Goodman Theatre and Beyond

1000 Words2 Pages

My summer marketing internship at Goodman Theatre changed the course of my life. Before last summer, I had only a vague idea of what my career goals were. Ever since my acting debut in my junior high’s production of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, I have known that I wanted to work in theatre. My passion for the art has always been unwavering. I appreciated theatre’s important function as a mirror to society, and the dynamic relationship between audiences and live performers was infectious and addicting. As I have grown and matured, particularly as a result of my internship, I have been able to focus the energy and excitement that I have for theatre into the worlds of marketing and dramaturgy.

As I am now graduating and must turn those energies into careers, I would like to begin my post-graduate experience by completing a season-long fellowship or apprenticeship at a large LORT theatre. While I gained a wealth of knowledge about marketing at the Goodman, I know there is still much for me to learn. I am looking for an apprenticeship where I can truly bridge the gap between my educational experiences and a life in the professional theatre. After completing an apprenticeship, I would like to be an entry-level marketing assistant at a theatre, ideally in audience development, publications, or e-marketing. If possible, I would like to work as a freelance dramaturg as well. After several years of experience, I will evaluate my position and decide whether to attend graduate school or continue working in the field.

As the first step on that career path, I am applying for the Marketing and Artistic apprenticeships at Steppenwolf. While these two fields may seem rather incongruous, I believe that my experience in dramaturgy enhances my ...

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...zing with activity of all kinds. Last summer, rarely was there a day when I could not find something to do, people to meet, or somewhere to explore. After having lived in the suburban South for my entire life, I am looking forward to moving to a large city like Chicago.

My internship at the Goodman was just the beginning; I am now ready to launch head-first into the world of professional theatre. During my internship at the Goodman, I discussed my future plans with several Goodman employees who had completed the Steppenwolf apprenticeship themselves. They all expressed how much they learned and grew during their time in the program, and I am seeking exactly the kind of experience they described. I believe that I will leave the Steppenwolf program as a better marketer and a better artist, with the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in the professional world.

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