Science Theatre & Storytelling 

STAGE Lab

Mentor

Sunanda Prabhu Gaunkar, PhD Director of Science, STAGE (Scientists, Technologists & Artists Generating Exploration)
Nancy Kawalek Professor and Distinguished Fellow in the Arts, Science and Technology, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

Background

STAGE — Scientists, Technologists and Artists Generating Exploration — is a full-scale laboratory embedded within the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME). At the helm of one of the PME’s four core research themes, that of “Arts, Sciences and Technology,” the STAGE Lab’s distinct research focuses on creating and developing new theatre and film work inspired by science and technology. Rather than science lectures disguised as plays, these are emotionally engaging, entertaining stories designed to capture the public’s imagination and stimulate interest in science and technology.

Externship Description

This 10-week STAGE externship is for Masters, PhD candidates and postdoctoral scholars with previous experience in science, storytelling and theatre. Externs will work closely with STAGE mentors and a dedicated team of students on a variety of ongoing theatre projects. The students will assist in any any/all aspects of theatre-making. This unique opportunity will give students the chance to be part of a small, exclusive program under the mentorship and guidance of experienced fellows, professionals and University of Chicago faculty. This is a team-driven project that requires a willingness to explore non-traditional methods in storytelling. Specifically, we use the scientific process as an inspiration for our theatre process; we are invested in the exploratory process as much as we are in the outcome

Objectives

• Depending on alignment with skills and interest, the Extern(s) will work on one or more of the following projects
• Acting and writing
• Improvisation
• Lighting design
• Projection design
• Sound design
• Set design
• Science/Engineering
• Coding/Software Design/Electronics
• Other (carpentry/building, choreography/dance, cinematography, costume design, dramaturgy, film editing, languages, mathematics, mechanical engineering, music, writing, etc.)

Qualifications

• Graduate student, PhD student, or postdoctoral scholar.
• Candidates will have a strong interest in science, theater, and trained in one or more of the skills listed above.
• Able to commit at least 10 hours per week for 10 weeks on independent research, as well as team meetings and work sessions.
• Able to attend weekly Zoom meetings or in-person check-ins.
• Externs should be comfortable working independently and have excellent time management and interpersonal skills.