Olney Theatre Center
Olney, MD
US

CONTACT NAME

Rebecca Dzida

DESCRIPTION

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Olney Theatre Center is committed to training the next generation of theatre makers and providing these training opportunities to individuals of all backgrounds and identities. Every year, apprentices live on campus and train under our professional full-time staff (many of whom are apprentice alumni!) with key responsibilities in nearly every single department. Our apprenticeships are year-long, entry-level, full-time job positions where individuals forge connections within the theatre community, learn practical and professional skills, and get hands-on, real-world experience to build resumes and portfolios. Our program offers a space for early-career theatre artists to learn and work alongside professional technicians and administrators and participate in world-class productions. By the end of the apprenticeship year, we want our apprentices to feel confident applying to job opportunities in their chosen career tracks that they didn’t feel confident applying for prior to joining us. Our goal is to be excited to recommend our graduating apprentice class for future job opportunities.

As an Olney Theatre Center Apprentice you will…

• Live and work in a vibrant artistic community for a full season.
• Receive on-site dormitory-style housing at no cost (includes a shared bedroom, bath, common area, and kitchen).
• Take advantage of the Washington, DC metro area theatre scene, one of the nation’s largest theatre markets.
• 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 and industry professionals at Olney Theatre Center.
• Receive complimentary tickets to Olney Theatre Center productions and many other DC area shows.
• Have shared use of company vehicles and free parking (also free for personal vehicles). Olney Theatre pays for gas and tolls for company cars for local area use.
• Join run crew for at least one production in the season and receive professional backstage experience.
• Complete a capstone project, demonstrating what they’ve learned at the end of the apprenticeship.
• Earn a $275 weekly stipend.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Submit your application materials to [email protected] as pdf attachments by March 13, 2026. Please include a resume, cover letter, contact information for three references, and any other supplementary materials required by the apprenticeship position for which you’re applying. Most importantly, we want you to let us know: (1) who you are; (2) which apprenticeship position(s) you’re applying for; and (3) why you want to spend a year learning and working with us. Please include the name of the apprenticeship position(s) you’re applying for in the body of your email.

2. Complete the optional Apprentice 2026-2027 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'll be asked to create an account with us. We will never look at your individual answers to this form in regards to your application materials.

Stage Operations

The Stage Operations Apprentice is an essential member of the production team during performances, working under the supervision of the Stage Operations Manager. They work with Equity Stage Managers and other apprentices to serve on deck crew for mainstage productions. In addition, the apprentice will assist with set and prop maintenance or repairs during the run of a show. They will also assist the scenic team during load-ins, installs, and strikes for mainstage productions, focusing on flyrail and automation duties. The Stage Operations Apprentice will learn safest practices for overhead rigging and flying scenery in and out, as well as the operation and maintenance of automated scenery systems. In turn, there is potential for this apprentice to operate as a swing for deck crew members and learn multiple backstage tracks for a production. Please note the working schedule for this apprenticeship mostly coincides with our performance schedule, meaning individuals will be working during evenings and weekends; however, there are times when this apprentice will revert to a more typical shop daily schedule.

Candidates should have a strong desire to work backstage on productions. They should also have excellent organizational and communication skills. They should also be able to lift 50 pounds solo and 100 pounds assisted, and be comfortable using basic scene shop power tools. Comfort working at heights is essential. Previous stage management, carpentry, or deck crew experience is preferred. This position is best suited for those working towards careers as professional Stage Operations Managers, Stage Managers, Deck Crew, Carpenters, or Technical Directors.

DURATION

Sep 21, 2026 - Aug 30, 2027

SALARY

Earn a $275 weekly stipend.

APPLY ONLINE

https://www.olneytheatre.org/education/apprenticeships/apply

APPLY BY EMAIL

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