About Goodman
Internship Program: Internship Descriptions
2006/2007 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; and
- work comfortably and effectively in a highly collaborative environment.
A basic knowledge of computing is essential for most internships. 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:
- Observe the process of fund-raising for a not-for-profit institution with an annual budget of $16 million; assist staff with opening nights, benefits, and other special events; assist with donor research and database maintenance; assist with routine clerical projects, including mass mailings, and with preparations for board and committee meetings.
- Special Qualifications:
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and computing skills are essential.
- Time Commitment:
- Full-time, M-F, 9 am - 5 pm; occasional evening and/or weekend assignments.
- Mentor:
- Jennifer Whittemore, Director of Development Services.
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; attend artistic staff meetings.
- Special Qualifications:
- Excellent research, writing, and proof-reading skills are essential, and applicants must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of dramatic literature and theater history. Experience with playwriting software is also a plus.
- Time Commitment:
- Full-time, M-F, 10 am - 5:30 pm; occasional evening and/or weekend assignments.
- Mentor:
- Tanya Palmer, Literary Manager.
Education & Community Programs
- 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, 10 am - 5:30 pm; occasional evening and/or weekend assignments.
- Mentors:
- Elizabeth Neukirch, Education & Community Programs Assistant.
Literary Management
- Activities:
- Assist with the solicitation, cataloging, and evaluation of new manuscripts, as well as with correspondence to playwrights, agents, theaters, and play development programs; conduct research on playwrights; help maintain the Goodman's in-house library; attend rehearsals as needed; help compile and update rehearsal scripts; attend artistic staff meetings.
- Special Qualifications:
- Excellent analytical, writing, and research skills are essential, and applicants must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of dramatic literature and playwriting. Experience with playwriting software is also a plus.
- Time Commitment:
- Full-time, M-F, 10 am - 5:30 pm; occasional 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:
- April Johnston, Marketing Assistant; 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, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- 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.
Scenery / Props Intern
- Activities:
- Observe the planning, construction and implementation of the scenic and prop Designs for the 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.
- 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 is required, knowledge of Quicken and AutoCAD a plus. Experience in technical production desirable.
- Time Commitment:
- Minimum of 20 hours/week; specific days/hours determined by production schedule.
- Mentor:
- Brian Phillips, Technical Director; Alice Maguire, Props Supervisor
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.