Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Does Steppenwolf Theatre Company offer paid internships?
Participants in The Apprenticeship and The African American Fellowship are paid. Except for stage management interns, who receive minimum wage, participants in The Summer Internship are not paid, but participants are encouraged to apply for academic credit with their school.
How competitive is the selection process?
Because Steppenwolf receives so many applications from highly qualified individuals there is a high level of competition. Each year, we receive over seven hundred applications for these programs.
How does the selection process work?
If an application is complete, it will be reviewed. A round of candidates will be interviewed in person or over the phone. Some departments will request a second round of interviews. About one month after the application deadline, all applicants will receive a status of their application via e-mail. Usually, the selection process is completed in 4 to 6 weeks.
Does Steppenwolf offer housing?
The African-American Fellowship offers a monthly housing stipend for participants. For the Internship and Apprenticeship, it is the responsibility of the participant to find housing. Visit the Living in Chicago page for resources on moving to Chicago.
Does Steppenwolf offer short–term or part–time internships?
Steppenwolf sticks to the program dates listed. Persons looking for a short-term experience should consider The Summer Internship or signing up to volunteer.
Are high–school students or adults exploring new career paths eligible to apply for an internship/apprenticeship at Steppenwolf?
All participants must be 18 years of age. High school may apply but should also consider participating in Steppenwolf for Young Adults programs or volunteer. Adults interested in exploring new career paths in arts administration and production are more than welcome to apply.
Will I be able hold a job during the program?
If hired, you would be required to work either 28 or 40 hours a week per week depending on the department. Please see the list of job descriptions per department for information on hours worked per week. Many former participants have been able to find evening and weekend work in retail establishments, restaurants, and bars in the city. See the Living in Chicago page for more information.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
If I am not offered an internship/apprenticeship/fellowship can I apply again?
Yes. Due to the high number of qualified applicants we receive each year, many departments find themselves with a number of appropriate applications from which to choose. If you feel the program would still be beneficial to you, or you have gained a little more experience please re–apply.
What if I want to apply for more than one program (ie. the Fellowship and the Internship)?
If you want to apply for more than one program, specify this information in your personal statement and ALSO send an email to leadership@steppenwolf.org explaining your request to apply for two programs in 2010.
If I scan my documents into one PDF, my letters of recommendation will no longer be confidential. Is that OK? How will you know the letters are legitimate?
Steppenwolf has never required confidential, sealed letters of recommendation. You should only request letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak favorably to your talents and abilities and let them know that you will have access to the letter. The letters of recommendation should be on your recommender’s university or company letterhead and should include contact information for your recommender. Supervisors will often contact recommenders before hiring a candidate.
What if my letters of recommendation are not available by the deadline?
Incomplete applications will be considered as a lesser priority and therefore it is imperative you seek out your letters of recommendation in enough time to include them in your PDF document. If extenuating circumstances occur, please email leadership@steppenwolf.org but DO NOT have your recommenders simply mail in copies of your letters separately; they will not be considered.
What is the absolute latest I can apply?
The deadlines are as follows:
2010 Summer Internship: 11:59pm on February 15, 2010
2010-2012 African American Fellowship: 11:59pm on February 15, 2010
2010-2011 Apprenticeship: 11:59pm on March 15, 2010
What if I only have one department choice?
If you only wish to be considered for one department, please select your "First Choice Department" and then leave the "Second Choice Department" field blank.
In the past, I know Steppenwolf has requested/required work samples. Why can’t I submit work samples for production departments other than Properties/Costume Shop?
Although Steppenwolf has in the past required work samples, we are not requesting them at this time. If a candidate is chosen for an interview, work samples may be requested at that time. Again, please do not submit work samples (except for Properties/Costume Shop) with your application at this time.
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