Internships
Inventive. Collaborative. Transformative.
Lookingglass Interns are current, or recently graduated, college or graduate students interested in taking the first step towards a career in professional theatre administration or production. Given Lookingglass’ commitment to ensemble-based new work & adaptations; Interns should be interested in working in a highly collaborative environment and ready to take on whatever comes their way. While Interns should have some basic experience in their position of interest; the Internship should be seen as an opportunity to learn and further develop the administrative or technical skills they already possess.
Lookingglass Interns are essential team members in their department with a direct supervisor who will outline most of their responsibilities. Additionally they are afforded many opportunities to learn how the company operates as a whole; Interns will interact with staff and artists regularly, have networking opportunities with fellow Interns, and be offered educational forums with company leaders. At the end of their time with Lookingglass all Interns should have a sound understanding of the industry, and a strong outlook on whether or not a career in professional theatre is right for them.
Lookingglass Theatre currently offers Internship positions in the following areas:
Education & Community Programs
(multiple positions available)
Interns will work on a variety of projects as we plan and run six different summer camp programs for campers aged 4-18. Office-based projects may include organizing camp registrations, copying and organizing camp files, gathering and labeling supplies, making phone calls, and assisting with dramaturgical research. On-site projects may include assisting with camp orientation, assisting with camp activities (for example, one of our camps has a weekly barbeque), providing support to staff, supervising campers, videotaping performances, etc.
DEVELOPMENT
Intern will 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. Development Interns are a crucial member of the fundraising staff that last year raised over $1.8 million.
PRODUCTION
Production Management – Production Management intern will assist with pre-production, collecting of information for playbill, maintenance of production schedules, tracking of budgets, strike of productions, and maintenance of production facilities.
Electrics – Electrics Interns’ responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting with hang and focus, tech notes, maintenance of electrics during the run of the productions, and strike. Additionally the Electrics Interns will train and sub on the light board during the run of productions. Electrics Interns are under the supervision of the Master Electrician and Production Management.
Sound – Responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting with the speaker hangs, tech notes, maintenance of sound equipment during the run of the productions, and strike. Additionally the Sound Interns will train and sub on the Sound board during the run of productions under the supervision of the Sound Engineer.
Stage Management & Lighting - Internships are offered on an ‘as needed’ basis. Please inquire at the time of application if interested in these positions.
MARKETING
Assist implementation of the strategies and procedures for marketing and publicizing Lookingglass’ season to over 2,000 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. This summers’ Marketing Intern will be heavily involved with subscription campaign preparations for our exciting 21st anniversary season!
ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION
While this individuals’ primary responsibility is to provide administrative support to our unique three-tiered joint Artistic Directors and Literary Coordinator, including script & headshot organization/management, scheduling and travel coordination; they will also attend Artistic and Production meetings, perform dramaturgical work for upcoming productions, assist in the management of script readings/workshops, and evaluate potential scripts.
For All Applicants
Prospective Interns must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, should be knowledgeable in Microsoft Word and Excel, and have an interest in working in a highly collaborative environment. Internships are unpaid; but scheduling is flexible, Interns receive complimentary tickets to productions and academic credit (if available through College/University). Candidates should be able to commit to at least 20 hours per week, for a minimum of 12-weeks. Interested applicants should send a brief Cover Letter (specifically detailing their availability), Resume, (2) references (letters or contact information) and an Internship Application.
Requirements
Interns must be 18 years old and have some experience in the area of specialty. Internships are offered year round to qualified individuals who have administrative experience, computer proficiency and a love for theatre and the arts.
Stipends & College Credit
Currently, Lookingglass does not offer any payment to individuals in our program. Lookingglass can accommodate students pursuing college credit for their internship. All details and arrangements for academic credit will need to be arranged by the applicant.
Deadlines
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled, we will begin the application review process for individual sessions on the following dates.
Summer Internships (June — August): March 1
Fall Internships (September — December): July 15
Winter/Spring Internships (January — May): October 15
Contact Information
For more information, please e-mail Dan McArdle at dmcardle@lookingglasstheatre.org or write to:
Internship Program
John Hancock Center
875 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60611
