Sound Internship

Sound Intern applications for Winter/Spring 2018 are closed. Summer 2018 applications will be accepted beginning January 1. 

As an intern in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Production department, you will be joining a world-class group of artisans, craftspeople, carpenters, and technicians. Together, the Production Management, Stage Management, Scenic, Props, Costumes, Lighting, Sound and Wigs departments execute the visions of the many directors and designers who come through Chicago Shakespeare’s doors. With the opening of The Yard in 2017, the Production department looks forward to further innovation in our new flexible performance space.

Chicago Shakespeare’s Sound Internship offers professional experience for qualified college students who are interested in pursuing careers in theatrical sound design or engineering. Interns are entrusted with a great deal of responsibility and have the opportunity to play an integral role over the course of load-in and tech. In addition, Chicago Shakespeare Interns receive a small travel stipend and complimentary tickets to Chicago Shakespeare performances. Other benefits include the opportunity to receive one-on-one mentoring from the Sound Supervisors, work with renowned Sound Designers, experience with professional equipment, the opportunity to participate in an intern seminar series that illuminates the workings of a large arts organization, and receive a resume and portfolio review with Chicago Shakespeare staff.

While Chicago Shakespeare Theater insists on a minimum time commitment of 10 weeks between January and June 2018, the program is also flexible enough to meet the scheduling needs of the intern. Chicago Shakespeare Theater is committed to recruiting and fostering a diverse community of artists, staff and students. People of color and individuals from traditionally under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Minimum one year undergraduate education with experience in theater sound
• Experience with live sound mix and/or computer-controlled systems and interest in learning more
• Computer proficiency
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Flexibility and ability to work within tight deadlines
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Willingness to learn and work as part of a team
• Self-starter, willing to take ownership of a specific project or task

Internship Responsibilities

• Assisting the Sound Supervisors with load-ins, strikes, maintenance, and repair of sound equipment in the Courtyard Theater, Upstairs Theater, Rehearsal Hall, special event spaces, and off-site venues
• Working closely with other technical departments during load-in, tech, and runs of the shows
• Training as Sound Operator Sub for Chicago Shakespeare performances
• Helping create and maintain organizational paperwork
• Working closely with local and visiting theater professionals
• Assisting on special projects as needed

Application Process

To be considered for a Sound Internship with Chicago Shakespeare, please prepare the following to upload through our portal below:

• A cover letter stating: 1) your specific interest/s in this particular internship, 2) your available start and end dates, 3) hourly time commitment each week, 4) how you hope this internship will support your future goals
• A current CV or resume describing relevant experience
• Two letters of academic and/or professional reference (Please note that if your references would like to submit their letters to CST directly, they should be emailed to productionintern@chicagoshakes.com.)
• If you wish to receive college credit for this internship, please include an outline of your school's requirements.

Questions? Contact Chicago Shakespeare’s Production Department at productionintern@chicagoshakes.com. Applications sent to this email address will not be accepted.