Internships
Internships Currently Accepting Applicants:
Production Internship
Special Events Internship
Marketing & PR Internship
Internship Overview
Are you ready?
Embrace the challenge of a non-profit arts experience! Chicago Opera Theater is a mid-sized professional non-profit with a rich 36 year history.
College students and young people with a passion for the arts are encouraged to pursue an opportunity with COT’s internship program. Opportunities are available in development, marketing, education and artistic departments.
COT interns don’t do busy work; they do projects.
As an intern at COT you will be under the guidance of an energetic, diverse veteran staff. It is typical for interns to take on significant projects in their respective areas. Past interns have drafted and submitted letters for grants, worked hands-on with students in outreach programs, pitched stories to the press, and have coordinated special events to help raise thousands of dollars!
Why the COT Experience?
Being an intern at the COT has many benefits:
- COT allows interns to gain valuable experience in their respective area, and puts their skills to use to be evaluated by some of the best in the business.
- Learn what it is like to be a part of a non-profit organization and how it operates.
- Gain an insider’s view into one of the country’s most innovative opera companies.
- Networking! Jump start your professional career by making contacts with artists, donors, Board Trustees, colleagues from other arts organizations, the list goes on… The number of quality people and exciting organizations you will meet is endless, and you never know where these introductions may lead!
- Lay the foundation for your future. Serving as an integral contributor to significant projects in a reputable organization will set you apart in the job market. 100% of COT’s interns have received a job offer upon completion of their Bachelor’s degree. In fact two in the last two years have even earned full-time positions at COT.
- Work in the heart of downtown Chicago. Chicago has a multitude of things to offer; whether its culture, food, entertainment, or shopping along the Magnificent Mile, you will never be lacking for something to do. The culturally diverse city of Chicago allows interns to gain life experiences which are just awesome.
On top of these fantastic benefits, interns also receive:
- Complimentary tickets to all COT productions
- Possibility of College Credit
- Free tickets throughout their internship at other arts venues
Living in Chicago
If you are from out-of-state, or would like to move closer to the city, there are several things to consider before making your move. Living in such a large city may be overwhelming, but at COT, friendly staffers will assist in making your transition as easy as possible. Below you will find suggestions and resources when it comes to accommodations, commuting, and supplemental work in Chicago.
Living
COT does not provide housing for its interns. It is up to those who receive internships to find a living space accessible to the city. The cost of living in Chicago can be expensive. Expect rent prices to be very high the closer you live to the downtown area, which is known as The Loop. However, with so many diverse neighborhoods in Chicago, there is housing that fits every person’s budget. One way of defraying the expensive cost of rent is by finding a roommate. Feel free to contact COT at anytime via email, with an inquiry of other interns also seeking roommates; COT may be able to pair you up with another COT intern, or even interns from other arts organizations.
Below are some resources which may be helpful when looking for a space to rent:
CraigsList
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Reader
Chicago Sun-Times
Commuting
One of the perks of Chicago is taking advantage of its accessible public transportation. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has both buses and trains which frequent the streets of both downtown and surrounding neighborhoods of Chicago. Taking the “L” or Metra train, biking, or busing is strongly encouraged, due to the fact that traffic downtown is hectic, and the cost of parking is very high. Transit cards may be purchased online or at vending machines near a local stop.
Visit www.chicagotransit.com to become more familiar with Chicago’s public transportation system and the neighborhood locations it services.
If you are a full-time college student the CTA offers a discounted U-Pass. Click here http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/upass.html for more information.
Working
Despite the demands of your full-time internship, you may still want to pursue part-time work. Many students in the city find part-time positions to meet their financial needs. Working evenings or weekends are fine, as long as your part-time work does not interfere with your duties as a COT intern.
Outside work opportunities may be sought on the links provided:
CraigsList
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Reader
Chicago Sun-Times
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arts Administration in the first place?
Arts Administrators are leaders of arts organizations (usually non-profit) which serve as the link between the arts, their respective artists, and the prospective audience. These professionals generally rely on a combination of business and community outreach to create a permanent place for the arts and cultures in our world.
What benefits am I getting from this experience?
The benefits of this experience are invaluable. Not only will this internship opportunity provide you with more culture in your life, but it will also offer you significant project based work experience in with one of Chicago’s most innovative arts organizations. See the “Benefits” section for more details.
As an intern, is it possible for me to hold an outside job?
Internships at COT are generally full-time, lasting between 10-12 weeks. It is possible to hold an outside job, as long as it does not interfere with your duties at COT. See the “Working” section for more details.
Does COT offer paid internships?
Stipends are sometimes offered for specific opportunities at COT, but most internships at Chicago Opera Theater are unpaid. College credit is available pending approval from your institution.
Does COT provide housing for interns?
No. COT does not provide any housing for interns. Finding housing is the responsibility of the intern. More details can be found in the “Accommodations” section.
Areas of Interest
Internships are meant for individuals to grasp a better understanding of a certain area of concentration. It is basically a way for someone to “test the waters” for a possible career path. Well, one of the best parts of the COT experience is that interns will be “testing the waters”… A LOT!
As a COT intern, you have the opportunity to apply for one of the following internships. However, you will find yourself collaborating with a couple other departments each and every week. In order for COT to continually provide artistic excellence, the different departments often coordinate efforts and work together on projects. As an intern, you will be part of these cross-functional collaborations.
Internship areas:
-Education-Not Accepting Applications
-Production-Now Accepting Applications
-Development-Not Accepting Applications
-Special Events-Now Accepting Applications
-Creative Marketing-Not Accepting Applications
-Marketing & Public Relations-Now Accepting Applications
Application Process
To apply for an internship position, please do the following:
- Submit your resume.
- Submit a letter of interest. The letter should include the following: why you want to intern at COT, your career goals, what you plan to achieve through the internship, and any unique experiences you may have in your field of interest.
These two documents may be sent to the appropriate Department Head for the position (see internship description) or to 70 E. Lake Street, Suite 815, Chicago, IL 60601.
No phone calls please!
