BELFAST — Each year the Belfast Maskers offer a summer youth internship program for high school and college students. Interns gain hands-on experience on stage, and behind the scenes learning technical skills. They hang lights, paint sets, build props and costumes, choreograph, operate light and sound boards, stage manage, and perform in a major musical.

In 2016, this will be The Addams Family Musical, which will be performed outdoors at Belfast's Steamboat Landing Park in early August. Interns also help to run the Maskers popular summer performing arts camp for kids.

This year, the Belfast Maskers received a generous bequest from the estate of Professor Stanley S. Pliskoff. Dr. Pliskoff, University of Maine, Orono Professor Emeritus, Psychology of Music and History of Psychology, was a longtime supporter of the Maskers. Beginning with summer 2016, the theater company will rename the summer internship program in his honor. As Dr. Pliskoff was both an educator and a theater lover, the Maskers board feels that this is the best way to honor his lasting contribution to Maskers' work.

Applications are now being accepted for the Belfast Maskers Stanley S. Pliskoff Theater Internship. Upper-level Belfast and Searsport high school students, and students at UMaine Orono are strongly encouraged to apply. Interns earn a stipend of $500 - $1000 for their work. They may also be eligible to earn school credit.

To apply for the summer internship, please send a letter of interest, resume, current head shot, and a letter of recommendation from a current director or instructor. Mail applications to Belfast Maskers, PO Box 541, Belfast, ME 04915, or email to info@belfastmaskers.com. The application deadline is April 30.