You may have noticed that we are recruiting for our summer interns again. This may bring up memories of your first internship. Apologies if our posting brings up bad memories of your first internship. I promise you, our internship program isn’t just getting coffee and making copies.  The biggest distinction is that our interns will be getting paid. The unpaid internship used to be a rite of passage, but only for a select few. 

The “broke college student” trope is a staple trope for a reason but think back to when you were in college. Could you have afforded to work for free? An unpaid internship means that you don’t have money coming in, so in addition to attending class, going to your internship, you may have to take on an actual paying job.  If you can’t take on a second job, you know because there are only 24 hours in a day, you may have to rely on family.  With 52% - 54% of college students identifying as first generation college attendees, they may not be able to rely on financial support from their family.  So, what are your options then? Either you decline the opportunity, which may propel your career, or burn the candle at both ends to make the most of this opportunity.

Unpaid internships favor those students that already have the financial backing of family, and possibly the connections to have a leg up. Offering unpaid internships widens an already sizable gap between those who have it and those who don’t.  (Between 71 - 87% of students are getting financial aid).  While unpaid internships haven’t officially stopped, the Department of Labor has made it harder for employers to justify not paying their student workers. 

The Shubert Organization understands that exposure may have been enough to justify an unpaid internship decades ago, but we know that given today’s financial realities, access to opportunity shouldn’t depend on a student’s ability to work for free. Talent is everywhere. Opportunity should be too.
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That’s why our interns are paid, mentored, and given meaningful work that prepares them for careers in our industry. We’re not just offering experience — we’re investing in the next generation.

 
• 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.
 
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• 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.
 
• 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. 
 
• 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.
• 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.

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

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?
I would say 2006 when we were excavating through the Longacre Theatre orchestra floor. We dug a huge pit in the floor to expand the cellar level. There was a lot of negative chatter on the internet and people didn’t think it would be completed in time for the opening of the incoming show. At one point, it seemed like I was the only one who knew we would be done on schedule. I was always proud of my ability to recognize and to control the tasks necessary to finish the job on schedule.

• What’s one thing you’ll miss most about working here?
I love working here, but I’ll be too busy living to miss working!

• What were your biggest accomplishments or successes?
    I contributed to the renovation of 11 of our Broadway theatres.

• How has your role—or the industry—changed since you first began?
The Facilities department has changed a lot since I started.  Currently we have what feels like a young staff, all super ambitious and super aggressive.  Back in the day the department felt more like a mom-and-pop shop, and that was okay. We had always felt that we knew more about our theatres than any consultant could. We were proud of the efficiency and the streamlined cost of our projects that resulted because of that knowledge. Today, we’ve hired a few individuals with NYC construction management credentials, and we’ve grown the overall size of the facilities management staff. As a result, more projects are being done at the same time.

• What are you looking forward to in retirement?
My son plans on building an orchard on my land, and I look forward to cultivating that with him.  Oh, and to also work on Valerie’s weekend chores during the week, so she doesn’t have to do them on the weekend! 
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• How would you like to be remembered here?
I pride myself on being a man “in the trenches”, so to speak. I always treated Shubert properties like they were my properties, so I could be completely invested in making sure work was done the right way and the way we wanted it done. But when all is said, and done, I am perfectly content being remembered as Valerie’s husband. 

•  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. 

The Broadway League held its 16th annual Broadway Salutes ceremony on January 20, 2026.
 
The following Shubert employees were honored for 25 and 50 years in the Broadway industry.
 

• 50 Years
  • Bob Wankel
  • Elliot H. Greene
• 25 Years
  • Joe Pirolli
  • Chris Sullivan
  • Simone Williams
  • Blanca Martinez
  • Carla Wright
  • Erin O’Donnell
  • Parbottie Rodriguez
  • Eric Harris
  • Julio Peterson
  • Henryk Pawlik
  • Todd Rappaport

​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. 

Bob Hofmann started working on Broadway in 1991, when he was hired by Cameron Mackintosh to work in sales at Theatre Direct International (TDI), charged with finding ways to strengthen the connection between Broadway and the travel industry by creating marketing and sales partnerships. TDI eventually became Broadway.com. Bob left his position there as VP to join industry colleagues Charlie Flateman and Bruce Amick in creating Broadway Inbound, designed to continue the work started at TDI, but in closer alignment with the theatre owners. The Shubert Organization acquired Broadway Inbound a few years later.

• What’s your proudest moment at the company?
There are many, but our live promotions at National Tour Association and U.S. Travel’s IPW are among my proudest moments. Working with NYC Tourism and leveraging Broadway as the calling card for the city through live performance in front of buyers and travel press globally… those events, and all the people we worked with along the way, stay with me.

• What’s one thing you’ll miss most about working here?
The people. No question. I’ve always admired the role Shubert plays in the larger industry. The Foundation and its commitment to sustaining the arts nationally have always been an inspiration, and being a small part of that vision makes me proud. I’ll miss my colleagues, and I’ll miss knowing I’m contributing to that mission. It’s the people that make the mission work.

• What were your biggest accomplishments or successes?
The global marketing and sales network we’ve created in partnership with travel companies around the world. I set out to build partnerships that leverage the global reach of travel companies to benefit Broadway shows. I look at where we are 35 years later, and I’m pleased. There’s more to do, but we’ve come a long way, and I’m confident that Allison, Jered, Fatima, and the team at Broadway Inbound will continue the pursuit.

• How has your role—or the industry—changed since you first began?
How many people have heard of Telex? That was the communications technology we started out with when I began this campaign. We moved from there through fax, email, APIs, and now everything is AI. As communication technologies evolve, we evolve right alongside them. Keeping up and finding new ways to partner is the ongoing challenge.

• What are you looking forward to in retirement?
I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife. I’ve traveled a lot for my job, but now I’m looking forward to traveling more for pleasure. I have a few projects and goals to achieve, but I’m also looking forward to a new life balance.

• How would you like to be remembered here?
For the goals I’ve accomplished, for sure, but also, I hope, for being a good, positive, encouraging energy. And I hope the music inside of me that often escapes as I walk through the office humming will linger for a while.
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 I thank you all for being a significant part of this chapter of my life. Be Brilliant! Always.