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.

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 all Lookingglass productions (as well as industry offers when available) and academic credit (if available through College/University). Candidates should be able to commit to at least 15 hours per week, for a minimum of 12-weeks. Administrative Internship hours will generally be fulfilled between 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday.  Interested applicants should send a brief Cover Letter, Resume, (2) references (letters or contact information) and an Internship Application. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled, we willbegin the application review process for individual sessions on thefollowing 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 Liz Federico at lfederico@lookingglasstheatre.org or write to:

Internship Program
John Hancock Center
875 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60611

Lookingglass Theatre Company currently offers Internship positions in the following areas (please click on any of the below positions for a more detailed description):

Arts Administration
Development
Education & Community Programs – Administration
Education & Community Programs – Camp (summer only)
Marketing
Production Management
Production – Electrics
Production – Properties
Production – Stage Management
Production – Sound
Production – Technical Direction
Production – Wardrobe

The Arts Administration Intern works very closely with the Company Assistant to provide administrative support to the three Artistic Directors. Arts Administration Intern must have strong communication & organizational skills and be proficient in Excel and Word. Most of this internship is supporting the artistic leadership through daily office activities, in addition to providing support for occasional special events.  He/she will be expected to work 10-15 hours per week during normal business hours, and some weekend and evening events as necessary, for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks.

Specific Duties Include:

• Updating headshot and resume files
• Assist with setting up and running auditions
• Assist in coordinating readings
• Copy and file scripts
• Maintain artistic archives
• Special event support
• Additional projects as assigned

DEVELOPMENT

The Development Intern is a key staff member in Lookingglass’ Development Office.  Lookingglass is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation that operates on a budget of roughly $3.5 million and raises nearly $2 million in contributed income annually.  To assist in this significant fundraising endeavor, the Development Intern should have some basic experience working in an office setting, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, and an interest in the administrative aspects of running a mid-size arts organization including record-keeping, donor correspondence, donor relations, and event planning.  A high standard of professional conduct is expected of the Development Intern.  He/she will be expected to work 10-15 hours per week, during normal business hours and some weekend and evening events as necessary, for a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks.

Specific Duties Include:

• Preparing materials for special events
• Conducting mail merges
• Writing acknowledgment and solicitation letters
• Filing
• Maintaining Lookingglass’ donor database
• Preparing materials for Board and committee meetings
• Creating and maintaining visibility materials
• Conducting donor research
• Additional projects as assigned

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS – Administrative

The Education Intern is a key staff member in our Department of Education and Community Programs, and assists the department with responsibilities according to the season. During the academic year (Sept-May), E&C operates three sessions of Studio classes, over 30 programs on site in Chicago (with school and community programs), the Young Ensemble (a year-long program for 30 students that culminates with full productions of original works in April and May), and several other events, including workshops, student matinee performances, etc. The spring season is also dedicated to preparing for summer camp. Summer months (June-August) in E&C are dedicated to operating four summer camp programs for students aged 4-18. The E&C department reaches over 15,000 students, families, and community members annually through its variety of programs. During the academic year, the Education Intern will be expected to work 10-15 hours per week during normal business hours, for a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks. Our summer intern may be eligible for a stipend, provided that Lookingglass continues to receive funding for such stipend, and provided that the intern can commit to 30 hours of work per week, for 10 consecutive weeks.

Specific Duties Include:

• Answering the E&C main phone line
• Accepting and processing registrations for classes and camps
• Processing and organizing forms for camps
• Assisting E&C staff in preparations for programs, including camps
• Taking inventory of supplies, library, props, costumes
• Assisting E&C staff with specific programs operating on-site
• Supporting company-wide events
• Attending fairs and representing the education department

The Education Intern is a key staff member in our Department of Education and Community Programs, and assists the department with responsibilities and tasks according to the season of the internship. During the school year (Sept-June), E&C operates three sessions of Studio classes, over 30 programs on site in Chicago (with school and community programs), the Young Ensemble program (a year-long program for 30 students that culminates with fully-produced original performances in April and May), and several other events, including workshops, student matinee performances, etc. The spring season is also dedicated to preparing for summer camp. Summer months (June-August) in E&C are dedicated to operating four summer camp programs for students aged 4-18. The E&C department reaches over 15,000 students, families, and community members annually through its variety of programs. During the school year, the Education Intern will be expected to work 10-15 hours per week during normal business hours, for a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks. Our summer intern may be eligible for a stipend, provided that Lookingglass continues to receive funding for such stipend, and provided that the intern can commit to 30 hours of work per week, for 10 consecutive weeks.

During the summer months, E&C is occasionally able to hire an intern to work primarily on site at our Zoo Camp program. On-site intern must be available and willing to work on-site for each of three sessions (2 weeks in June, 4 weeks in July, 3 weeks in August), for a full day (9-3). Intern duties at Zoo Camp include:

Specific Duties Include:

• Supporting lead teaching artists in daily activities
• Assisting in the needs of the Group Leaders
• Organizing supplies taking inventory of supplies needed
• Providing additional supervision to students during lunch
• Providing additional supervision to students while at the zoo
• Assisting in the final performances and open house after each session

During the summer months, E&C is occasionally able to hire an intern to work primarily on site at our Summergglass Camp program. On-site intern must be available and willing to work on-site for each of three sessions (2 weeks in June, 2 weeks in July, 2 weeks in August), for a full day (9-3). Intern duties at Summergglass Camp include:

Specific Duties Include:

• Supporting lead teaching artists in daily activities
• Providing additional supervision to students during lunch
• Overseeing small group activities
• Assisting in the final performances for each session

MARKETING

The Marketing Intern works closely with the Director of Marketing and Marketing Coordinator to promote season and single ticket sales. They are given a great deal of ownership and responsibility over long term projects and are expected to manage their own workflow. Excellent internet research skills are required.

Specific Duties Include:

• Manages our archive of printed materials, images, video and publicity
• Handles basic database and mailing list maintenance
• Executes distribution plan for printed materials
• Maintains printed materials at the theatre
• Provides support during special events (evening and weekend hours)
• Manages blog, Facebook and MySpace pages
• Assists with the Lookingglass Study Guide
• Fulfills administrative tasks as needed

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

The Production Management Intern will integrate into the Production Department at Lookingglass to assist with both daily and long-term upkeep of productions and production’s more administrative side. Production Interns should have some basic knowledge of theatre practice and terminology and basic computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access. Production Management background is preferable, but not required. He/She will focus on pre-production, playbill, scheduling, budgets and maintenance of production facilities. The Production Management Intern will be expected to work 10-20 hours per week during non-peak production times; however, he/she will be expected to work 20-30 hours per week during the load-in and technical rehearsal period of any mainstage production.

Specific Duties Include:

• Maintenance of inventory and production databases.
• Entering of payables upon receipt.
• Payables filing/tracking.
• Processing/distribution of weekly payroll and vendor checks.
• Vendor communications.
• Assist in the preparation of materials for Playbill.
• Assist with strike of productions, as necessary.
• Additional projects as assigned.

PRODUCTION - ELECTRICS

The Electrics Intern will work directly under the supervision of the resident Master Electrician to realize the lighting design for each production. He/She should have a basic background in electrics with some experience working on electrics crews and running a light board. Responsibilities will include assisting with load-in, hang and focus, tech notes, maintenance of electrics during the run of the productions, and strike. Additionally the Electrics Intern will train and sub on the light board during the run of productions.

Specific Duties Include:

• Serve on electrics load-in and focus crew.
• Assist with electrics notes during tech and previews.
• Maintenance of electrics equipment during the run of the show.
• Train on the lightboard as a substitute operator.
• Additional projects as assigned.

PRODUCTION - PROPERTIES

The Properties Intern will work directly with Properties Designer and Production Management to help realize the design of the show. The Properties Intern should have an interest in properties or scenic design, some basic experience in small/hand prop design and manufacturing, and also have lots of energy.  Responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting with the execution of properties and scenic design, load-in, tech notes, maintenance of properties during the run of the productions, and strike. Additionally the Properties Intern will work directly with Production management on the maintenance and organization of the company's Properties Storage. The Properties Intern will be expected to work 15-20 hours per week.

Specific Duties Include:

• Assist with execution of scenic and properties design.
• Maintenance of properties and furniture pieces throughout the run of the show.
• Maintenance of off-site company Properties Storage.
• Assist with strike of properties at completion of run.
• Additional projects as assigned

PRODUCTION – STAGE MANAGEMENT

The Stage Management Intern will be an invaluable part of the production team Lookingglass’ mainstage productions. He/She should have some background in stage management, and a basic understanding of theatre terminology and practice. Stage Management Intern will work directly with Stage Management team to assist with pre-production, daily rehearsal activities, and coordination of stage management transfer from rehearsal room to theatre. Stage management intern will also work with backstage run crew and production department during the technical rehearsals and preview process to assist with set-up and maintenance of the stage, furniture and hand props, and audience seating. Additionally the Stage Management Intern will train on the backstage run crew tracks under the supervision of the Assistant Stage Manager, with possibility to sub during the run of productions.

Specific Duties Include:

• Assist with pre-production needs for rehearsal process.
• Be “on book” during rehearsals.
• Run lines with actors during rehearsals.
• Assist Production & Stage Management with securing rehearsal props and furniture pieces.
• Learn backstage Deck Crew tracks and serve as a potential sub.
• Additional projects as assigned.

PRODUCTION – SOUND

The Sound Intern will work directly with Sound Engineer and Assistant Sound Designer on each production. The Sound Intern should have background in Sound Design or Sound Engineering, but must have basic knowledge of sound install. Responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting with the load-in, speaker hangs, tech notes, maintenance of sound equipment during the run of the productions, and strike. Additionally the Sound Intern will train and sub on the Sound board during the run of productions.

Specific Duties Include:

• Serve on sound load-in crew.
• Assist with sound notes during tech and previews, as needed.
• Maintenance of sound equipment during the run of the show.
• Train on the sound board as a substitute operator.
• Additional projects as assigned.

PRODUCTION – TECHNICAL DIRECTION

The Technical Direction Intern will be an integral part of the Production Team at Lookingglass. Under the guidance of the Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director, Intern will assist with pre-production build, maintenance of scene shop and water tower theatre, maintenance of equipment, and strike of productions. Technical Direction Intern should have basic carpentry skills, desire to work in a fast-paced environment, and basic theatre background. Intern will be expected to work 15-20 hours per week at our off-site Scene Shop during regular business weeks; however, Intern will be expected to work 20-30 hours per week during the load-in, technical rehearsal, or strike period of the mainstage show.

Specific Duties Include:

• Assist with pre-production build.
• Assist with load-in and installation of set in mainstage theatre.
• Maintenance of equipment at Scene Shop.
• Maintenance of facilities at Water Tower Water Works theatre.
• Assist with strike of scenery at end of production run.
• Additional projects as assigned.

PRODUCTION – WARDROBE

The Wardrobe Intern will be asked to work directly with Lookingglass’ full-time Wardrobe Supervisor. Wardrobe Intern should have a background in Costume Design, Wardrobe, or Hair/Make-up, as well as an interest in learning about the backstage elements of a production. Intern will assist with pre-production set-up of wardrobe room, dressing rooms, and all quick change areas, assist with costume maintenance through Opening, wig and hair maintenance as necessary; This position also works directly with the Assistant Costume Designer in many instances. Wardrobe Intern will also work with Wardrobe Supervisor and Production Management on the organization and maintenance of the company's Costume Storage.

Specific Duties Include:

• Assist with pre-production set-up: Wardrobe Room, Dressing Rooms, Quick Change Areas, etc.
• Maintenance of Costumes and any Hair Pieces/Wigs, as needed.
• Weekly maintenance of Wardrobe and Dressing Rooms.
• Maintenance of facilities and stock at off-site Costume Storage.
• Assist with strike of costumes at end of production run.
• Additional projects as assigned.

PRODUCTION - OTHER

Don't see what you're looking for here? Or can't decide? Lookingglass works with individuals to customize internships based on each individual's specific experience and needs. Please apply for a general Production Management internship and note your specialty area of interest (i.e. rigging, scenic design, lighting design, etc.).
Deadlines