Internships
Victory Gardens is now accepting applications for the Summer 2013 Intern Program. Deadline for submissions is Friday, March 15, 2013!
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Victory Gardens Theater internship program offers an exciting opportunity for students and young professionals to gain professional experience by working side-by-side with extraordinary artists, administrators and technicians. Interns will be actively involved with all areas of theater on many different levels. Department heads will give interns tasks and challenges that will provide direct support to our day-to-day activities. Victory Gardens staff members serve as mentors to each intern to ensure they have every chance for professional growth. Our goal is to give interns a comprehensive experience in theater production and theater management to provide the skills necessary to be a viable candidate in a highly competitive field.
Victory Gardens Theater is pleased to offer year-round general internships in the following areas:
Administration
Arts Education
Development
House Management
Graphic Design
Literary Management
Marketing & Communications
Production Management
Stage Management
Assistant to the Technical Director
Items of note: Exact schedules will be set by the department head. Exact dates are flexible and arranged to correspond with intern's college schedules. Housing is not provided. College credit may be available through the intern's university or college. Interns receive complimentary tickets and are strongly encouraged to attend VG mainstage shows and may register for one complimentary class with the Victory Gardens Training Center. Otherwise, these internships are unpaid. Victory Gardens Theater also accepts intern applications on an open basis throughout the year.
Please send an internship application, a resume, a writing sample, two letters of recommendation and a letter of introduction describing why you think this internship is right for you to:
Robert Cornelius
Intern Coordinator
Victory Gardens Theater
2433 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614-3717
Or fax your completed application packet to Robert’s attention at: 773.549.2779 or email rcornelius@victorygardens.org
Internship Descriptions
Administrative
Administrative interns acquire hands-on experience in contracts, union relations, board relations, senior staff communication, planning, and organizational coordination. Administrative team members include the Executive Director, Director of Finance, Executive Assistant and General Manager. Time is also spent becoming familiar with the functions and practices of the Development, Marketing and Production Departments and Box Office insofar as they relate to the duties outlined above. Candidates must have strong computer skills—including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, as well as familiarity with Google Mail, Google Calendars and Google Drive—excellent writing skills and the abilities to multitask, to work within a team environment, and to work independently.
Arts Education
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. In class residencies allow teaching artists to work in partnerships with teachers and students to develop writing and performance skills. In workshops throughout the year students are encouraged to exlpore their creativity through writing and performance. Interns will work exclusively with VG's Arts Education Director, Robert Cornelius. Applicants should have a background in arts education, experience with children and young adults, and have a strong interest in theater. Duties include some administrative tasks, assisting with creation of study guides and potentially taking on some classroom 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.
Development
Development Interns will work extensively with all members of the Development team. Interns will learn about an established, mid-sized arts organization’s diverse streams of contributed income and methods for achieving contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and the government. Duties will include researching individual, foundation, and corporate donors; assisting in the development of written materials including letters, reports, proposals, and invitations; organizing and implementing plans for fundraising events; data entry and other general office tasks; and other duties as assigned. Candidates must have strong computer skills, including the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel skills a must); excellent writing skills; the ability to multi-task and work within a team environment; and the focus to take on independent projects. Work with Adobe InDesign and interest in graphic design a plus.
Graphic Design
Graphic Design Intern will assist with designing and updating a variety of collateral materials including: posters, direct mail, e-cards and will be responsible for weekly e-newsletters. The Graphic Design Internship is available immediately. The internship requires a self-starter who can quickly convert concepts into attractive, illustrative graphics with minimal to no supervision. The ability to maximize creativity while maintaining schedule and clear communication of the desired message is highly desired. Thorough knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design, Acrobat) and basic knowledge of HTML and Flash preferred. Personal laptop with these programs installed is helpful. Must be able to submit design samples (class work is acceptable).
House Management
Interns will work directly with the 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. All House Management interns must be available evenings and weekends.
All House Management interns must be available evenings and weekends
Literary Management Internship
Literary Management interns contribute to and provide support for a wide range of artistic programs including literary management, new play development, community outreach and other functions managed by the artistic department of Victory Gardens. Literary intern duties include:
• Read, review and discuss play scripts under consideration.
• Provide administrative support to literary functions including correspondence, database management, volunteer recruitment and supervision, organization of play readings and workshops, and other tasks associated with the literary department.
• Research and co-author playbills for all shows, as well as research plays in development for future production.
• Moderate and help to administer post-show discussions
• Support Artistic staff as required on such tasks as casting calls, new play readings, dramaturgy, special events and other functions as needed.
• Participate in artistic staff meetings to shape and plan future activities, especially season planning.
Marketing & Communications
Marketing interns will have the opportunity to work with all members of the Marketing Team. Responsibilities will include audience development, group sales, promotions, and e-marketing. Prospective interns must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and should be knowledgeable in Microsoft Word, Excel, and preferably Total Info. Experience in marketing, theater graphic design is a plus.
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 with the production manager 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, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
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.
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 VG's Technical Director, 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 VG 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. The duration of internship is negotiable depending on availability and the amount of work available.
For more information please contact internship coordinator Robert Cornelius at rcornelius@victorygardens.org
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