Goodman Theatre: Opportunities for Students
Goodman Theatre, Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theater, is renowned internationally for the quality of its productions, the depth and diversity of its artistic leadership, and the excellence of its many community and educational programs. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the Goodman is committed to producing both classic and contemporary works, giving full voice to a wide range of artists and visions. Central to that mission is the Goodman Artistic Collective, a diverse group of outstanding theater artists whose distinctive visions have given the Goodman an artistic identity of uncommon richness and variety. The Goodman offers a range of opportunities for students of all ages, from grade school to university, to engage with theater and the arts. These include internships, educational programs, and volunteer positions.
Internships
Goodman Theatre offers internships in a variety of departments, including:
- Summer New Work Development Internship: In partnership with UIC School of Theatre and Music, allows UIC student interns to spend a semester working with Steppenwolf’s First Look series that fosters the creation and performance of new works. Interns observe the development of the work with the playwright and director as well as auditions, rehearsals, and performances.
- Casting Internship: Each semester, one or two UIC Theatre students assist the Steppenwolf Casting Assistant in each stage of selecting actors for a production.
Educational Programs
Goodman Theatre offers a variety of educational programs for students of all ages, including:
- August Wilson Monologue Competition: In partnership with the League of Chicago Theatres and UIC School of Theatre and Music, Goodman Theatre presents the annual August Wilson Monologue Competition, which invites hundreds of Midwest-area high school students to compete in the Chicago Regional Semi-Finals in February. The three winners travel to New York for the National Finals round in May, which are presented by True Colors and Jujamcyn theaters at the August Wilson Theater on Broadway.
- Teen Studio Series: A four-week intensive that pushes the bounds of creativity, storytelling and performance! Participants will generate new work using a wide range of artistic skills such as acting, improvisation, writing, directing, movement and beyond.
- Musical Theater Intensive: Taught by a team of professional musical theater artists, this intensive is designed to refine skills in acting, singing and dancing with an emphasis on storytelling and civic practice.
- Youth Arts Council (GYAC): A hands-on program where young Chicagoland artists use their passion for theatre to connect communities and inspire change! Participants collaborate to produce events, engage peers, and amplify diverse voices, gaining real-world experience in arts leadership.
- The Pages Residency: Teaches students the fundamentals of drama education and has them create and perform their own play.
- Partnerships with schools, collaborating with teachers to deepen student learning.
- Programs for young people and adults that amplify authentic voices and spark conversations about identity and lived experience.
The Education and Engagement department is where theater meets real life-using the power of the arts to inspire, educate, and connect people, from birth through adulthood. Whether it’s a first-time performer discovering their voice, a teacher empowering students through storytelling, or a family finding inspiration together, their work is rooted in community, creativity, and change.
Other Opportunities
- Maggio Directing Fellowship: In recognition of Michael’s artistry and his dedication to nurturing young artists, Goodman Theatre established the annual Michael Maggio Fellowship.
- Overhire: Goodman Theatre production overhire positions are critical to the ongoing success of the theatre. Resumes are kept on file for reference and qualified applicants are contacted as needed. The theater welcomes applications from candidates with transferable skills developed in other industries.
- Volunteer Usher: Volunteer usher duties include reading tickets, tearing tickets and directing patrons to their seats. This may involve using the staircases so the ability to walk up and down stairs is required. Ushers may also be asked to meet and greet patrons, help stuff programs, distribute programs and direct patrons to various lobby locations.
Goodman Theatre's Impact
Goodman Theatre's commitment to education and community engagement extends beyond its formal programs. The theater actively seeks to connect with the community through various initiatives and partnerships.
Read also: Shaping Lives Through Theatre
For example, Goodman Trustee Phil Clement and Goodman Business Council Member Maria Holmes, CFP® were among the cohort of Leadership Greater Chicago's Daniel Burnham Fellowship. This fellowship brings together prominent CEOs and senior executives to tackle complex challenges - including affordable housing, education, workforce and economic development, food insecurity, and access to quality healthcare - to create lasting impact across the region.
The Goodman also partners with local businesses, such as Petterino's, to create unique experiences for theatergoers. The Magic Parlour, a collaboration between Dennis Watkins and Petterino's, has been extended through August 2026. Dennis Watkins "Chicago's premiere resident magician" (Chicago Tribune) is an award-winning, third-generation magician, actor and entertainer. His critically-acclaimed show, "The Magic Parlour", has been running since 2009 and is the longest running magic show in Chicago. Located just around the corner from The Goodman at 50 West Randolph, the collaboration with Dennis and fellow presenting partner, Petterino's continues.
A Look at Artistic Development
The Goodman Theatre also supports the development of artists. Tor Campbell, who served as the Northwestern Directing Fellow during the theater's 2024-2025 Season and contributed to main stage productions, including "A Christmas Carol" and "Covenant," has taken on the role of Musical Theatre Program Director at Interlochen Center for the Arts.
"Theater of the Mind"
Co-created by Academy, Grammy and Tony Award-winning artist David Byrne and writer Mala Gaonkar, and presented by The Goodman, Theater of the Mind is a new theatrical experience you’ll see, feel, taste and hear. This thought-provoking and immersive journey is inspired by both historical and current neuroscience research.
Read also: Shaping Performing Arts: DePaul's Legacy
Read also: Theatre College Guide
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