2026 Programming Apprentice

Programming Apprentice
League of Chicago Theatres
17 N. Wabash, Suite #520
Chicago, IL 60602 

Stipend: $10,000 (to be paid twice monthly on the 15th and end of the month)
Part Time: 25 hours per week  
Time Frame: January 19-May 15 (one week off provided for spring break)  

Work Model: This team member will join the LOCT team in office, work remotely, and at off-site events. This position does require attendance at events outside of standard work hours. 

Direct Report: Director of Programming 

About the Organization: League of Chicago Theatres (LOCT) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, promote and advocate for Chicago’s theatre industry. Through our work, we ensure that theatre continues to thrive in our city. We represent an alliance of over 200 theatres throughout Chicago providing professional development, fundraising, regranting, artistic programming, advocacy, audience engagement and ticketing services. 

Our membership encompasses a diverse list of companies including not-for-profit and commercial operations, suburban and city-based, all-volunteer storefront operations and large regional theatres. This diverse and supportive ecosystem is a strength of our community and encourages us as a service organization to offer a wide variety of programming to meet the varied needs of our member theatres. 

About the Opportunity: The League of Chicago Theatres is excited to announce the launch of our new Programming Apprenticeship. The Programming Apprentice will support the programming team with planning, executing, and tracking LOCT programs and events. This program will ensure learning, leadership, and management opportunities within League of Chicago Theatres’ Programming and Events departments.  

In addition to these learning and leadership opportunities, the Apprentice will also have one on one check-ins with the Directors of the League of Chicago Theatres and will participate as a League ambassador at League events. This apprentice will work closely with the Director of Programming to develop a thorough understanding of program strategies and systems. As a part of the League of Chicago Theatres mission, this Apprenticeship is designed to strengthen skills in arts administration, advocacy and professional resource development.  

This Apprenticeship is intended for someone pursuing a career in arts management within or adjacent to program management. The ideal candidate is interested in arts advocacy, administration and has a general understanding of the Chicago theatre ecosystem. 

 LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

Data Analysis  

• Assist with developing membership surveys 
• Assist with developing post-event surveys  
• Coordinate any data collection with development department 

Writing  

• Practice writing clear and engaging copies that align with brand voice and marketing goals.  
• Develop skills for brevity and accuracy in describing and promoting programming.  
• Strengthen communication skills for a service organization setting. 

Social Media, Email Newsletter, and Content Creation  

• Understand Email Platforms like Constant Contact and how to build and send email campaigns. 

Customer/Member Interaction  

• Develop effective communication skills for engaging with customers through various channels (e.g., email, social media comments).  
• Learn how to manage customer inquiries, feedback, and complaints professionally and efficiently.  
• Gain insights into customer behavior and preferences through direct interaction and feedback analysis.  

Leadership 

• Develop skills for leading collaborative projects across departments.  
• Develop skills for communicating objectives and expectations across departments.  
• Learn how to develop and maintain a budget and financial records. 

Programming 

• Develop skills to identify membership needs in resources, professional development, and advocacy. 
• Strengthen skills for analysis in identifying needs an opportunity for membership. 

 PROJECTS: 

Programming  

• Lead communications with external stakeholders.  
• Develop and implement systems for workflow, communications, and evaluation in programs.  
• Be an advocate for Chicago Theatre by creating speeches, scripts, and talking points for League programs, events, and media opportunities.  

Events

• League Annual Membership Meeting  
• Chicago Theatre Week Kick-off  
• Theatre Industry Career Fair  
• Shuttle to the Show  
• Community Empowerment Series  
• Industry Nights 

MENTORSHIP 

• Weekly one-on-one check ins with Director of Programming  
• Bi-weekly one-on-one Networking session with outside departments   
• one-on-one check-in with Executive Director of LOCT  
• Will be responsible for leading at least one programming project  

Some of the role’s specific and essential tasks may include: 

• Plan programs and events leading deadlines, milestones and processes  
• Develop, track and manage budgets and operations for department activities  
• Assist in the selection, scheduling and production of performances, cultural collaborations and partnerships with other arts and community organizations 
• Assist in the selection, scheduling, and contracting of facilitators, consultants, trainers, artists etc. for special events 
• Create and implement data gathering systems for events 
• Assist the Development team with outreach and grant research 

Experience & Knowledge 

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work or educational experience in nonprofit management, programming, event planning, marketing, social media, or similar professional work experience. 

Skills 

Candidates should have demonstrated ability of: 

• A general understanding of the Chicago theatre ecosystem. 
• Demonstrated effective communication skills, both oral and written. 
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; attention to detail. 
• Commitment to social justice and racial equity. 
• Effectively track data in excel or another online platform 
• Is technologically savvy including back-end website proficiency and social media skills 

Pay Frequency: Apprentice will be paid twice monthly on the 15th and end of the month 

Benefits Eligible: No 

Requires Compliance with LOCT Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement 

LOCT is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 312-554-9805 or submit a request via programming@chicagoplays.com. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check. 

LOCT is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workforce.