Maddy Bernhard

Development Intern

May 30th, 2016: the day I got on the 97 bus at the Howard terminal and anxiously commuted to Northlight Theatre for the first time.  It was the start to my first summer internship.  Looking back, I can see how green I was when I walked through the doors of the North Shore Center. Since then, Northlight has become my professional haven, my summer home, and the place I most look forward to seeing every week.  As my internship and this hot Chicago summer are coming to a close,  I think a bit of reflection may be in order. This experience has been so much more than a quick fling between me and Chicago theatre; it has been a springboard to a lifelong journey in the performing arts that I hope to further with what I have learned at this distinctly wonderful theatre.  And so with all the sap and verbosity aside, here are a few things I have picked up along the way:

1. Listen. Listen. Listen.  Oh, the things you will learn from simply keeping your ear open!  Unasked questions are answered, essential names are learned, and the ever-important coffee machine is demystified.
2. Ask stupid questions.  Well, not stupid exactly, but do not be afraid to ask when you don’t know.  Oddly enough, I have discovered that I do not know everything, and boy, are questions the best way to solve that problem!
3. Speak up! Take initiative! The theatre is most certainly not made up of the meek.  Idly waiting for work is a waste of everyone’s time, so get like the bright-eyed and eager newbie that you are and ask for projects.
4. Networking is key and everyone knows it.  I feel like this goes without saying, because this should be a life rule for anybody living on planet Earth, but be kind to people.  More often than not, that kindness will find its way back to you.  Who knows, maybe the guy named Kevin sitting a desk over might get you your next gig.
5. Creating art takes on many forms.  Working behind the scenes of a theatre has exposed me to a completely new aspect of the performing arts.  The time, talent, and energy required to run a theatre is baffling, and I am beyond lucky to be in the trenches working for the art.

I cannot thank Northlight enough for this opportunity.  Green may still be my defining color, but now I feel as if I can forge ahead, armed with the experiences and knowledge I have gained working with some of the most talented people in Chicago.  These are exciting times in the theatre and I am still in awe that I have been a part of that at Northlight Theatre.