The Apprentice Program

The Artistic Apprentices will work with the Artistic department in fulfilling the artistic mission and vision of the organization. Duties may include, but are not limited to: tracking and reading script submissions; conducting research in support of production dramaturgs and directors; assisting with casting; supporting resident and visiting directors during pre-production, the rehearsal period as well as tech and previews; and day-to-day operations, including both administrative and producing tasks. There may be opportunities in assistant directing and dramaturgy. Ideal candidates will have a degree in theatre and a strong desire to pursue a career in directing, dramaturgy and/or producing. Writing sample must be submitted with resume in order to be considered for the position. The Artistic department hires two apprentices each season.

The Arts Administration Apprentice will provide support in all areas of general management. The scope of work will include: working on artist contracts, processing check requests, tracking show-related expenses, overseeing mailings, taking minutes at board meetings, managing front desk operations, answering phones, assisting in all day-to-day operations of the office, and taking on a wide variety of administrative topics. Ideal candidates will possess either a degree in arts management, experience in a professional theatre, a strong desire to pursue a career in arts management, and/or theatrical producing. Strong communication, organization and writing skills, in addition to a pleasant phone demeanor, are a requirement.

The Company/Production Management Apprentice will work with both the Company Manager and Production Management office. Company management duties include maintaining guest artist housing, travel, correspondence and creating positive and effective relationships with guest artists. Production management duties may include assisting with theatre events, facilitating company calendars, facilitating expense tracking, attending production meetings and distributing meeting minutes. Ideal candidate will have strong communication, multi-tasking and problem solving skills as well as a solid and overall knowledge of all areas of production. Stage management skills are desirable. Candidate must have a valid driver’s license and familiarity with Office software. Some evenings and weekends required. Other tasks as assigned. This position may include an earlier start date and a later end date.

The Costume Apprentice will work as a member of the team whose primary purpose is the creation, load-in and removal of costumes for each production. Duties include, but are not limited to, assisting costume shop staff with shopping, swatching, construction, and tech, assisting with rentals and stock upkeep, and joining the wardrobe run crew for Hartford Stage’s production of A Christmas Carol. Ideal candidate will have a degree in art, costume design, theatre or a related field, experience working in a professional or collegiate costume shop, and intermediate stitching skills.

The Development Apprentice will assist the Development staff in all aspects of fundraising. Duties may include, but are not limited to, managing donor benefits programs, tracking and entering gifts, maintaining records, writing copy for solicitations, acknowledgments and grant proposals, and assisting with all donor, sponsor and fundraising events, including our annual gala. Ideal candidate will have a degree in theatre, arts administration, English, communications, business or a related field, and/or experience in fundraising, strict attention to detail and a professional presentation. 

The Education Apprentice will work in the fast-paced Education department, which serves over 20,000 students each year through productions, classes, in-school residencies, and community partnerships. Duties may include, but are not limited to, working as a teaching artist in a variety of capacities, including theatre, in-school and after-school programming (K-12), contributing to study guides, coordinating outreach initiatives, and assisting in all day-to-day administrative tasks. Ideal candidate will have a degree in theatre and/or education and experience working directly with young people. Candidate must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle and must pass a criminal background check. The Education department hires two apprentices each season.

The Electrics Apprentice will work with the Electrics department to execute designs for all of the productions and events. Duties may include, but are not limited to, maintaining equipment, preserving the organization of the workspaces, working all hangs, focuses and strikes, and running the shows. Potential additional opportunities include programming light board, learning Lightwright, Vectorworks, and many more. The ideal candidate should have a degree in technical theatre or equivalent work experience, knowledge of lighting fundamentals, and ETC lighting consoles. Candidate should be hard working, motivated, personable, and have a willingness to learn. This position is an opportunity to become an integral part of the Electrics team.

The Marketing and Communications Apprentice will support the day-to-day operations of the Marketing department. Duties may include, but are not limited to, overseeing various promotional activities surrounding productions, assisting at all marketing events, maintaining archives, assisting with the website and social media, assisting with the writing and distribution of press releases, coordinating interviews with guest artists, compiling press packs and attending press nights. Ideal candidate will have a degree in marketing, communications, arts administration and/or a related field and professional experience, familiarity with print and web design, social media and video editing, and excellent communication skills. Writing sample must be submitted with resume in order to be considered.

The Properties Apprentice will work within the Props department and will be an active participant in the creation and implementation of the designs for each show, as well as learn new skills and techniques while working with top directors and designers. Duties may include, but are not limited to, crafting, researching, purchasing, shop and storage maintenance and organization, as well as assisting with rentals, shop improvement projects and working load-in and strike. Ideal candidate will have a degree in art, design and/or theatre arts, with experience working on collegiate or professional productions. Candidate must have a valid driver’s license, as well as the ability to lift at least 40 lbs.

The Technical/Scenic Arts Apprentice will work within the scene shop and will be an active participant in the creation and implementation of the designs for each show. Duties include, but are not limited to, assisting with budgeting, purchasing of materials, construction and working load-in and strike. Additional opportunities in drafting and CNC operation exist. Ideal candidate will have a degree in technical theatre or scenic/production design. A minimum of one year experience in a professional/regional theatre shop, as well as knowledge of AutoCAD and Excel a plus. Candidate must have the ability to lift at least 50 lbs. Evening and weekend work is needed.