Hancher is a multidisciplinary performing arts presenter committed to connecting artists and audiences with transformational artistic experiences. For 48 years, Hancher has supported the University of Iowa’s mission of teaching, research, and service by presenting the world’s finest performing artists; developing, engaging, and enlightening audiences; initiating and supporting the creation of new works; and providing artistic, educational, technical, human, and physical resources to the University and the people of Iowa. https://hancher.uiowa.edu/
Internship #6 – Audience Development & Student Engagement
For eight years following the flood that destroyed our original building in 2008, Hancher functioned as an itinerate presenter, maintaining our commitment to the university’s mission and charter while programming full seasons at various venues in and around the Iowa City area and across the eastern Iowa region. The newly built Hancher Auditorium opened as a state of the art facility in September of 2016, but eight years without a dedicated venue represented two full generations of UI students that had no experience of Hancher Auditorium as a place of memory during their collegiate career. Since 2016, Hancher has committed to reacquainting UI students with the value and impact of experiencing the performing arts in our new facility. To that end, in fall 2018, we launched a student-centered event called Hancher is for Hawkeyes, which featured deeply discounted student tickets, tours of the building, free snacks, info booths featuring important campus and community resources, and drawings for tickets to Hancher’s Broadway shows.
Key Responsibilities
- Helping plan and organize the 2020 Hancher is for Hawkeyes event
- Researching best practices in student audience development and student engagement in performing arts settings
- Researching formal and affiliated student organizations of UI (e.g. Greek system, SCOPE, social clubs, etc.) and formulating strategies and proposals for engaging groups with Hancher presentations and engagement participation
- Exploring new and dynamic ways to connect with departments and campus programs that support student engagement and success
- Working with Hancher staff to develop additional programs and opportunities that can improve the Hancher student experience
Qualifications & Skills Preferred
- Experience with strategic planning
- Knowledge of the University of Iowa campus and community
- Interest in undergraduate education
- Knowledge of or interest in performance arts programming
Supervisor: Micah Ariel James, Education Manager
Internship #7 – Beyond the Stage: Community Engagement Liaison
Hancher is committed to connecting artists with audiences beyond the stage. Hancher residencies bring artists to campus, into the community, and across the state. Artists often engage with the community over a course of two to six days, participating in events, often free, that deepen the impact of visiting artists and remind us all that the arts are relevant to all aspects of life. Recent resident artists include Sankai Juku, L.A. Theatre Works, Las Cafeteras, Urban Bush Women, G. Willow Wilson, Terence Blanchard, Camille A. Brown & Dancers, The Russian National Orchestra, Taylor Mac, SITI Company, and The Joffrey Ballet. As part of our planning for next season’s residencies, we will spend summer 2020 developing a non-traditional talkback series that will take place throughout the 2020-2021 season. There is also a possibility of collaborating with the intern at Public Space One to plan potential programming that will benefit both organizations.
Key Responsibilities
- Researching Hancher’s 2020-2021 artists and working with Hancher public engagement staff to craft unique and impactful residency events for the 2020-2021 season, particularly as they relate to Latinx, African American, Native American, and Middle Eastern populations in Iowa City and surrounding areas
- Meeting with existing and potential community partners to explore possibilities for collaboration
- Acting as a thought partner as we reimagine the post-show discussion model
- Assisting with project management in partnership with Hancher artists who will be in residence in summer 2020 as part of The Big Splash, a 3-day festival that will celebrate the river at the center of our community
Qualifications and Skills Preferred
- Excellent communication skills
- Knowledge of the Iowa City community and surrounding areas
- Experience in public engagement planning
- Previous experience researching arts and humanities projects, artists, and organizations
- Ability and ease to conduct informational meetings
Supervisor: Micah Ariel James, Education Manager
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