Job Descriptions

Artistic

Artistic interns assist the Associate Artistic Director in relationships with artists in the local, national and international theater scene. Coordinating with various departments the interns work on meeting preparation, theater research and press assemblage. Helping produce Backstage, Steppenwolf’s news magazine is a major task of Artistic interns which includes transcribing interviews with artists, writing features, editing and compiling articles, and assisting with the magazine’s overall design.

Casting

Casting interns assist the Casting Director in each stage of selecting actors for a production. The interns will organize headshots, call actors and agents to schedule audition times, prepare sides and scripts for auditions and readings, and act as the reader for most Steppenwolf auditions in Chicago. Candidates should possess strong communication and organizational skills, and a desire to learn more about the world of casting in Chicago.

Literary

Literary interns work with the Director of New Play Development and the Literary Manager. Duties include reading new plays and writing evaluations, reviewing weekly script submissions, writing letters to playwrights and agents, maintaining the database and script library, copying scripts, preparing dramaturgical packets and researching dramaturgical questions for productions.

Development/Fundraising

The Development internship provides a broad exposure to Steppenwolf's fundraising program that builds strong relationships with our donors. Interns will have an opportunity to learn about corporate sponsorship, foundation and government grant proposals, cultivation event planning, donor database management, prospect research, individual donor solicitations, email and online donor communications, and preparing for board of trustee meetings. Candidates should have excellent computer and writing skills, be highly organized and able to multi–task, and have the desire to be part of a great development team.

Marketing

The marketing department is responsible for generating ticket sales and interest for every Steppenwolf production. Interns are given a high level of responsibility and work closely with the staff to develop new audiences, maintain and develop the Steppenwolf website and create promotional relationships with area restaurants and media outlets. Through attendance in meetings with the artistic staff and access to production run-throughs, interns are exposed to the artistic process and learn how to effectively market Steppenwolf shows to a diverse audience. Interns also assist with audience research, special events, group sales, direct mail and subscription campaigns. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational and computer skills, thrive in a fast-paced, independent environment and have the desire to work with an enthusiastic and creative team.

Publicity

Publicity interns work directly with the PR Staff to generate local and national publicity for Steppenwolf productions and projects. Interns assist with the preparation and execution of press performances, photo call and video shoots, collect and maintain archival materials, coordinate press mailings and write press materials including press releases and calendar announcements. Interns will also gain copywriting and editing experience while assisting in the preparation of the program for each production and other collateral materials. Candidates should have an interest in public relations and possess excellent writing, interpersonal and administrative skills.

Production Management

This internship offers the opportunity to work in an office setting on everything from large–scale mainstage productions to one–night only events. Interns routinely interact with directors, designers and management professionals and are assigned a variety of projects that directly impact each production including corresponding with agents, vendors, and representatives for United Scenic Artists. In addition, production management interns learn the skills necessary to maintain day–to–day operation of the technical departments of the theater.

The School at Steppenwolf (summer internship only)

The School at Steppenwolf is Steppenwolf's 10-week summer training program for actors, and this intern will assist the School Coordinator in the day-to-day running of the program. This internship is very hands-on, as the intern will help ensure the smooth running of all aspects of the program and will be responsible for varying tasks such as preparing handouts, pulling props for scenework, enforcing safety policies, and observing classes. The ideal candidate will be outgoing, responsible, have the ability to multi-task, and be eager to be a critical part of the administration of the School. The School at Steppenwolf runs June to mid-August and classes are 8am-5pm Monday to Friday for the 10 weeks - the ability to be present all day for the full-term is a plus.

Special Events

Here is an opportunity to work within one of the most unique and financially successful theatrical Special Events programs in the country. Interns’ responsibilities include assisting the Special Events Department in administrative and event implementation tasks for a wide variety of Steppenwolf Special Events, both locally and nationally. Recent Steppenwolf events include movie premiere benefits in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, the Annual Celebrity Golf Classic in Rancho Mirage, California, and the annual Gala. Candidates should have excellent oral, written, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. They should be very attentive to detail, able to handle multiple tasks, creative and imaginative, and enjoy working with a variety of people.

Steppenwolf for Young Adults

This internship is designed for those who wish to combine an interest in theater, education and community service. Interns will work with the Steppenwolf for Young Adults staff as they develop and write study guides for teachers and create mailings to schools. Interns will also assist in running community events and serve as a liaison to teachers attending Steppenwolf for Young Adults weekday performances. Interns may have the opportunity to assist in the classroom and in community workshops. Candidates should work well with people and have excellent organizational, writing, research and communication skills.

Theater Management

This internship provides hands on experience within the day to day management structure of Steppenwolf. Interns work with the Executive Director, General Manager, and the Administrative Staff and have the opportunity to complete projects in many departments in the theatre office. Interns will also be exposed to: contract administration; theatrical unions; human resources; payroll and commissioning agreements. With the Company Manager interns will work on: Actor’s Equity Association contracts; travel arrangements and accommodations for visiting artists. Candidates should posses a warm personality with strong communication, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills, as well as a basic knowledge of Excel and all of the Microsoft applications.

Costume Shop (apprenticeship only)

Costume Shop interns assist the costume shop manager in many aspects of production according to the intern’s skill level. Tasks include, but are not limited to: organization of research and shop paperwork; pulling, shopping, and/or renting costume pieces and accessories; fitting and alteration of costumes; costume construction and costume distressing. Costume Shop interns may also be given the opportunity to focus practicing and improving on particular production skills.

Electrics

Electrics interns work with the Electrics Department to execute designs in all of the Steppenwolf venues, maintain equipment, and preserve the organization of the workspaces. Work hours will be determined by the needs of productions and the Master Electrician.

Properties

Properties interns assist the Properties Master and crew in tasks including, but not limited to: crafting or adapting properties using several different types of materials and techniques; searching for and purchasing properties appropriate for productions; furniture and properties repair; sewing; carpentry; painting; maintenance of hand prop and furniture storage; and research. This is a scene shop–based position.

Scenic Carpentry

Scenic Carpentry interns learn the challenges of technical theatre. Interns will be introduced to the following: safe operation of power tools; ability to read draftings; fabrication of wood and metal scenic elements; rigging; sewing; painting; and welding. Interns will assist with load–ins and load–outs and learn the safe operation of a counterweight fly house. Valid drivers license desirable. This is a scene shop–based position.

Sound

The sound internship is a practical overview of Audio Engineering in theater. Interns are involved in the installation, technical rehearsals and maintenance of productions, as well as the upkeep of Steppenwolf facilities' audio and video systems. Duties can include soldering, recording sessions, dubbing, sound editing, live sound engineering and support for company functions.

Wardrobe (apprenticeship only)

Wardrobe interns assist with the preparation and organization of costumes for production, shop for supplies and shadow Staff Dressers during performances. Interns will also help the Wardrobe Supervisor in a number of areas including costume rentals, running to the cobbler and researching new and different ways to repair costume problems. This is position helps build practical and creative costuming skills. Candidates should be positive, friendly and flexible.

Stage Management Apprenticeships

Steppenwolf offers two extended stage management apprenticeships. One individual works a full production season in our Downstairs Theatre (4 to 5 shows including most of our subscription plays) while another works the productions in our Upstairs Theatre (including our extended-run subscription play and others). Apprentices experience productions from first rehearsal through final performance. In the process they are exposed to a wide range of duties and actively participate in the daily life of a production while working with Steppenwolf’s various teams of professional stage managers. Stage Management Apprentices are required to attend daytime rehearsals and become an active crew member during evening performances. These are full–time paid apprenticeships.

Stage Management Internships

These internships are offered on a per–show basis and are an excellent choice for individuals whose participation is limited due to school or other concerns. Single–show stage management interns work on a single production from first rehearsal through final performance directly impacting the rehearsal process as well as the running of the show. Interns concentrate on one production while reaping the benefits of learning directly from a professional Steppenwolf stage manager. Interns are required to attend daytime rehearsals and serves as the ASM during the run of the production. Most single–show stage management internships require a four month, full–time commitment and are paid positions.