ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Olney Theatre Center is a Teaching Theater, 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 sixteen apprentices live on campus and work under the professional mentorship of our 38-person full-time staff (many of whom are apprentice alumni!). These emerging professionals serve key responsibilities in virtually every department of the organization. At OTC, Apprentices forge connections within the theater community, learn standards of professionalism, and build their resumes and portfolios.
Our program offers a space for emerging theater artists to hone their skills by working alongside the nation’s best designers, directors, and administrators. Apprentices also have the opportunity to work with the Senior Associate Artistic Director to complete a Capstone Project tailored to enhance their individual goals.
This is a year-long commitment, lasting from Labor Day 2021 to Labor Day weekend 2022.
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, D.C. 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 D.C. area shows.
- Earn $200 weekly stipend.
- Have shared use of company vehicles and free parking (also free for personal vehicles).
HOW TO APPLY
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 (Dramaturgy 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.
APPRENTICESHIPS:
Artistic & Casting • Carpentry • Company Management • Costume and Wardrobe • Dramaturgy • Education Administration • Electrics • Marketing & Development • Production Management • Properties • Sound & Projections • Stage Management
OLNEY THEATRE CENTER APPRENTICESHIP DESCRIPTIONS
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT (Filled for 21-22)
The Marketing & Development Apprentice works with both the marketing and development 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.
ARTISTIC AND CASTING (Filled for 21-22)
The Artistic & Casting Apprentice works with the Associate Artistic Director/Casting Director and visiting directors to help cast each Mainstage productions as well as with the AAD/CD and Senior Associate Artistic Director/Director of National Players to cast the National Players Tour three-show repertory season. The individual schedules and attends all local auditions and also works with the artistic team to prepare for out-of-town auditions. The apprentice maintains casting files while assisting the Company Manager with actor contracts and guest artist logistics.
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. This position allows the apprentice to direct their experience to suit their individual interests and is appropriate for those working toward careers as Casting Directors, Casting Agents, Artistic Directors, or Directors.
CARPENTRY (Filled for 21-22)
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 (Filled for 21-22)
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.
DRAMATURGY (Filled for 21-22)
The Dramaturgy Apprentice assists the Senior Associate Artistic Director in the creation, preparation, and implementation of essential dramaturgy for all productions at Olney Theatre Center. The apprentice creates original dramaturgical materials, including actor packets, program notes, study guides, talkbacks, and lobby materials.. Additional responsibilities include company management coverage and run crew assignments.
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.
EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION (Filled for 21-22)
The Education Administration Apprentice assists in the planning, implementation, and daily operations of Olney Theatre Center’s education department. The apprentice is an integral part of our summer camp programming and works with teaching artists to develop and conduct workshops, classes, and interviews with local students throughout the year. The apprentice works directly with local schools to coordinate and host student matinees and assists the Arts Integration Manager in the “Our Play” and “My Monologue” programs, serving as both classroom and administrative support. The apprentice also maintains the departmental budget as well supports the operations of OTC’s touring company National Players. Additional responsibilities include community engagement support, company management coverage, running talkbacks, 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 and Excel. This position is appropriate for those working toward careers as Production Managers, Producing Directors, Education Directors, and General Managers.
ELECTRICS (Filled for 21-22)
Electrics Apprentices work directly under the supervision of the Master Electrician and Associate Master Electrician 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, Master Electricians, and Lighting Designers.
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT (Filled for 21-22)
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.
PROPERTIES (Filled for 21-22)
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.
SOUND & PROJECTIONS (Filled for 21-22)
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 (Filled for 21-22)
Stage Management Apprentices work as assistant stage managers and run crew alongside Equity stage managers and actors. Apprentices begin productions during the stage manager’s prep week, assist in daily rehearsals, and run shows through closing performances.
For each production, apprentices are assigned responsibilities such as tracking props, costumes, or sets, or making script revisions. When not assigned to a show, stage management apprentices assist 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. Apprentices are eligible to join the Equity Membership Candidacy Program, potentially leading to full membership at the end of their term.
WARDROBE AND COSTUME (Filled for 21-22)
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.
