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Internship in Arts Administration Chicago Shakespeare Theater
From June 27 through August 9 of 2006 I was honored to serve as a Development Intern with the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier in Chicago. I can honestly say that I did not know quite what to expect when I applied for this position, and I realize upon looking back that nothing could have prepared me for the inspiring experience that this summer provided. In addition to exploring the urban wonderland that is Chicago, I was able to have a firsthand look at what went on "behind the scenes" of a multi-million dollar nonprofit arts organization. I looked forward to learning about marketing, development, and administration while performing my duties with the customer database, but I learned so much more than those just those fields. I accepted the position prepared to learn about the theater, and I left knowing more about myself.
 During my time with CST, I found that many different aspects of my education came to be of great use. Principles and concepts studied in the Communication and Theatre Arts department at Monmouth College proved invaluable. Although the position seemed to highlight computer knowledge, I found that the manner in which I interacted with coworkers, supervisors, and patrons set the tone of professionalism that would guide each day. I used the knowledge of social roles that I had honed in Fundamentals of Communication and Introduction to Communication Studies to discern the best ways to approach my supervisors and to understand how those methods differed from communication with a group of peers. Through the practice gained in Advanced Public Speaking and Group Communication, I was confident when presenting information to my supervisors and meeting with fellow coworker to complete a group objective. It was further impressed upon me that computer-mediated communication is a vital part of the workplace, and I was able to draw upon my experience with concise, business-oriented e-mail etiquette taught in many of my CATA classes. Overall, I was truly grateful for the way in which the large amount of communication tools that I had acquired over the past years in the CATA department had prepared me for the workplace. Without these tools, I would not have felt as confident in my abilities.
 Overall, I cannot express how grateful I am to have had this internship. I spent eight weeks at the heart of Chicago, immersed in culture, arts, and diversity. I worked for one of the top ten nonprofit arts organizations in the United States, helping to provide high-caliber theater to a deserving community. The professionals I was privileged to work alongside were friendly, helpful, and passionate about their careers. I developed a new understanding of what it takes to present great art, and most importantly, I gained a newfound appreciation for the noble purpose that Chicago Shakespeare Theater exists to fulfill. I have been encouraged, taught, and strengthened by this internship experience, and I simply cannot imagine my college experience without it.
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