Internships

Chicago has an extraordinary legacy of theatre companies that started small, dreamed big, and matured into prominent institutions. We invite you to become a part of one of the leaders for the next generation.

Since its humble beginnings, TimeLine has produced more than 50 plays, including eight world premieres and 15 Chicago premieres. TimeLine's work has received consistent audience and critical acclaim. We have been honored with 46 Jeff Awards, including an award for Outstanding Production eight times. The company was named the nation's theater "Company of the Year" by The Wall Street Journal in 2010, Chicago's "Best Theatre" by Chicago magazine in 2011, and among the top 10 emerging professional theatres nationwide by the American Theatre Wing (founder of the Tony Awards®) in 2011. TimeLine has been heralded as a "fast-rising Chicago company" (The New York Times), "a must-see company" (Chicago Sun Times), and "one of the classiest and most consistently talented ensembles on the off-Loop theatre scene" (Newcity).

TimeLine has ambitious plans for the future and we encourage you to become a part of the company's continued growth. Through an internship with TimeLine you will:

• Receive hands-on experience
• Gain valuable insight about the day-to-day work of a small company
• Work closely with TimeLine’s artistic, marketing, development and audience services staff
• See your work paying off. Don’t get swallowed up at a large theatre. Make an impact in one of the fastest-growing theatres in town!

Internships are non-paid positions, however academic credit might be available. Check with your school faculty and TimeLine for more information.

Internship hours are flexible. We require a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week, but interns may work up to 25 hours per week. The majority of office hours occur usually 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, although there are often meetings as well as production and event work in the evenings and on weekends. We often work around intern’s class and work schedules so check with us about your availability, and we can determine if it’s a good fit.

Schedules and Deadlines
NOTE: Start and end dates are negotiable. Application deadlines are firm.

Summer Internship: Approximately May 1 - August 31
Application deadline: February 1

Fall Internship: Approximately September 1 - December 31
Application deadline: July 1

Winter/Spring Internship: Approximately January 1 - April 30
Application deadline: November 1

Areas of Concentration

TimeLine Theatre offers three different internship areas of concentration. Note that interns in any concentration may take on projects from other areas as needed. Each internship has different application procedures, outlined below.. Please only apply for one, although you may indicate a second choice in your application if you would also be interested in another concentration.

• Artistic Administration Internship
• Marketing/Administration Internship
• Development/Special Events Internship

Artistic Administration Internship

Learn what it takes to assemble a production team, cast a show, raise money to produce and build an audience base.

As an Artistic Administration Intern, you'll receive hands-on experience and gain valuable insight about the day-to-day work of a growing company. You will also receive first-hand knowledge about the casting process, scheduling and organizing auditions, researching, reading and cataloging plays, and preparing for and running a production. You'll also contribute to other aspects of the organization, including fundraising and marketing efforts and various special events for our audience and donors.

No two days are the same here, and we ask interns to be willing to adapt and take on new projects — to be inquisitive about our overall operations, and to display an eagerness to roll up your sleeves and approach each project with enthusiasm, attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.

While artistic excellence and theatrical innovation distinguish us onstage, it also takes astute management to become a successful not-for-profit organization. As a TimeLine intern you'll gain valuable insight into the operations of a growing, mid-sized organization and learn how the artistic leaders of the organization work in close collaboration with the Managing Director, Marketing Director, Development Manager and Audience Services Manager.

Become a part of the excitement at TimeLine and build skills for your future work in the theatre!

To apply for TimeLine's Artistic Internship, please send the following to Nick Bowling, Associate Artistic Director, via email at nick@timelinetheatre.com (SUBJECT LINE: Artistic Internship) or by mail to 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago, IL 60657:

1. A cover letter that expresses your interest. Please specify your availability, what other activities you will be doing at the same time (i.e. going to school, working a part-time or full-time job, etc.), and why you are interested in getting involved with TimeLine
2. A resume listing your experience.
3. Your contact information.

Marketing/Administrative Internship

Learn what it takes to attract and build audiences, work with the media, operate a Box Office and manage a thriving not-for-profit corporation.

While artistic excellence and theatrical innovation distinguish TimeLine Theatre onstage, it also takes astute management to become a successful not-for-profit organization. Growth is the result of aggressive goals in earned income (ticket sales) and donated revenue (individual donations, foundation support & corporate support).

Working closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications, you'll help implement a comprehensive marketing and media relations plan, playing a role in direct mail campaigns, neighborhood grassroots promotions, newspaper & radio advertising, e-mail marketing, ticket sales, special events, social media, an ever-expanding website and much, much more.

No two days are the same here, and we ask interns to be willing to adapt and take on new projects — to be inquisitive about our overall operations, and to display an eagerness to roll up your sleeves and approach each project with enthusiasm, attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.

To apply for TimeLine's Marketing/Administration Internship, please send the following to Lara Goetsch, Director of Marketing and Communications, via email at lara@timelinetheatre.com (SUBJECT LINE: Marketing Internship) or via mail to 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago, IL 60657.

1. A cover letter that expresses your interest. Please specify your availability, what other activities you will be doing at the same time (i.e. going to school, working a part-time or full-time job, etc.), and why you are interested in getting involved with TimeLine.
2. A resume listing your experience.
3. Letter of Recommendation.
4. Writing Sample.
5. Your contact information.

Development/Special Events Internship

Learn what it takes to meet the contributed income goals, cultivate supporters and plan special events for a growing non-profit theatre company.

While artistic excellence and theatrical innovation distinguish TimeLine Theatre onstage, it also takes astute management to become a successful not-for-profit organization. Growth is the result of aggressive goals in earned income (ticket sales) and donated revenue (individual donations, foundation support & corporate support).

Working closely with TimeLine's Development Manager, you can expect to gain an understanding of all streams of contributed income, including individual giving, corporate, foundation, and government support; stewardship; and special event planning and execution. You will assist with event research, preparation, execution and follow up; perform data entry and other general administrative tasks; assist in the creation of fundraising materials; perform research on potential and current individual, corporate and foundation donors; and more.

Applicants should have strong computer skills (including the Microsoft Office Suite), be strong written and verbal communicators, have strong interpersonal skills, be able to work independently and in a team environment and possess a keen attention to detail. A working knowledge of Microsoft Access is preferred.

To apply for TimeLine's Development/Special Events Internship, please send the following to Lydia Swift, Development Manager, via email at lydia@timelinetheatre.com (SUBJECT LINE: Development Internship) or via mail to 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago, IL 60657.

1. A cover letter that expresses your interest. Please specify your availability, what other activities you will be doing at the same time (i.e. going to school, working a part-time or full-time job, etc.), and why you are interested in getting involved with TimeLine.
2. A resume listing your experience.
3. Letter of Recommendation.
4. Writing Sample.
5. Your contact information.