Market Theatre Foundation: YES4Youth Internships 2026

The Market Theatre Foundation, in partnership with the Yes4Youth Programme, invites unemployed South African youth to apply for its 2026 Internship Programme. This initiative aims to provide 10 young people with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and develop practical skills in various departments within the Foundation. Successful candidates will be appointed on a 12-month fixed-term contract from January 2026 to December 2026 and will receive a monthly stipend of R5,000. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 34, currently unemployed, and must not be studying full-time or have previously participated in the YES4Youth Programme.
The programme offers internships across several fields, including Sound Technology, Lighting, Technical Assistance, Occupational Health and Safety, Human Resources, Information Technology, Corporate Administration, Graphic Design, Library and Administration, and Programmes Administration. This is a great opportunity for passionate and motivated youth with a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or Degree from a recognised South African institution to gain hands-on experience in the creative and administrative sectors. The closing date for applications is 11 November 2025, and placements will be based at the Market Theatre Foundation in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
- Sound Technician Intern
- Lighting Intern
- Technical Assistant Intern
- Occupational Health & Safety Intern
- Human Resources Intern
- Information Technology Intern
- Corporate Administrator Intern
- Graphic Designer Intern
- Library & Administrator Intern
- Programmes & Administrator Intern
Stipend: R5,000 per month
Duration: 12 months (January 2026 – December 2026)
Location: The Market Theatre Foundation, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Closing Date: 11 November 2025
Opportunity Overview
The Market Theatre Foundation, in partnership with the YES4Youth Programme, is offering 10 unemployed young South Africans the chance to gain valuable skills and work experience through a 12-month paid internship from January to December 2026.
What You’ll Get:
- 12-month fixed-term contract
- R5,000 monthly stipend
- Hands-on training in a world-class arts institution
- No prior work experience required
Available Internships
1. Sound Technician Intern (x1)
Ref: 2025/10/ST
Join the technical production team and assist with sound setups, mixing, and live event engineering.
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Sound Engineering, Performing Arts or related
- Knowledge of mixing consoles, patching, cue programming
- Proficient in MS Office
2. Lighting Intern (x1)
Ref: 2025/10/LIGI
Assist with lighting design, rigging, programming, and operation for shows and events.
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Lighting Technology or related
- Knowledge of lighting desks, cue sheets, and technical plots
- Proficient in MS Office
3. Technical Assistant (x1)
Ref: 2025/10/TA
Support technical operations and equipment maintenance across departments.
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Performing Arts or Theatre
- Leadership skills in high-pressure environments
- Basic sound & lighting knowledge
- Proficient in MS Office
4. Occupational Health & Safety Intern (x1)
Ref: 2025/10/OHS
Assist with safety compliance, risk assessments, and quality management.
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in OHS, Safety Management, SAMTRAC or related
- Proficient in MS Office
5. Human Resources Intern (x1)
Ref: 2025/10/HR
Support recruitment, onboarding, and HR administration.
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in HR, Industrial Psychology or related
- Basic knowledge of SA labour laws
- High attention to detail & confidentiality
- Proficient in MS Office
6. Information Technology Intern (x1)
Ref: 2025/10/IT
Provide IT support, helpdesk services, and system maintenance.
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in IT + A+ and N+ certification
- Knowledge of Windows, macOS, networking, and troubleshooting
- Familiar with ticketing systems
- Proficient in MS Office
7. Corporate Administrator Intern (x1)
Ref: 2025/10/CADMIN
Support executive office operations and administrative functions.
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Business/Public Administration or Office Management (NQF 6)
- Proficient in MS Office
8. Graphic Designer Intern (x1)
Ref: 2025/10/GD
Create visual content for marketing, social media, and print.
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or Media Studies
- Expert in Adobe Creative Cloud & macOS
- Understanding of copyright and digital platforms
- Proficient in MS Office
9. Library & Administrator Intern (x1)
Ref: 2025/10/LA
Manage front office, reception, library services, and records.
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Library Science, Office Admin or related
- Strong customer service and organisational skills
- Proficient in MS Office
10. Programmes & Administrator Intern (x1)
Ref: 2025/10/PA
Support arts programming, event coordination, and admin tasks.
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Arts Management, Event Management or related
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- Flexible to work occasional after-hours events
- Proficient in MS Office
How to Apply
Email your application to: [email protected]
Subject Line: Use ONLY the reference number (e.g., 2025/10/ST)
Important Notes:
- Background checks will be conducted on all successful candidates
- Relocation costs are for your own account
- You must not be registered for full-time studies in 2026
- You must not have previously participated in the YES4Youth programme
Who Can Apply?
- Unemployed South African youth aged 18–34
- Completed Matric + National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or Degree from a recognised South African institution
- Must register on the YES portal: www.yes4youth.co.za
- Interest in creative arts is an advantage (not required)
Attach:
- Concise CV
- Certified ID
- Certified qualifications
- Unemployment affidavit
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you don’t hear back within 30 days of closing, consider your application unsuccessful.
Enquiries: Apfeswaho Muruge – (011) 832 1641
CLOSING DATE: 11 NOVEMBER 2025
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
Apply today and kickstart your career in the arts!
The Market Theatre Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.