Kemper Program in Arts Managment
Administrative internships for University of Chicago students sponsored by the James S. Kemper Foundation

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 5 PM FRIDAY, May 16, 2008

Court Theatre is pleased to announce its participation in the Kemper Foundation Arts Fellowship Program, dedicated to providing hands-on experience in arts management and non-profit leadership to students of all backgrounds.  The goal of the Fellowship is to help educate the next generation of arts leaders and to promote diversity of education, experience, and ethnic and economic background in the field.  Court Theatre joins Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Pegasus Players, the Ragdale Foundation, Chicago Chamber Musicians, and Silk Road Theatre Project in this effort.

The internship experience consists of quarter-long positions in various administrative departments.  Applicants are encouraged to apply to two different departments and consider the experience a two-quarter commitment.  All questions should be directed to Intern Coordinator Jack Tamburri at tambuj@uchicago.edu or 773-834-3566.

Available internships:

FALL QUARTER
Development
General Management
Marketing
Development Special Projects

WINTER QUARTER:
Casting
Development
General Management
Marketing

SPRING QUARTER
Development
General Management
Marketing
Special Events

Please download the application here.  The application deadline is 5 PM on Friday, May 11, 2008.

Please note: If you are a student at another Chicago college or university and are interested in interning at Court Theatre, please call Intern Coordinator Jack Tamburri to discuss possibilities.

INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES: In return for the commitment we have made as professional theatre artists and administrators to develop a formalized professional internship program, we expect each U of C student will bring to their internship a willingness to learn and a desire to contribute to Court Theatre's artistry and goals. All internships will offer practical experience as well as an opportunity to attend select rehearsals, performances, production, staff and Board committee meetings, as well as special events. Student interns will be expected to organize their time well, communicate efficiently and appropriately with others, respond to the timely requests of their supervisors, and present themselves in a professional and focused manner at all Court activities.

COMPENSATION: Due to the support of the James S. Kemper Foundation, Court Theatre is able to provide student interns a stipend of $1,000 per quarter for their work.

DURATION AND COMMITMENT: Administrative internships are available for the ten weeks each of Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters.  Individual intern schedules will be determined in accordance with academic responsibilities.

Internship Descriptions:

Marketing & Communications: The Marketing & Communications Intern will work in all areas of sales and promotions including audience development, subscription and single ticket sales campaigns, press, publications and group sales. This internship requires strong written and verbal communications skills, as well as organizational skills. Interns may also assist with research projects, direct mail and special events. This internship is open to all University of Chicago students. 

Development: The Development Intern will assist Court Theatre's Development Department on various projects such as our annual direct mail and telephone fundraising campaigns, proposals to corporations and foundations, and special events, including board meetings and opening nights. This is an exciting opportunity to learn the basics about fundraising for a non-profit arts organization. This position is open to all University of Chicago students. 

Casting: The Casting Intern will assist Casting Director Cree Rankin in running the annual Equity and non-Equity General auditions and holding auditions for the 2008-2009 season.  Responsibilities may include contacting actors, preparing sides, maintaining participant database, and running or reading for auditions.  Candidates should be self-motivated, with excellent communication skills.  This position is open to all University of Chicago students.

Special Events: The Special Events Intern will help coordinate Court Theatre's annual Gala in April 2008.  Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, maintaining event contacts, guest lists and various databases, acquiring and tracking auction items, developing written auction materials, managing the online auction, recruiting volunteers, organizing historical and current information and pre- and post-event correspondence with donors. This position requires strong communication, organizational and computing skills. Candidates should be enthusiastic and ready to work in a fast-paced environment. This position is open to all University of Chicago students.

General Management: The General Management Intern will work closely with Executive Director Dawn Helsing to see the theater through the close of the 07-08 season and prepare for 08-09.  This internship's focus is on observing institutional leadership on a day-to-day basis, as well as the management of the Artistic Director/Executive Director relationship.  The Intern will be present at a variety of meetings with theater staff, University staff and faculty, Trustees and major donors, and other members of the Chicago theater community.  Intern may participate in a variety of projects, including drafting a budget for the 08-09 season, evaluating this season's marketing and donor-relation strategies, deepening Court Theatre's relationship with the University and the surrounding community, and facilitating Trustee engagement events.  Demonstrable experience in group leadership and decision-making required.  This position is open to second, third, and fourth year University of Chicago students.

Development Special Projects: The Development Special Projects Intern will assist Court Theatre's Director of Development on planning for a major fundraising campaign.  The intern will research other similar projects at peer theatres and using these findings will help design the structure of the campaign, including gift levels, benefits, naming opportunities, cultivation events, solicitation schedules, and stewardship activities.  The ideal candidate will have a preliminary understanding of development and philanthropy.  This position requires strong research, organizational and presentation skills. This position is open to all University of Chicago students.

Application guidelines:
Download the application here, and send the completed form to Jack Tamburri at tambuj@uchicago.edu or faxed to 773-834-1897 by 5 PM on Friday, May 16.

For more information on the James S. Kemper Foundation, visit www.jskemper.org.