Goodman Theatre

About Goodman

Internship Program: FAQs

2008/2009 Season

Q: How will I know that you have received my application?
A: As soon as your application has been checked for required documents and logged into our computer system, we will send a confirmation of receipt via e-mail. If your application is incomplete, that will be noted in the e-mail message. Please do not call us
Q: How does the selection process work?
A: Reading and evaluating applications takes 3-5 weeks, sometimes longer during unusually busy periods of activity at the theater. Once that stage of the process is completed, the top 3-5 candidates for each position are interviewed, either in person or by telephone, and offers are made. Once an offer has been accepted, rejection notices are sent to the other applicants. We realize that waiting for official notification of your status can be stressful and we appreciate your patience. If you have not heard from us yet and cannot delay pursuing other options, we certainly understand and encourage you to act accordingly; please let us know if you do decide to take another offer or if your plans change. Again, please do not call to check on the status of your application.
Q: How competitive is the selection process?
A: The Goodman has a limited number of internship positions to offer in relation to the volume of applications that we usually receive, and competition for each position tends to be stiff. Regrettably, we almost always have to turn away some well-qualified candidates. For that reason alone, we strongly encourage you to make alternative plans in the event that we are not able to offer you an internship.
Q: What if my availability does not match the specified internship dates and hours?
A: Within reason, internship dates and hours are usually negotiable. You should keep in mind, however, that our selection process tends to favor applicants whose availability most nearly matches the specified dates and hours.
Q: Can I be an intern and also hold an outside job?
A: The demands of full-time interning at the Goodman make it very difficult to hold an outside job at the same time. This is particularly true for stage management interns, who must be at the theatre for daytime rehearsals Tuesday through Sunday and up to 12 hours per day during tech.
Q: Does the Goodman provide housing for interns?
A: Unfortunately, we are not able to provide housing. It is your responsibility to find a place to live if you are offered an internship. Return to the menu and "click on" Living, Working & Commuting in Chicago for suggestions to help you start your search. Also, we will be happy to provide contact information for other interns who may be looking for roommates.
Q: Who should write my letters of recommendation?
A: These letters should be written by college faculty or professionals who have first-hand knowledge of your goals and accomplishments.
Q: Does the Goodman offer internships for high school students? What are some other ways for these students to pursue their interest in theater?
A: The Goodman’s internship program is an intensive pre-professional experience for college students and recent college graduates who are actively pursuing careers in theater. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and must be qualified to meet the demands of our program. If you have not yet graduated from high school, here are some great ways to pursue your interest in theater:
  • Learn by doing. Join a theater group in your school or neighborhood … and if there isn’t one already, start your own.
  • The more you read and see plays, the better prepared you will be to pursue a college education and/or career in theater, so plan each week to read a play, see a play, or both.
  • Organize a "Play-of-the-Month" club with your friends. Make a list of plays that you all want to read and talk about, then schedule a regular time to meet. You can either read the plays on your own, then meet to talk, or you can read the plays aloud together and discuss them afterwards. Choose a wide variety of plays to read, including your own original plays if you or your friends are aspiring playwrights.
  • Whether your community has many theater companies (as Chicago does) or just a few, going to different theaters is a great way to broaden your perspective and meet other aspiring actors, directors, playwrights, designers, and producers. If money is an issue, ask about discounted tickets for students.
  • Contact our Education & Community Programs Department for information about its General Theater Studies Program, a comprehensive 4-week summer workshop for Chicago public school students aged 14-19 who have a serious interest in studying acting, directing, playwriting, and designing. (Telephone: 312.443.5581 or E-mail: educationinfo@goodmantheatre.org)