You may have noticed that we’re recruiting for our summer interns again. For some of us, that might bring back memories of our very first internship — and maybe not all of them glamorous. Rest assured: our program is not about coffee runs or copy machines. That’s why our interns are paid, mentored, and given substantive work that prepares them for real careers in our industry. 
 
This summer, our Finance and Off-Broadway interns will spend nine weeks immersed in the inner workings of Broadway’s leading theatre organization.

Finance Intern
Our Finance intern will gain meaningful, hands-on experience with:

• Year-end general ledger account analysis
• Bank reconciliations
• Data entry
• Collaboration with the Audit team

This is real-world exposure that builds foundational skills and professional confidence.

Off-Broadway Intern
Our Off-Broadway intern will experience the best of both worlds, working across Facilities and Front of House.
With Facilities, they will:

• Oversee inventory and deliveries
• Perform building checks

With Front of House, they will:

• Prepare the building for patrons
• Coordinate with theatre management and FOH staff
• Assist with bar operations

It’s a comprehensive look at how our spaces operate — from behind-the-scenes logistics to the patron experience.

If reading this gives you a little FOMO, don’t worry. After four successful intern cohorts, we’re not slowing down. Throughout the year, think about projects in your department that could offer meaningful learning opportunities. Internships are most impactful when they reflect the breadth and excellence of the work happening across the organization.

We’re not just offering experience — we’re investing in the next generation of theatre professionals.

Kenny started working at Dodger Stages, which many of you know as New World Stages, in November 2004. He then became the 1st Assistant Treasurer in 2006 and became Treasurer in 2008 until his retirement this year.
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​​1. What’s your single favorite memory or proudest moment at the company?
That would have to be when Alter Boys came to New World Stages. It was the first time I was really excited about a show. The show was just as good as I knew it would be. It sold well, and I loved being a part of it. 

2. What’s one thing you’ll miss most about working here?
The people.  The kids keep me young and up on the music and fashion. I know now when to wear skinny jeans and when not to. 

​3. What were your biggest accomplishments or successes?
When I became the treasurer, I was nervous. The good thing is the position fit like a glove. I’m so glad I took this position. 
 
4. How has your role—or the industry—changed since you first began?
It has changed so much. When I started, we were using fax machines. They used to fax our comp list to us; now they email them to us. We used to accept travelers’ checks.  They don’t even make those anymore. Electronics have changed the way we do business; we get more accomplished now.
 
5. What are you looking forward to in retirement?
I’m moving back to Dallas and I’m excited about that.  The biggest thing is that when I moved to New York 30 plus years ago, I never imagined that when I retired my grandmother would still be alive.  Now that I’m moving back, I get to spend time with her at the end of her life.  We have a schedule set up, so I’ll see her weekly, and spend the night with her.

6. How would you like to be remembered here?
 As someone who was always willing to help. 

Kenny I know that the staff at New World Stages will definitely remember you for your willingness to chip in and help wherever you could.  

Doris Ortiz has been with the Shubert Organization since February 23rd, 1998, as the Tele charge Payroll Manager and was promoted to Shubert Payroll Associate in 2005, Payroll Supervisor in 2008, and Shubert Payroll Manager in 2020.
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1.  What are some of your most significant achievements here?

 While working at Telecharge, I oversaw four hundred employees.  My main focus was        working in Kronos, which would allow my staff members to clock in and out. They worked several departments, some with different rates, so it was important that the machine was calibrated properly. I ensured that each employee was able to log their correct hours for their department, so they could get paid correctly. I took photos of the employees and created their badges, repaired the badge machine. Was able to set up security and the roving crew in Kronos, eliminating timecards.

  2.  What do you enjoy most about working here?
I love doing payroll and helping people understand their paychecks. If they have questions or concerns, I’m willing to go the extra mile to ensure their issue is resolved and we both walk away happy.

3.     How did you get into this field, and what was your first job ever?
I was an accounting major in college, and once I graduated I was hired into an accounts payable position.  Once there I was promoted to Payroll, and I’ve been in payroll ever since.

4.      What is one thing you wish people knew about your job? 
I think folks think our job is straight forward, but we must be on top of the changes in the tax laws.  We also must abide by different union contracts.

5.      What are you most passionate about outside of work?
I wouldn’t consider myself a foodie, but I love going to different restaurants with my friends, and spending time with my kids and grandkids. As a matter of fact, I’m moving to Texas to be closer to my grandkids, and I couldn’t be more excited. 

6.How do you want to be remembered by your colleagues here at The Shubert Organization?
When it’s all said and done, I want to be remembered as someone who was not just an employee of Shubert but was helpful and honest and was there when anyone needed me the most. 
 
Doris, please rest assured that you most definitely will be remembered in the most positive light. You never failed to resolve an issue. You were always willing to roll your sleeves up and jump in when needed, and your team and Shubert will always be grateful for you. 

•  What’s your single favorite memory or proudest moment at the company?
     Showing up for your job is the first thing you should do, so my proudest moment was the              time I was recognized for my attendance. 
 
•  What’s one thing you’ll miss most about working here?
   The people. After the shutdown, many people left, but I managed to keep in touch with them.  I      met my closest friend here at Telecharge.  We will keep in touch.
 
•  What were your biggest accomplishments or successes?
    When I think about it, my biggest accomplishment was I never had any issues with my                   colleagues or my managers. I’ve never had a write up, and it’s been only positive experiences        here.
 
• How has your role—or the industry—changed since you first began?
  When I first started there was no internet.  We couldn’t even tell the customer where their             seats were. It’s now become easier due to the advances in technology.

• What are you looking forward to in retirement?
  I’m looking forward to doing things around my house, cleaning the apartment and doing              laundry.  I’m also looking forward to spending time with myself. At 75 it seems like a good time to do it.  Also, I want to visit my friends. That’ll be nice.
 
•  How would you like to be remembered here?
   I always enjoyed working here and I want to be remembered as being friendly and kind. I’d love for them to smile when they think about me. 

​Florence Vassy may be on “Nobody’s Side,” but it’s quite clear that The Shubert Organization has always been on Chess’s side.
Chess first graced the stage of the Imperial Theatre in April 1988. Its run ended after 68 performances, plus 17 previews — brief, but memorable. A one-night benefit concert followed years later at the Broadhurst Theatre, keeping the flame alive, though it wasn’t considered a full revival.
And now, 37 years after its original Broadway bow, Chess returns once again to the Imperial Theatre - with The Shubert Organization back in the role of producer, championing the show into its first true Broadway revival. I sat down with CEO and Chairman Bob Wankel, and VP of Creative Projects Jennifer Costello to find out more about the relationship between Chess and The Shubert Organization. 

1. The Shubert Organization was involved with the original 1988 Broadway production of Chess. How would you describe the company’s relationship with the show at that time?
Shubert was the leading producer when the show was in London, along with Tim Rice, ABBA, and Robert Fox. Michael Bennett was the director.  We collectively felt a move to Broadway would be a good one for the show.
 
 
2. Looking back, what do you remember about Shubert’s decision to bring Chess to the Imperial Theatre in 1988?
The show originated in London, but Michael Bennett had to step down. Trevor Nunn took over the show, honoring Michael’s intent, and it ran for three years in London. The show was then bought to NY with Trevor Nunn leading a new production, with a new book. When the show came to NY, the director had new ideas for the staging. When it opened at The Imperial, it opened to mixed negative reviews, and the show closed after six weeks.
 
3. The original run was comparatively short, yet it developed a strong cult following. Did you anticipate the show becoming a long-term fan favorite?
It’s hard to predict how such things happen, so I don’t know that we anticipated the show becoming a long-term favorite.  But thanks to the concept recording, the show has continued to draw in fans, long after the show had its final performance.  The music has always been a highlight, and fans of the score are excited to have the opportunity to hear the beloved music performed live, by Grade A Broadway talent, including the three big stars of the show. 
 
4. This revival is being called the first full Broadway revival of Chess. What made now the right moment for Shubert to return to this title?
This version was started in 2020 at The Kennedy Center; however, Covid stopped progress on the show.  Throughout the duration there were different producers, but Tom Hulce was always the consistent producer, along with Rob Ahrens and The Shubert Organization.

5. How important was it to bring the revival back to the Imperial Theatre, where Chess made its original Broadway debut?
There wasn’t an explicit design to bring Chess back to the Imperial Theatre.  It was actually just good fortune that the theatre was available.  It is poetic however that it is premiering at its original home.
 
6. Thematically, Chess explores politics, media, ego, and identity. Do you feel these themes resonate more powerfully today?
We think it’s more relevant now. What is interesting is that in our audience we have a wide range of ages. As a Gen X-er, who grew up during the cold war, who lived with the threat of a possible nuclear war, it’s a direct recall to a particular moment in time.  We also have a younger generation who didn’t grow up with the cold war in the same way, but they are experiencing their own world shifting events.  They are now living in a world that has been up-ended; their world order has been overturned.  The opening sung lines of the show are “No one can deny that these are difficult times.” That feels very relevant to today,

7. Do you have a favorite song or moment from Chess, either from 1988 or the new production?
Bob: One Night in Bangkok is such a pivotal song and well known.
Jenn: As a fan of the concept recording, “Pity the Child” was a highlight for me, how dramatic and vocal it was.  Now I’d have to say “Endgame,” witnessing Nic Christopher deliver an unforgettable, powerhouse performance is thrilling to me.