The application process has now closed for the 2022 session. Please mark your calendars. We will be accepting applications for the 2023 session, in September 2022.
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective and Wortham Center for The Performing Arts have pooled their resources to establish this paid opportunity for BIPOC students seeking ‘real life’ work experiences related to Theatre Arts. Successful Candidates will have the unique opportunity to shadow one or more professional mentors and have the opportunity to learn and practice skills necessary to work in their selected field(s). The apprentices will receive hands-on learning as they participate in the production process of a Different Strokes! Play, or assist backstage or front of house during one of Wortham’s Matinee Series shows. The application closes on February 28, 2022, at midnight.
Candidate Requirements and Benefits
To maintain the integrity of our Apprenticeship Program, we are limited to two Apprentices for the 2022 Summer session. One Apprenticeship, each, is open to Highschool Sophomores-Seniors (Level I) and a college student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Theater Arts (Level II). Undergraduates may have the opportunity to intern during the school year, as a course of study, pursuant to school administrator or department approval.
- Apprentices must commit between 15-20 hours per week during their nine-week Apprenticeship
- Apprentices must be well-organized, proactive, detail-oriented, possess strong communication skills (written, verbal and interpersonal), be able to prioritize, and multi-task.
- Apprenticeship Dates – 9 week session during the period beginning April 25, 2022, based on the Apprentice’s individualized plan. Different Strokes! works with Apprentices on establishing a weekly schedule that works with the Apprentice’s classes and other obligations.
- Compensation is $15 per hour (Level I) and $20 per hour (Level II)
- Class credit may be arranged for Level II Apprentices, depending upon school requirements. We will assist Apprentices in meeting the credit requirements of their school, but all arrangements must be made by the Apprentice.
- Upon successful completion of the program, Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective and Wortham Center for The Performing Arts are pleased to provide a Letter of Recommendation to support the Apprentice in their future goals.
- All apprentices must complete a current W9 Tax Form
- All apprentices must be fully vaccinated by April 15, 2022, for the current session.
- Housing and transportation is not provided
Scope of Apprenticeship
The scope of the apprenticeship may vary for each Apprentice. Apprenticeships can either be specific to a particular field of focus or can encompass several aspects of play production or theater administration, depending on the needs of the individual and project demands. Each Apprentice is taken under the wing of the staff, and the production team, who will cultivate and foster their personal strengths and interests. We are excited to announce that we have apprenticeships available in the following areas:
Theater Administrator
Development Apprentice (Assistant to the Artistic Director at Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective) – The Development Apprentice will assist with activities including researching new grant sources, preparing grant proposals and reports, and working with the Board on fundraising and other cultivation events. The ideal intern will be organized, reliable, and a good collaborator.
Administrative Apprentice (Assistant to the Artistic Director at Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective ) – The Administrative Apprentice will assist the Artistic Director in producing, administrative and marketing activities associated with producing a show. The Apprentice will learn firsthand the workings of a non-profit theatre and its relationships with the community and other organizations. The ideal Apprentice will be organized, reliable, and a good collaborator with a positive outlook.
Audience Services Apprentice (Assists the Patrons Services Manager at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts) – The Apprentice will assist the Patrons Service Manager in providing the bridge between the public and the company. The Apprentice will greet the public, work in the box office, answer questions and other opportunities that may exist, including front of house operations (including facility rentals) and running concessions. Apprentices would have to be available for some combination of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night performances and Sunday matinees, and should be friendly, confident, and comfortable handling simple monetary transactions.
Community Engagement Apprentice (Assists the Director of Community Engagement at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts). The Apprentice will learn or enhance skills necessary to supporting, creating, and expanding arts education and community engagement programs, and activating two of three performance venues by developing partnerships for space rental and utilization.
Technical Theater Services
Production Apprentice (Assists the Production Manager at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts and/or Director or Company Manager at Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective) – The Apprentice will learn all aspects of play production They are mentored by skilled artists and receive hands-on experience in a professional environment. Tech work takes place at various hours, and rehearsals and performances take place in the evenings and on weekends. Areas of focus include:
- script analysis
- playwrighting
- directing (auditions and casting)
- production/stage management
- set, lighting, sound design
Marketing Apprentice (Assists the Marketing Team at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts) – The Apprentice will assist the marketing team with daily operations and the planning of long-term projects. Apprentices assist the team with social media development, mailings, research, outreach, special events, press, audience development, media campaigns, archiving, and various forms of marketing, and strategizing.
If you have any questions please email Steph@differentstrokespac.org