We are no longer taking applications for our 2023-2024 Apprentice class. We will accept applications for our 2024-2025 cohort starting in January 2024.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Olney Theatre Center is a teaching theatre, committed to training the next generation of theatre makers and committed to providing these training opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and identities. Every year apprentices live on campus and work under the professional mentorship of our full-time staff (many of whom are apprentice alumni!). These emerging professionals serve key responsibilities in virtually every department of the organization. At Olney Theatre apprentices forge connections within the theatre community, learn practical and professional skills, and build their resumes and portfolios.
Our program offers a space for emerging theatre artists to learn and work alongside the nation’s best designers, directors, and administrators. Apprentices also have the opportunity to complete a Capstone Project tailored to enhance their individual goals as a culmination of their experience at the end of the apprenticeship.
As an Olney Theatre Center Apprentice you will…
- Live and work in a vibrant artistic community for a full season. On-site housing includes shared bedroom, bath, common area, and kitchen.
- Take advantage of the Washington, DC theatre scene, the nation’s second-largest theatre market.
- Develop marketable skills and create contacts for future employment.
- Benefit from working directly with the resident staff, in addition to over 300 visiting professional artists.
- Participate in bi-monthly professional development classes with various staff members at Olney Theatre Center.
- Receive complimentary tickets to Olney Theatre Center productions and many other DC area shows.
- Earn $225 weekly stipend.
- Have shared use of company vehicles and free parking (also free for personal vehicles).
HOW TO APPLY
1. Submit materials to apprenticeships@olneytheatre.org. What materials are appropriate? Standard materials often include a resume, cover letter, and three references (just contact info). Additionally, some people like to include links to portfolios or writing samples (Artistic & Dramaturgy as well as Education & Engagement applicants should certainly plan on submitting samples). Some people like to send full letters of reference; that's great too. Most importantly, we want you to let us know (1) who you are and (2) why you want to spend a year learning and working with us. So submit what you think will best tell us that.
2. Complete the Apprentice 2023-2024 Application portion. This form is strictly voluntary and asks for demographic information that helps us track who is applying to our programs so we can make future plans that serve our Anti-Racism Reaffirmation. You do not have to complete this form in order to submit your materials in step one, but collecting this data will help us get a better idea of who we're reaching. In order to complete the form, it'll ask you to create an account with us. We will never look at your individual answers to this form in regards to your application materials.
APPRENTICESHIPS:
OLNEY THEATRE CENTER APPRENTICESHIP DESCRIPTIONS
MARKETING & ADVANCEMENT
The Marketing & Advancement Apprentice works with both the Marketing and Advancement departments to provide support for all campaigns, special events, and daily activities.
While working in the administrative offices, the apprentice learns the daily operations and responsibilities of both departments and has the opportunity to assist in all activities, from strategizing and creating social media posts to writing a grant application. The apprentice develops skills through communication with members of the press, vendors, patrons, board members, donors, foundation trustees, and corporate sponsors. The apprentice is integral to the running of both departments and gains training in Tessitura CRM software, as well as opportunities to explore work in graphic design and video.
Candidates should be highly organized, have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to multi-task and establish priorities. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working towards a career in Marketing, Development, or General Arts Administration.
ELECTRICS
Electrics Apprentices work directly under the supervision of the Lighting Supervisor and Associate Lighting Supervisor to implement lighting designs for each production in multiple spaces. Apprentices also work alongside local and visiting lighting designers and other theatre electricians.
Responsibilities include load-in, hanging and focusing lights, troubleshooting problems, maintaining electrics equipment during production runs, and participating in all lighting strikes and changeovers. During show runs, they share the responsibility of maintenance and running the light board or follow spot.
Experience working on electrics crews, programming ETC consoles, and all types of equipment is preferred. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working towards careers as Electricians, Lighting Supervisors, and Lighting Designers.
WARDROBE & COSTUME
Working directly with the Costume Shop Manager and visiting designers, Wardrobe and Costume Apprentices assist in the construction and alteration of costumes. They also serve as wardrobe crew, which includes cleaning, maintaining, and repairing costumes and wigs during the run of each show.
Wardrobe and Costume Apprentices handle some projects from inception to completion. Through participating in daily shop operations, apprentices strengthen sewing, construction, draping, and patterning skills, as well as wardrobe management. They also have the opportunity to shadow visiting designers and learn about design budgeting and planning.
Applicants should have at least basic sewing skills. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working toward careers as First Hands, Cutters, Drapers, Costume Shop Managers, and Wardrobe Supervisors.
SOUND & PROJECTIONS
The Sound and Projections Apprentice works directly with the Sound and Projections Supervisor and Associate to implement the sound design and projections design for each production. The apprentice also works alongside local and visiting projections designers, sound designers and engineers.
Responsibilities include assisting with load-in, troubleshooting problems during tech rehearsals, maintenance of audio and projections equipment during the run of productions, and participation in all strikes and changeovers. During production runs, the apprentice works with the Sound Engineer to maintain the show, while serving as audio assistant on musicals and front-of-house engineer on straight plays.
Experience working as an A1 and/or A2 and awareness of current sound boards and equipment is preferred. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working towards careers as Sound Engineers and Sound Designers.
STAGE MANAGEMENT
The Stage Management Apprentice works as an assistant stage manager and run crew alongside Equity stage managers and actors. The Apprentice begins working on productions during the stage manager’s prep week, assists in daily rehearsals, and runs shows through closing performances.
For each production, the apprentice is assigned responsibilities such as tracking props, costumes, or sets, or making script revisions. When not assigned to a show, the stage management apprentice assists with office work and other areas of production.
Candidates should have excellent organizational and communication skills. This position is best suited for those working towards careers as professional stage managers.
CARPENTRY
Carpentry Apprentices work as members of the scene shop staff to construct and install scenic elements for all productions. They also serve as run crew for several productions.
Using essential carpentry and construction skills, apprentices learn daily shop operations while observing how to maintain a full-season scene shop. They will gain hands-on backstage experience in a professional environment.
Applicants should be able to use power tools and lift at least 50 pounds. This apprenticeship will hone new and resourceful methods of stagecraft and is suitable for those working towards careers as Master Carpenters, Technical Directors, and General Theater Technicians.
COMPANY MANAGEMENT
The Company Management apprentice is an essential member of the Production Department, working directly with the Company Manager to ensure that all departmental needs are met in an efficient, timely, and professional manner. This apprentice serves as a primary contact to visiting artists, including assisting with travel and accommodations, attending to the needs of artists, drafting contracts, corresponding with agents, and maintaining production files.
This apprentice may also assist and shadow the Director of Production in meetings with production and creative personnel. Additional responsibilities include run crew assignments and serving as an emergency contact on campus.
Candidates should be able to multi-task and establish priorities, be detail-oriented, have a valid driver's license, and be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Quickbooks. Excellent organization and interpersonal skills are a must. Should be comfortable completing tasks both alone and part of a team. This position is appropriate for those working toward careers as Company Managers, Production Managers, and General Managers.
PROPERTIES
The Properties Apprentice assists the Properties Master and Properties Artisan in creating, building, and/ or sourcing all props for the mainstage season and will have the opportunity to work closely with guest designers. The apprentice has the opportunity to talk through designer visions and assists in shopping and decorating.
Duties may include creating prop lists, attending design meetings, pulling rehearsal props, and research. Additional responsibilities include coordinating props rentals and maintaining inventory and running crew for several shows.
The ideal candidate should be comfortable with power tools, painting techniques, and working with fabric. Excellent email communication skills are required, and a valid driver’s license is a plus. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working toward careers as Properties Masters, Properties Artisans, or designers.
EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT
The Education & Engagement Apprentice assists in the planning, implementation of the theatre’s community engagement and educational initiatives. The apprentice works with teaching artists to develop and conduct workshops, classes, and schools programs throughout the year. Additionally, the apprentice collaborates with and supports the Director of Community Engagement in a variety of programs that deepen our ties to our local community that range from running panel discussions to organizing donation drives and coordinating special community events. This individual also helps run post-show discussions, has an opportunity to work directly with students as a teaching artist. They are also involved in artistic season-planning conversations and have the opportunity to assist with certain written materials like blog posts and study guides. In addition the apprentice also completes administrative tasks like departmental finance and data tracking. Other responsibilities include company management coverage and run crew assignments.
Candidates should be able to multi-task and establish priorities. They should also be detail-oriented and familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Suite. This position is best-served by someone who can act as a liaison between multiple different stakeholders. Communication, organization, and interpersonal skills are integral. Graphic Design skills are a plus. This position is appropriate for those working toward careers as Production Managers, Producing Directors, Education Directors, Community Engagement Managers, Teachers, and General Managers.
ARTISTIC & DRAMATURGY
The Artistic & Dramaturgy Apprentice works with the Senior Associate Artistic Director and the Casting/Producing Fellow to help produce our season. This individual helps schedule and run all auditions for our shows and assists with producing artistic events like Internal Showcase. The apprentice also creates original dramaturgical materials, including actor packets, program notes, and study guides. They also help run post-show discussions and have the opportunity to write blog posts and attend rehearsals. Additional responsibilities include company management coverage and run crew assignments.
The apprentice also has the opportunity to work with the artistic team on various other responsibilities, including season planning. By the end of the season, the apprentice will be familiar with the Actors’ Equity Association rulebook as well as day-to-day and season-to-season theater operations.
Candidates should be able to work independently and be prepared to take a large amount of responsibility. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are a must. Candidates should exhibit excellent writing, research, and communication skills, and be able to multi-task and establish priorities. Graphic design skills are a plus. This position is appropriate for those working toward careers as Dramaturgs, Directors, and Literary Managers. Casting Directors, Casting Agents, Artistic Directors, or Directors.
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
The Production Management Apprentice works directly with the Director of Production to ensure that all Production Management needs are met in an efficient, timely, and professional manner. This apprentice assists in the daily operations of the Production Office, including receiving and processing purchase orders and check request forms, as well as managing production calendars, contact sheets, databases, policies, and files.
This individual also assists and shadows the Director of Production in meetings with production and creative personnel. Additional responsibilities include run crew assignments and serving as an emergency contact on campus.
Candidates should be able to multi-task and establish priorities, be detail-oriented, have a valid driver's license, and be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Quickbooks. Excellent organization and interpersonal skills are a must. Should be comfortable completing tasks both alone and part of a team. This position is appropriate for those working toward careers as Production Managers and General Managers.
