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Education Internship

Education Intern

The deadline for this internship has passed. Check back soon for details on Fall 2020 internships.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is dedicated to bringing great theater into peoples’ lives, and to creating opportunities for the work on our stage to support education and lifelong learning for students, teachers and adult audiences. The Education Department creates and coordinates a number of programs, including: student matinee performances at the Theater and on tour regionally to schools; professional development through teacher workshops and seminars; printed and online educational resources to complement the work on our stages; an onsite Teacher Resource Center; and the Chicago Shakespeare Slam. Through these efforts, Chicago Shakespeare has created one of the largest and most respected arts-in-education programs in the country, which is further bolstered by diverse audience enrichment programs for playgoers of all ages.

The Education Intern will act as an integral member of the Education Department, obtaining hands-on, real-world experience in a creative and supportive atmosphere. While Chicago Shakespeare Theater internships are typically structured as a commitment of 10 – 12 weeks May–August 2020, the program is also flexible enough to meet the scheduling needs of the intern. Chicago Shakespeare Theater is committed to building diversity and inclusion onstage and throughout the organization. We especially encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Maturity, good judgment, and experience in working with adolescents

  • Strong writing and communication skills

  • Detail-oriented, focused work ethic

  • Strong interpersonal skills

  • Working knowledge of online and print research materials

  • Flexibility and the ability to work proactively

Internship Responsibilities:
Responsibilities may include (seasonally determined):

  • Assisting in preparation for high-school Shakespeare slam competition

  • Student matinee preparation and coordination

  • Greeting school groups attending student matinees

  • Assisting in preparation for teacher workshops and seminars

  • Maintaining records in Tessitura, a comprehensive data management system specialized for arts organizations

  • Internet research for production-related information and education programming updates from variety of sources

  • Researching, writing and editing teaching resources, including essays and teaching activities corresponding to our upcoming season’s productions

  • Teacher Resource Center material management, acquisition, and accessioning

  • Transcription and audio editing of artist interviews and post-performance discussions

  • Tabulation and qualitative analysis of evaluation and survey data

CST Education interns will gain experience in several different areas:

  • The day-to-day operations of a professional theater’s arts-in-education program
  • Development of production-related preparatory materials, activities and resources for teachers and students, including interdepartmental interactions with the CST artistic and production teams
  • Coordination and hosting of events, including teacher workshops
  • Familiarity with the arts-in-education community of Chicago's major cultural institutions through events and partnerships
  • Special projects related to theater, education, and dramaturgy

Benefits include:

  • A modest travel stipend
  • College credit as available through a student’s academic institution
  • Educational and career-coaching opportunities, including an intern seminar series that illuminates the workings of a large arts organization
  • An in-depth review of the intern’s resume/portfolio with CST staff members
  • Complimentary tickets to CST performances
  • Invitations to company-wide events with actors, designers, and other artists
  • Free and reduced-price tickets to other Chicago theaters through "industry" offers
  • Unfortunately, we are not able to provide housing

Application Process:
To be considered for an Education Internship with Chicago Shakespeare, please prepare the following to upload through our application form:

  • A cover letter stating:
    • Your specific interest/s in this particular internship
    • Your available start and end dates
    • Hourly time commitment each week
    • 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 Chicago Shakespeare directly, they may do so through the submission form on this page.)
  •  A writing sample from related academic coursework—ideally a sample that exemplifies your ability to take a difficult concept and make it accessible to the reader
  •  If you wish to receive college credit for this internship, please include an outline of your school's requirements.

Questions? Contact Chicago Shakespeare’s Education Department at edu_intern@chicagoshakes.com.

   
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