About Goodman
Internship Descriptions
2010/2011 Season
All Goodman internships share the same basic expectations. At a minimum, applicants must:
- possess the knowledge and skills required to work successfully in a specific department of the theater
- be socially mature and self-confident
- be able to take direction and criticism well
- be able to digest new information quickly and apply it productively
- be consistent and dependable in their work habits
- have good communication skills
- enjoy multi-tasking and creative problem-solving
- work comfortably and effectively in a highly collaborative environment
A basic knowledge of computing is essential. The Goodman uses a wide assortment of computer equipment and software for such varied activities as preparing budget spreadsheets, tracking on-line ticket sales, creating marketing images, plotting lights for shows, formatting rehearsal scripts, and compiling survey data.
Administrative
Casting
- Activities:
- Assist with the preparation of character profiles and actor call lists, as well as with scheduling and monitoring auditions; cover the main casting line and its voice-mail; prepare routine correspondence, including rejection letters and responses to actor inquiries; maintain casting files; attend artistic staff meetings.
- Special Qualifications:
- Applicants must have excellent communication skills, and must be highly organized and detail-oriented. Experience with casting is a plus.
- Time Commitment:
- Full-time, M-F, 10 am - 5:30 pm; occasional evening and/or weekend assignments
- Mentor:
- Adam Belcuore, Casting Director
Development
- Activities:
- Learn the skill sets required for fundraising for a nonprofit organization with an annual budget of over $16 million; assist in cultivation, stewardship and large-scale benefit events and board committee meetings; participate in the identification and cultivation of prospective and current donors through research, solicitations and administrative tasks (correspondence, database maintenance, filing, etc.); gain an understanding of how to write effective grant proposals and/or reports and various acknowledgment and solicitation letters; become knowledgeable of Tessitura, an arts-specific database that is quickly becoming the industry standard.
- Special Qualifications:
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and computing skills are essential; enthusiasm for nonprofit organizations a plus.
- Time Commitment:
- Full-time, M-F, 9am - 5pm; with occasional evening and/or weekend assignments.
- Mentor:
- Jennifer Whittemore, Director of Development Services
E-Communications
- Activities:
- Creating and sending eblasts on behalf of Goodman Theatre to patron lists, updating and building areas of GoodmanTheatre.org using HTML (including work with video, imagery, etc), collecting data from user analytics and surveys, assisting in the creation and upkeep of Google AdWords campaigns, monitoring and maintaining the presence of the Goodman online beyond GoodmanTheatre.org, and other tasks as necessary.
- Special Qualifications:
- Basic knowledge of HTML and Photoshop required. The ideal candidate will have an e-communications background with a passion for the performing arts and/or non-profit organizations. Understanding of Tessitura, Google tools (specifically Analytics and AdWords), and content management systems is a strong plus. Experience working with social media platforms including YouTube, Flickr, Facebook, and Blogger is necessary. Strong attention to detail, organization, and proof-reading are essential, as is a basic knowledge of Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat.
- Time Commitment:
- Full-time, M-F, 9:30am - 5:30pm
- Mentor:
- Gabriela Jirasek, E-Communications Manager
Education & Community Engagement
- Activities:
- Write and design study guides for students who participate in the Goodman's free matinee series for Chicago public high schools; assist with teacher workshops, student matinees and Context discussion events; facilitate weekend seminars for the Cindy Bandle Young Critics program; process information on Tessitura; monitor student matinees; correspond with teachers, parents and students; organize archival materials; attend artistic staff meetings. During the summer, activities also include assisting with the General Theater Studies program.
- Special Qualifications:
- Strong writing background (journalism and/or heavy research experience preferred); proficiency with Adobe InDesign or other design software; interest and passion for arts education; attention to detail; ability to work independently. Teaching/education experience a plus.
- Time Commitment:
- Full-time, M-F, 10am - 6pm; occasional evening and/or weekend assignments
- Mentor:
- Teresa Rende, Education & Community Engagement Assistant
GTS Teaching
- Activities:
- Assist teaching staff for Goodman's "General Theatre Studies," summer program. Includes class selection and curriculum planning in the spring, followed by teaching daily for the duration of GTS (6 weeks beginning mid June). Correspond with GTS teacher, parents and students, organize archival materials, lead daily exercises and activities, attend GTS staff meetings, and facilitate the production of final devised performance.
- Special Qualifications:
- MUST BE A FORMER GTS STUDENT TO APPLY. Strong writing background; interest and passion for arts education; attention to detail; teaching/education experience is a plus. Please include former teaching experience, and years of GTS participation as a student, in your application.
- Time Commitment:
- Full-time, M-Th, 8:30am - 5:30pm; occasional evening and/or weekend assignments
- Mentor:
- Teresa Rende, Education & Community Engagement Assistant
Literary Management and Dramaturgy
- Activities:
- Conduct research for plays in production and under consideration, as well as for newsletter articles and program notes; attend rehearsals as needed; compile and update rehearsal scripts; help maintain the Goodman's in-house library; assist with the solicitation, cataloging and evaluation of new manuscripts, as well as with correspondence to playwrights, agents, theaters and play development programs; attend artistic staff meetings.
- Special Qualifications:
- Excellent research, writing and proof-reading skills are essential, and applicants must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of dramatic literature, theater history and playwriting. Experience with playwriting software is also a plus.
- Time Commitment:
- Full-time, M-F, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. plus frequent evening and/or weekend assignments
- Mentor:
- Tanya Palmer, Literary Manager
Marketing/Pr/Publicity
- Activities:
- Observe strategies and procedures for marketing and publicizing the Goodman's season to 23,000 annual subscribers and the general public; assist with compiling audience survey results, distributing promotional materials, assembling press and review packets, preparing actor bios, and maintaining publicity archives; assist with data management and analysis; assist with media events and opening nights.
- Special Qualifications:
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, writing, and proof-reading skills are essential, as is a basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience or coursework in communications-related fields is also desirable.
- Time Commitment:
- Full-time, M-F, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm; occasional evening and/or weekend assignments
- Mentors:
- Jenny Wintczak, Audience Development Coordinator; Jeffrey Fauver, Publicity Manager
Production Management
- Activities:
- Observe the planning and technical management of a year-round season that includes world premieres, new interpretations of well-known works, co-productions, festivals, and staged readings of works-in-progress; assist with routine clerical tasks and special projects; conduct research for specific productions; assist stage management as needed; attend production meetings.
- Special Qualifications:
- The ability to lift, push, or maneuver 50-70 lbs., either alone or with assistance from others, is required. Organizational and multi-tasking skills are essential, as are communication and research skills and a practical knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience in one or more areas of production is desirable.
- Time Commitment:
- Full-time, M-F, 9am - 5pm
- Mentor:
- Amber Hilgenkamp, Production Company Manager
Design
- Please Note:
- Due to our status as a Union House, we are unable to offer internships in the areas of Set or Lighting Design.
Costumes
- Activities:
- Observe the costume design process and day-to-day management of the costume shop; assist with routine clerical tasks and costume construction for a variety of period and contemporary productions; assist guest designers as needed.
- Special Qualifications:
- Practical knowledge of sewing equipment, materials, and clothing construction is essential.
- Time Commitment:
- Minimum of 20 hours/week; specific days/hours determined by production schedule
- Mentor:
- Heidi McMath, Costume Shop Manager
Technical Direction Intern
- Activities:
- Observe the realization scenic designs thru technical, structural, and automation design for Goodman Theatre Productions; observe the day to day operation of a major regional theatre scene shop; assist with routine clerical tasks; conduct research for specific productions; observe the load-in, tech and load-out process; other duties as needed and skills allow.
- Special Qualifications:
- The ability to lift, push, or maneuver 50-70 lbs., either alone or with assistance from others, is required. Organizational and multi-tasking skills are essential, as are communication and research skills. Practical knowledge of Microsoft Office & AutoCAD is required. Experience in technical production is desirable.
- Time Commitment:
- Minimum of 30 hours/week; specific days/hours determined by production schedule
- Mentor:
- Brian Phillips, Technical Director
Sound
- Activities:
- Observe the sound design process and learn advanced procedures for installing, operating, and maintaining sound equipment in different sized and configured spaces; assist the house audio supervisor, as well as resident and guest designers, in creating sound scores for both period and contemporary productions.
- Special Qualifications:
- Basic knowledge of sound equipment and principles of sound design is essential. Experience using computerized sound systems is also a plus.
- Special Note:
- Due to union regulations, interns are not permitted to run sound during performances.
- Time Commitment:
- Minimum of 20 hours/week; specific days/hours determined by production schedule
- Mentor:
- David Naunton, House Audio Supervisor
Stage Management
Stage Management
The Goodman has three stage management teams, two of which work alternate shows in the larger Albert Ivar Goodman Theatre, and one of which works all shows in the smaller Owen Bruner Goodman Theatre. The Albert Theatre is an 850-seat house with a fixed proscenium stage. The Owen Theatre is a courtyard house with a flexible stage configuration and seating for 200-400.
- Activities:
- Observe the Goodman's unique team approach to stage management, as well as the collaboration of resident and guest artists; assist stage managers throughout the production process, beginning with pre-rehearsal preparations and continuing through technical rehearsals and opening night.
- Special Qualifications:
- Experience is required, and applicants must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of stage management techniques and terminology.
- Special Note 1:
- Due to union regulations, interns are not permitted to run rehearsals or call shows.
- Special Note 2:
- Interns are eligible to receive Equity membership points.
- Time Commitment:
- Full-time; usually Tues-Sun, 9 am - 7:15 pm, and 12 pm - 12 am during tech week
- Mentors:
- Joe Drummond, PSM/Albert Theatre; Alden Vasquez, PSM/Albert Theatre; Kim Osgood, PSM/Owen Theatre