Victory Gardens Theater seeks 2 interns in theater administration for Spring, 2008.
Dept: Administration, Development and Access and Educational Outreach.
Interns are expected to serve a semester with the theater, from Feb. 15, 2009 through June 15, 2009, working forty hours per week, Mondays through Fridays from 10am – 6pm. Housing is not provided. College credit may be available through your university or college. Due to a generous grant from the Kemper Foundation, we are offering a stipend of $4,000 for both internships with Victory Gardens for Spring, 2008. Deadline for this internship is December 15, 2008.
Please send three recommendations, including at least two from teachers; an application, (which can be downloaded on this page), a resume; a college transcript; and a letter describing why you think this internship is right for you, including a description of one artistic or administrative theory you are particularly interested in applying, during your tenure with Victory Gardens to:
Mr. Chris Biddle
Internship Coordinator
Victory Gardens Theater
2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
You may also fax your completed application packet to Chris’ attention at: 773-549-2779 or email it to him at cbiddle@victorygardens.org
Please direct any questions to Chris at (773)-328-2130 or to the above email address.
Victory Gardens Theater is always looking for interns.
Major goals of the Internship in Victory Gardens Theater Administration program are:
To provide administrative support in the production of programming at Victory Gardens Theater, "the nation's most important incubator of new playwrights.”
To build student relationships with Chicago arts administration professionals.
To provide experiential learning to students.
Victory Gardens Theater provides internships for college students and recent graduates in all areas of theater. VGT has great opportunities in all departments including artistic, marketing, administration, production, and education. Internships are unpaid, however may be used for college credit. Arrangements must be made through the student and their college specifications for internships.
Please note that even though only summer internship information is posted, Victory Gardens constantly accepts internships requests all year long. Interns are sometimes needed and appreciated during the fall and winter seasons. If you are interested in an internship in the fall or winter, please contact the Internship Coordinator and let them know what position you are interested in.
See below for internship opportunities by department.
Administrative Internships
Administrative interns acquire hands-on experience in contracts; union relations; budgeting and reporting; board relations; senior staff organization; and planning. Administrative team members include the Managing Director, Finance Director and General Manager. Time is also spent becoming familiar with the functions and practices of the development, marketing, box office, and production/ facilities departments insofar as they relate to budgeting, planning and reporting. Candidates must have strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel, excellent writing skills, multitasking and the ability to work within a team environment, as well as taking on independant projects.
Marcelle McVay, Managing Director
mmcvay@victorygardens.org
Artistic
Artistic Interns will work with various members of the artistic team. Internship responsibilities include script evaluations, dramaturgical research, management of casting files and all incoming scripts, development of written materials for the Victory Gardens Theatre Newsletter and Study Guides, and any other duties requested by the artistic staff. Applicants should have excellent writing and communication skills; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. A strong, varied background in theater would include experience in directing, playwriting, and dramaturgy.
Sandy Shinner, Associate Artistic Director
sshinner@victorygardens.org
Development
Development Interns will work extensively with all of the Development Director, Director of Special Events and Individual Giving and Development Associate. Interns will have the opportunity to experience and gain a higher knowledge of a non-profit arts organization and its funding base. Duties will include researching individual and corporate donors and foundations, developing written materials for distribution, organizing and implementing plans for fundraising events, and providing vital administrative support to the Annual Fund. Candidates must have strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and ProVenue, excellent writing skills, multitasking, and the ability to work within a team environment as well as taking on independent projects.
Lydia Swift, Development Associate
lswift@victorygardens.org
Directing
Directing Interns will assist the director and stage manager in any necessary duties during the duration of the rehearsal process until opening night performance. Duties include assisting the actors with lines and scene work, note taking, working very closely with the director and will frequently be involved in the decisions made for the production. Responsibilities may differ depending on the individual director.
Sandy Shinner, Associate Artistic Director
sshinner@victorygardens.org
Educational Outreach
Victory Gardens Theater is committed to giving community schools the opportunity to become involved with Chicago Theater. By giving special performances for the high school students, VGT ensures the availability of theater to each student and creation of enthusiasm for the performance arts.
Interns will work exclusively with VGT�s Education Director, Sylvia Carter. Applicants should have a background in education, experience with children and young adults, and have a high interest in theater. Duties include attending school lectures and potentially taking on some lecture duties depending on skill level. Also, applicants should have strong verbal and written communication skills for creating and distributing written materials for all age levels.
Robert Cornelius, Education Director
rcornelius@victorygardens.org
House Management
Interns will work directly with House Manager. Responsibilities will include managing the lobby displays for each performance at Victory Gardens Theater, organizing ushers, and may fill in as an usher when needed. Interns should be familiar with box office duties, ticket sales and customer service. Intern will be responsible for communicating information to the stage manager and working with the development and marketing department for special events.
Matt Conlon, House Services Manager
mconlon@victorygardens.org
Marketing and PR
Marketing/PR Interns will have the opportunity to work with the Marketing/PR Director, Associate Director, Audience Development Manager and in the administrative office. Responsibilities will include audience survey development and analysis, group sales, target market research, subscription and single ticket outreach, event coordination, and assisting with archiving photo and press releases. Prospective interns must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and should be knowledgeable in Microsoft Word, Excel, and ArtSoft. Experience in journalism, marketing, or graphic design is a plus.
Jay Kelly, Marketing and PR Director
jkelly@victorygardens.org
Production
Production Interns will have active roles in the development and production of a main stage show during the Victory Gardens season. Interns will work on site at the rehearsal space as well as Victory Gardens Theater and hours will vary depending on the production schedule. Generally production interns will work only with in their field and all applicants must have strong technical and production oriented backgrounds.
Scott Miller, Production Manager
smiller@victorygardens.org
Stage Management
Interns will assist the production stage manager for the duration of the rehearsal process as well as the run of the show. Interns will interact with directors, designers, as well as members of the administrative staff. In addition, interns will learn the skills necessary to maintain day-to-day operation of the technical departments of the theater. Interns must have a strong, varied background of technical theater and experience in stage management.
Scott Miller, Production Manager
smiller@victorygardens.org
Assistant to Technical Director
This internship will provide an inside perspective of a professional scenic shop and the responsibilities of a Technical Director. Working under, Nick Bartels, VGT's Technical Director and Facilities Manager, interns will assist with construction of scene design, operating and managing construction equipment including table saw, chop saw, router, compressor, and air tools. Other duties will include assisting with loading and unloading scenic elements for main stage productions at the theater, theater maintenance to ensure proper and efficient running of scenic shop and VGT theater spaces, and any other specific needs deemed necessary by the Technical Director. Applicants must have strong communication skills, ability to read and comprehend ground plans and elevations, excellent problem solving and interpersonal skills, and a strong work ethic. Depending on scheduling and length of build, the duration of time can vary from 1-3 weeks or 40 hours. The duration of internship is negotiable depending on availability and the amount of work available.
Scott Miller, Production Manager
smiller@victorygardens.org
