A Behind the Scenes Education at Chicago Semester

The spotlight is not meant for everyone. But for Brooke Wigboldy ’14, the spotlight inspires growth and learning. Wigboldy, who majored in communication arts with theater and communication studies concentrations, spent the spring semester learning about the spotlight and what goes on behind the scenes during Trinity’s Chicago Semester.

Wigboldy had been interested in enrolling in the semester since her freshman year. “Chicago Semester offered opportunities I couldn’t find anywhere else, especially in theater,” said the recent graduate. “The connections and insight the program provided were superior.”

During her years at Trinity, Wigboldy played roles in eight theater productions and directed “Holier Ground” in October 2013. Along with experience on Trinity’s stage, she worked in the College’s marketing and communications department as an assistant to the conference and events manager and gained more than two years of hands-on experience that she carried into her internship.

Wigboldy interned at Northlight Theatre in Skokie, Illinois, where she worked in casting and marketing. According to the theater’s website, “Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences.”

That “bold spectrum of theatrical experiences” proved true for Wigboldy through the internship.

Wigboldy had the opportunity to meet with directors and help with auditions for over 100 actors. She also worked with the marketing director, using her writing and editing skills to proofread promotional copy and researching Chicago and local media to track press coverage. The internship also gave her beneficial connections. “Every person offered to give me recommendations,” she said.

Other aspects of Wigboldy’s semester included attending urban development and arts classes at the Chicago Semester site. In addition, her internship coordinator helped her locate websites for jobs and auditions after graduation. Along with opportunities to audition, living downtown allowed Wigboldy to attend plays and concerts, visit Navy Pier, explore museums and galleries, and worship at other churches.

“The experience was above and beyond what I expected,” she said.