.
Interns are paid at the same $100 rate per week even when performances are held away from the resident theatre. Expenses for the intern are covered if performances are in North Carolina or Virginia. Travel expenses are paid by the intern if productions are taken overseas. Not every intern is expected/selected to travel overseas and notice is given well in advance if an intern’s contract will call for them to participate in an overseas trip. The next overseas opportunity will be in the spring of 2011.
ETPC discriminates against no one and encourages men and women of any ethnic background to audition.
Actors/techs wishing to participate in multiple productions are sometimes able to continue receiving housing between productions and to work for the production company by doing office work, building sets, etc. Or, they may pay rent if they wish to find other temporary work in the area. Let the owners (Jeff and Gloria Emmerich) know if you are interested in a multiple show contract so that they can negotiate a “special conditions” contract with you and customize your situation with the needs of the production company.
Unlike other theatre internship programs which often expect interns to work for free, or in some cases to even PAY for their experience, the Rocky Hock Playhouse pays interns $100 per week for all rehearsal and performance weeks.
Housing is typically provided by ETPC...
Actors wishing to be considered for ETPC internships must typically be a minimum of 18 years old by the first day of their contract period. (Special conditions may apply.)
At the bottom of this page you will find both “Actor” and “Tech” audition forms. Please download the appropriate form, fill it out, and return it to us as soon as possible. (Either by mail, fax, or email.) Your headshot/picture should accompany all application forms. Electronic submission is fine for photos as well.
To see which upcoming shows we are
auditioning for please
click here
to visit our “employment” page. On this page you will also find our
audition guidelines. If you are unable to audition in person we gladly
(and regularly) accept auditions via video or DVD.
Please feel free to send your audition form, headshot, and resume as soon as
you are able.
Interns working in a technical field will not audition of course. Instead, their past experience will be taken into consideration and references will be contacted to confirm the individual’s level of competence, etc.
Actors should either call to arrange for a personal audition or submit a video audition tape or DVD as soon as possible.
Please call or email if you have any questions at all regarding our internship program, audition requirements, etc.
Auditions are open for each production until all roles are filled. Please remember that we are a musical theatre and all actors (unless specifically noted) must also be able to at least sing in tune and blend well with a chorus of voices. Opportunities exist for actors at the Rocky Hock Playhouse in leading roles, supporting roles, and as chorus members. Please provide three references with your application.
Call Jeff Emmerich at (252) 339-0518 if you
have questions.
Or, email him at:
jeff@rockyhockplayhouse.com
Ricky Braddy, a 2009 American Idol
finalist,
is a former Rocky Hock Playhouse actor
As
a native of North Carolina, and a lover of all things musical, I cannot
express how appreciative I am of the opportunity I was given to work at the
Rocky Hock Playhouse. Beyond the elaborate sets, the brilliant original
scores, and the fantastically imaginative scripts, exists the passion of two
remarkable people. Husband and wife, Jeff and Gloria Emmerich, have become
two of the most influential people in my life. As musicians, their
abilities are encouraging. As friends, their hearts are even more so. My
time at the Rocky Hock Playhouse was an incredibly formative season, and I
will always be grateful for the experience gained from this wonderfully
professional theatre. Nashville, Tennessee is where I currently reside.
After a recent, unbelievable experience with a television show called
American Idol, I now find myself focused more on writing, with plans to
record in the spring of 2010. Thank you Jeff and Gloria for the guidance
and for the memories.
Ricky Braddy (2002/2003)
Belmont University
Nashville, TN
The
Rocky Hock Playhouse allowed me the opportunity to combine my chosen craft
with my faith in an exciting way. Through my internship, I was able to
develop the skills I learned in the classroom in a professional
environment. Working with Jeff, Gloria, the cast, volunteers, and patrons
was a rewarding experience that I will always cherish. This theatre is
special because it provides an entertaining, professional live show with an
unwavering message in the saving power of Christ. I am grateful to have
interned at the Rocky Hock Playhouse and I look forward to seeing the
exciting things God has planned for it in the future.
Kyla Franklin (2009)
Belmont University
Nashville, TN
At
the Rocky Hock Playhouse you will be surrounded by people who share a love
of theatre and ministry. The Rocky Hock Playhouse gave me the opportunity
to immerse myself in all areas of theatre and become a well rounded artist.
Not only did I get to perform but I was able to work behind the scenes as
well. The Rocky Hock Playhouse is a great place to grow as an artist,
especially if you just recently graduated college and are looking to start
your theatre career.
Dyanna Sorvillo (2009/2010)
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg, VA
Rocky
Hock Playhouse was the very first professional theatre I ever signed a
contract with. While working with Jeff and Gloria I experience multi-level
responsibilities that stretched me as an actor, organizer, leader, and even
in my own faith in Christ. I enjoyed the hard work because they too [the
Emmerichs] are hard workers and expected nothing but the best, as did I. It
was wonderful to be a theatre professional and be treated as one, all in the
name of spreading the Lord’s name with the same professionalism you see on
Broadway. I have since worked on Broadway in the musical Oklahoma and in
California for the Hyperion Theatre in Disneyland as “Aladdin” in their
musical entitled the same as the character. I have also had
the blessing of
being an international recording artist with my album “When I Fly Away” that
topped national and international radio charts this past year. All of these
blessings are only through Christ who strengthens me. I’ve worked with
various theatre companies but will never forget Rocky Hock. Thus far they
are the only company I see as family and whose purpose surpasses that of
just entertainment. They also tell the love of Christ and what He can do for
you. I am graduating Christmas 2010 with a BA in Theatre and with my
teacher’s certification for early childhood through 12th grade. But,
believe me, if Rocky Hock had a full-time staff opening I’d be applying.
Jacob Lewis (2006)
Oklahoma Baptist University
Shawnee, OK
In
December of 2008 I graduated from Houghton College in New York. Two months
later I found myself in Washington, NC working as an actor for the Rocky
Hock Playhouse. Since then I have grown as an actor and a person, assuming
many roles on and off stage (including the Box Office Manager position).
I’ve shared many life changing experiences with the 2009 casts. I am
blessed to have a job that I enjoy with people that I like to work with.
Nathan Schierer (2009/2010)
Houghton College
New York
My
name is McKenna Cox and I am a Musical Theatre/Professional Acting major at
East
Carolina University. I had the opportunity to work for the Rocky Hock
Playhouse this past summer (2009) when we did the musical, Joseph, the
Dreamer. I played the role of
Asenath and was the principle
choreographer for the production. This was my first
professional acting
job, and because of Jeff and Gloria’s professionalism and optimism,
the show
went very smoothly! Not only was the show a lot of fun, but the cast bonded
in
a way that words cannot describe. I have made friends that I will never
lose contact with
and who are very important to me. This experience not
only broadened my theatre knowledge, but also my spiritual relationship with God because I felt
like I was performing not for myself, but so the audience could get closer to Him!
McKenna Cox (2009)
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
My
name is Erin Rotuno, and I have been working at the Rocky Hock Playhouse for
five months now. I graduated with a degree in Worship Arts from Spring
Arbor University. Although most of my classmates went on to work in
churches, I was looking for a different kind of ministry setting in which to
use my skills. Finding the Rocky Hock Playhouse was exactly what I needed.
Here, I have the unique opportunity to sharpen my performance skills while
also learning the practical operations it takes to run a professional
theatre. I have the joy of ministering through song and story, and that is
what I love most about this position. I am truly blessed by this
experience, and I couldn’t think of anything else I would
rather be doing at this stage in my
life!
Erin Rotuno (2009/2010)
Spring Arbor University
Michigan
I
was an intern at the Rocky Hock Playhouse in the summer of 2009. I had
several roles
in the cast including being a part of the chorus for the
production of Joseph the Dreamer.
I had never been in a production
outside of Elizabeth City State University, where I
currently attend; but it
was truly an amazing opportunity and experience that I will never
forget.
It taught me independence, discipline and gave me a taste of what “show biz”
is
like. What made it more enjoyable than anything was the family
atmosphere that the
Emmerichs and the rest of the cast brought to the
production. My summer at the Rocky
Hock Playhouse is one memory that will
stick with me forever.
Princess Harrell (2009)
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC
I
grew up in a Christian family on a small dairy farm in western New York.
After high school I attended Houghton College, a small Christian liberal
arts school, where I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education.
Although my studies were in education, I found God calling me to pursue my
interests in musical theatre. After sending an inquiry email to the Rocky
Hock Playhouse, I was impressed by how quickly owner and director Jeff
Emmerich responded to my interest in the theatre. Within a month I moved to
North Carolina and proceeded to stay and work with the theatre for the next
five productions (a full year). I was thoroughly impressed by the
Emmerich’s commitment to their mission of spreading the word of God in all
their productions, as well as in the care they show their employees and
interns. Through Gloria Emmerich’s original musicals, bible stories really
do come to life for the audiences, and the actors learn new insights into
the lives of the bible characters they portray.
Celeste Allen (2008/2009)
Houghton College
New York
I
have a BFA in Musical Theatre from Mars Hill College, in Mars Hill, NC. So
far in my career I have been blessed to work for a lot of outstanding
theatre companies and troupes. Theatres I have worked for thus far include
The Miracle Theatre in Pigeon Forge, TN and Sight and Sound Ministries in
Lancaster, PA, two of the largest Christian full time musical theatres in
the country. The two contracts for which I performed at the Rocky Hock
Playhouse are among the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences along my
career path. At Rocky Hock I was able to work hard, sharpen my skills, and
build lifelong friendships. Most of all, I got to do what I love to do the
most…AND spread a message of hope and love while doing it. I thank
Jeff and Gloria Emmerich for allowing me to share in their
ministry and look forward to working with them
artistically again!
Aaron Daniel Annas (2003/2006)
Mars Hill College
North Carolina
My
name is Noreen Hughes, and I interned at Rocky Hock for the summer of 2006
in Jacob, Prince of God. Since then, I have received my Bachelor of Music
Degree in Music Theatre (summa cum laude) from the Catholic University of
America, and have been working steadily in both Christian and secular
professional theatre since graduating. As I am currently an Equity
Membership Candidate, my favorite work includes my current role as an
actor-educator with Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Programs
(touring DC/MD/VA), as well as “Swingtime Canteen” (Lily McBain), “Will
Rogers Follies” starring John Davidson, the “Leading Ladies” (Audrey) at
Surflight Theatre in NJ, and a year of service touring with the Lampost Theatre Company in IA. My time at Rocky Hock is precious to me – not
only did I grow in my skills as a performer, I grew in my faith. My story of
acquiring the internship at Rocky Hock is rather amazing, when at the eleventh hour, both Jeff Emmerich
and I were at the foot of the cross on opposite ends of the country, praying our requests
be met. I think the greatest testimony of Rocky Hock is my continuing friendship with the
Emmerichs as well as the other cast members, even four years later.
Noreen Hughes (2006)
Catholic University of America
Washington D.C.
My
name is Krysta Robinson. I am 22 years old and was an intern with the Rocky
Hock Playhouse from June to December 2007. During my internship I performed
in three shows: Upon this Rock, Carolina Jamboree, and
O Holy Night. I
also completed two online classes while there. The most wonderful thing
about working at the Rocky Hock Playhouse was that I was treated as a
professional and not as a student. It was a great environment in which to
grow as an actress with a great ensemble cast. You will find that you are
pushed to your limit. Jeff and Gloria Emmerich expect all of their actors
to give 100% and will not accept mediocrity. Because of their determination
for excellence all of their shows are top notch. I as proud to be a part
of them. My time in North Carolina was the longest I had ever been away
from home and I was very worried about leaving friends and family behind.
But, I soon discovered that my worries were for naught because Jeff and
Gloria and the ensemble cast at the Rocky Hock Playhouse immediately
welcomed me into their families and I was overjoyed to be part of such a fun
group. My first Thanksgiving away from home was spent at Rocky Hock and I
was invited to the Emmerich’s where we had a wonderful spread and spent the
evening watching movies. The Rocky Hock Playhouse is a professional Christian Theatre that helped me graduate from the University of Central Florida with
a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. God led me to Rocky Hock and I
am grateful He did.
Krysta Robinson (2007)
University of Florida
Deltona, FL
My
name is Breanna Weitzel and I had the privilege of working as an
Intern/Actor at the Rocky Hock Playhouse. I graduated from Bethel University
(St. Paul, MN) with a degree in Musical Theatre in May 2009, and had already
begun the search for professional theatre experience. In the summer, I
worked for a touring children’s theatre company in Minnesota, acting with,
and directing, up to 75 children a week. As I continued the searching and
auditioning process God led me to Rocky Hock where I joined the cast for the
2009 Christmas show. What I loved about working at Rocky Hock was the
immediate welcome I received into the cast “family.” While getting to see
how a professional theatre is run, I also got to experience the aspect of ministry, and having a greater
purpose for why we do what we do. It was great to see how the dedicated team of cast, crew, and
directors work together so closely to do everything that it takes to run a theatre.
I enjoyed being a part of that team. I also really
benefitted from having the professional
acting experience. Right away we were thrown into a quick and intense rehearsal period which
moved right into a long run of the show. It was an
excellent challenge to put a show
together so quickly and to learn to work on a professional time-table! Overall, I had a
great experience at Rocky Hock and I thought it was a great opportunity to be introduced into
the world of professional theatre.
Breanna Weitzel (2009)
Bethel University
(St. Paul, MN)
I
am a junior at Cedarville University in southern Ohio studying Music and
Theatre Performance. Most of my theatre experience has been in the
educational and community realm, and I have been involved in more than 25
shows in the last 8 years—more than half of those since I left high school.
This past summer, I had the privilege of working at the Rocky Hock Playhouse
as Benjamin in their production of Joseph, the Dreamer. Besides
getting paid to do what I love, I met an amazing group of people who were
intensely passionate about art on the stage and how God could use that
passion. I met some people who I will never forget. But the actual work at
the theatre was also wonderful! The theatre seats almost 1000 people! That
is an amazing number for any theatre—and the fact that God has given ETPC
this facility is such
a blessing. I think my favorite time each day at the theatre was greeting the audience afterward. It was great to see how my work as a vocalist and dancer
affected our audience emotionally. This was a huge blessing in my life. I
was also so blessed to work with Jeff, Gloria, and the whole staff at the
Rocky Hock Playhouse. Their work is well worth the trek out to see them!
Ben Scheerschmidt (2009)
Cedarville University
Ohio
What
a blessing! I have the distinct honor of sitting in the balcony (I’m the
new full time tech director) performance after performance and watching
lives changed by God through what we do! I came from Louisville, Kentucky
last fall to follow God’s will for my life and have been blessed since.
I’ve had the pleasure of working at many venues. But, I love this the most
because I am able to serve God with the gifts He has given me in the area of
technical theatre. The sound and lighting designs for each show are unique,
creative, and integral to the success of the production. I cannot imagine a
greater place to be in the entire world than right here at the Rocky Hock
Playhouse!
Gus Light (2009/2010)
Ozark Christian College
Missouri
My
name is Andrew Drake and I am a junior at Western Carolina University. I
had the privilege of working at the Rocky Hock Playhouse the past two
summers (2009/2010). I’ve matured as both an actor and a person while
working for, and alongside, my good friends Jeff and Gloria Emmerich. The
Rocky Hock Playhouse is also an amazing theatre in which a person can fully
learn "the tools of the trade" for running their own theatre. I was taught
the down to earth necessities needed in the world of musical theatre. It is
amazing to find a Christian theatre with such professionalism. It was
an absolute honor and a privilege to work for the Emmerichs
and their
Playhouse in Washington, NC.
Andrew Drake (2009/2010)
Western Carolina University
Stuttgart, Germany
Jeff
and Gloria are a pair of incredibly passionate people. It was awe inspiring
to watch and be a part of their work. They do everything from hang lights,
to writing, to performing. It was a gift to be part of their team this
summer and see how many people they touch.
Jessica Thorne (2010)
Catholic University of America
Washington D.C.
Working
at the Rocky Hock Playhouse was surely a blessing for me! Jeff and Gloria
are truly amazing people and run the theatre with a high level of
professionalism. While working at the RHP I learned so much about the
business of performing and gained so many great skills that I will carry
with me throughout my professional career. What truly attracted me to the
RHP in the first place was the fact that I got to do what I loved while
ministering the Word of God to so many people. I feel that through my
internship I grew not only as a performer but in my faith also. I will never
forget my experience at the RHP or the wonderful people I met while working
there. The memories will stay with me throughout my life.
Darrell Purcell (2010)
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
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