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Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships
Supports paid performing arts internships in Ontario
Latest source updateLast Update: July 6, 2026Latest change: The Performing Arts Internships page now shows a revised 2026 intake schedule and new application resources, including a guidelines PDF and How to Apply section.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 6, 2026
Latest change: The Performing Arts Internships page now shows a revised 2026 intake schedule and new application resources, including a guidelines PDF and How to Apply section.
Performing Arts Internships deadlines and application details updated
The Internships page now shows 2026 deadlines for Round 1 on March 31, 2:00pm ET and Round 2 on October 6, 2:00pm ET, and the application guidelines PDF is now linked as a current resource. The page also adds How to Apply content and related application resources, while the funding cap still shows a maximum of $40,000 for a full-time, 10-month internship. The core scope and eligibility still appear largely consistent, with the program remaining focused on Ontario-based performing arts organizations and paid internships in the live performing arts.
Funding available
$ 40,000
Deadline
October 6, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Metcalf Performing Arts Internships supports paid internship placements for professional theatre, dance, music, or opera organizations in Ontario. Funding is for an intern’s salary and statutory benefits, and applications must show the match between the intern and mentor, plus the planned learning and professional development activities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 40,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Paid internships in artistic, administrative, and production roles
- Internships that include external professional development relevant to the intern’s goals
Documents Needed
- Metcalf application cover sheet
- Statements from the intern and from the mentor
- Application text
- Budgets
- Video submission
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Professional theatre organizations
- Professional dance organizations
- Professional music organizations
- Professional opera organizations
- Performing arts creation, production, festival, training, and service organizations
Who is not eligible
- Performer applicants
- Organizations without a current valid charitable registration from the Canada Revenue Agency
- Co-op work terms or any other component of an intern’s educational degree
Eligible expenses
- Intern’s salary
- Statutory benefits, including CPP and EI costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Mentoring costs or fees
- Administrative overhead
- Co-op work terms or any other component of an intern’s educational degree
Selection criteria
- Strong match between the intern and mentor or organization.
- Meaningful career development for the intern.
- Increased responsibility through the course of the internship.
- Exciting professional development opportunities that fill a gap within, and/or complement, the work plan.
- Meaningful opportunities for internships of less than 43 full-time weeks and/or part-time internships to meet the intern’s learning goals.
How to apply
- Applicants are invited to reach out to the Metcalf Performing Arts Program Director, Michael Trent, at mtrent@metcalffoundation.com, to set up a time to meet online in advance of making a submission.
- Applicants must email one PDF file with all written materials and include a link or attachment to a downloadable video.
- Applications must be sent to grants@metcalffoundation.com by the date and time listed.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications will be reviewed by Metcalf’s board and staff, assisted by an advisory panel from the performing arts community.
- Funding decisions will be made by the Metcalf board and decisions are final.
Additional information
- Organizations may apply individually or in partnership with other organizations.
- Applicants are invited to contact the Metcalf Performing Arts Program Director in advance to discuss their proposals.
- New applicants or those who last applied more than two years ago are strongly encouraged to arrange a meeting with the Metcalf Program Director, the mentor, and the intern.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships Program
What is the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships?
Metcalf Performing Arts Internships supports paid internship placements for professional theatre, dance, music, or opera organizations in Ontario. Funding is for an intern’s salary and statutory benefits, and applications must show the match between the intern and mentor, plus the planned learning and professional development activities.
How much funding can be received?
Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships Funds up to $40,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships program?
To be eligible for the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships program, you must:
Ontario-based performing arts organization
Three years of history
Valid charitable registration
What expenses are eligible under Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships?
Paid internships in artistic, administrative, and production roles
Internships that include external professional development relevant to the intern’s goals
Who can I contact for more information about the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships?
You can contact The George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation by email at grants@metcalffoundation.com or by phone at 416 926 0366.
Where is the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships available?
The Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships is a Wage Subsidies And Interns