Performing Arts Administrative Intern

Chicago Human Rhythm Project 

Performing Arts Administrative Intern 

Internship is “in person/on site” at the Mayfair Arts Center 

8701 S. Bennett Ave, Chicago, IL 60617 

Company Status: Nonprofit Organization – Performing Arts/Arts Education

Compensation: $1,250 - $1,800 stipend/semester

Hours: 12-24 hours/week, additional hours during programs  

Start / End Dates: September 2026 – December 2026/January 2027

Application Deadline: Open/Ongoing 

Company and Internship Information 

Chicago Human Rhythm Project is the nation’s largest and only year-round presenter of American tap dance and contemporary percussive arts. We are seeking interns to assist us with the day-to-day operations of the Mayfair Arts Center, our arts incubator in Calumet Heights, along with production management of our December holiday performances, Holiday Rhythms, and ongoing arts education program, We All Got Rhythm. Additionally, interns will support advanced planning for upcoming programs including the 2027 summer festival, Rhythm World, a National Tap Dance Day program and the annual fundraiser “Gala! Jubalee.”.  This internship is best-suited for candidates that are looking for a high level of responsibility and independence. Interns must be adept at communication and be able to follow through independently on important and detailed projects.  This is an excellent opportunity to “own” several large-scale projects and make significant contributions, while learning about the operations of an arts presentation and education organization. 

PROGRAM: Mayfair Arts Center (Ongoing) 

A project of Chicago Human Rhythm Project, the Mayfair Arts Center (MAC) is a collaborative effort to foster community growth through rhythmic expression. We aim to offer diverse, high-quality dance and movement classes to the general public while centralizing the education programs, rehearsal space and administrative offices of several core groups, as well as supporting additional emerging companies and independent artists. 

PROGRAM: We ALL Got Rhythm (Ongoing)

Our innovative youth education programs, We ALL Got Rhythm, have provided high-caliber arts experiences for more than 24 years benefiting hundreds of thousands of Chicago elementary and high school students. Since 2004, CHRP has deepened its commitment to youth education through partnerships with many public schools, community organizations and programs. Through a range of initiatives–including ignition, engagement and immersion programs–we offer lecture demonstrations, master classes, multi-week residencies and intensive scholarship opportunities that change lives and strengthen our community. 

PROGRAM: Holiday Rhythms (December 8-9, 2026) Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court 

Feel the winter holiday spirit at the legendary Jazz Showcase with music, song and dance featuring Jumaane Taylor, Lane Alexander, and Keyana Latimer with a very special guest. 

PROGRAM: National Tap Dance Day (TBD) 

PROGRAM: Rhythm World Summer Festival (Aug 2-8, 2027) 

CHRP’s annual summer festival of tap is the world’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive tap and percussive dance festival. Job responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: advanced planning assistance, marketing assistance, corresponding with guest artists, corresponding with other organizations, making travel and hotel arrangements for artists, and inputting registration data.   

PROGRAM: Gala! Jubalee (TBD) 

CHRP’s annual fundraiser, presenting honorees with the JUBA Award for their Exceptional Contributions to the dance Community. The evening will also feature delectable pre- and post-performance receptions with proceeds supporting the Mayfair Arts Center and Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s acclaimed arts education program - We All Got Rhythm! 

Duties:

Facilities and Program Operations

-Serve as an active presence at the Mayfair Arts Center (MAC), providing excellent customer service to patrons and guests 

-Assist Core and Community Partners onsite at the MAC Create and maintain CRM registration pages for programs and events 

-Field general inquiries by maintaining email inboxes and phones 

-Assist with planning and execution of core programs, including communicating with external partners, creating and maintaining internal databases, and providing on-the-ground support at events  

Marketing and Communications 

-Capture and organize photo and video for Social Media and Communications Assistant 

-Update company website and create event pages, ensuring all forward-facing information is consistent and accurate 

-Draft email communications 

-Assist with graphic design of printed materials (eg Canva) 

-Assist with physical mailing campaigns 

Development and Finance 

-Draft donor communications 

-Assist in the planning of Gala! JUBALEE, CHRP’s annual fundraiser 

-Take payment and manage point of sale for merchandise, class registration, and space rental 

-Gather and compile work samples for grant applications 

-Assist in post-event financial reconciliation 

Other Duties as Assigned 

Qualifications: 

-Must be a College Junior, Senior, or in the process of applying to be/currently a graduate student (Arts administration, arts management, communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or performing arts majors preferred) 

-Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, social media savvy, and graphic design a plus  

-Strong verbal and written communication skills | Ability to multi-task 

-Attention to detail | Sense of humor 

Send resume and cover letter to: 

Email: info@chicagotap.org