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 a single productions load-in, tech, and previews. The sound internship offers a unique, hands-on, professional experience. Interns will work directly with our sound supervisor and will act as an integral part of the sound department.
The sound intern will work alongside the sound department to follow one production from its load-in through its opening performance. Though the interns hours can be fairly flexible ranging from part to full time, all internship candidates must be available to work a minimum of 24 hours per week and be available the full length of the dates listed below. The sound intern must be available to participate in some specific long days and evenings for load-in, strike, and tech rehearsals. 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
Dates: Macbeth: March 26th - May 3rd
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-in, tech, and previews.
- Interns may also be asked to work on the repair of sound equipment in the Courtyard Theater, Upstairs Theater, Rehearsal Hall, special event spaces as needed.
- Working closely with other technical departments during load-in, tech, and previews of 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
Benefits Include:
- A modest travel stipend
- College credit as available through a student’s academic institution
- A review of the intern’s resume and portfolio with CST Staff Members
- Invitations to company-wide events with actors, designers and other artist
- Free and reduced price tickets to other Chciago theaters through “industry” offers
- Unfortunately we are unable to provide housing
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.
