My summer marketing internship at the Goodman Theater changed the course of my life. Before last summer I only had a vague idea of ​​what my career goals were. Ever since my acting debut in my middle school production of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, I knew I wanted to work in theater. My passion for art has always been unshakable. I appreciated the important function of the theater as a mirror of society, and the dynamic relationship between the audience and the live performers was infectious and compelling. As I have grown and matured, particularly through my internship, I have been able to focus the energy and enthusiasm I feel for theater into the worlds of marketing and dramaturgy. Now I'm graduating and need to turn those energies into careers. , I would like to begin my postgraduate experience by completing a season-long scholarship or apprenticeship at a large LORT theatre. While I have gained a wealth of marketing knowledge at Goodman, I know there is still much to learn. I'm looking for an apprenticeship where I can really bridge the gap between my educational experiences and a life in professional theatre. After completing an apprenticeship, I would like to work as an entry-level marketing assistant in a theatre, ideally in the audience development, publishing or e-marketing sectors. If possible, I would also like to work as a freelance playwright. After several years of experience, I will evaluate my position and decide whether to attend graduate school or continue working in the field. As a first step on this career path, I will apply for the artistic and marketing apprenticeship at Steppenwolf. Although these two fields may seem rather incongruous, I believe that my experience in playwriting enhances my... middle of paper... enthusiasm with activities of all kinds. Last summer, there was rarely a day when I couldn't find something to do, people to meet, or a place to explore. After living in the southern suburbs my entire life, I can't wait to move to a big city like Chicago. My internship at Goodman was just the beginning; Now I'm ready to throw myself headlong into the world of professional theater. During my internship at Goodman, I discussed my future plans with several Goodman employees who had completed the Steppenwolf apprenticeship themselves. They all expressed how much they learned and grew during their time in the program, and I'm looking for exactly the type of experience they described. I believe I will leave the Steppenwolf program a better marketer and better artist, with the skills and confidence to succeed in the professional world.