Education and Engagement Apprentice

Please submit your materials by July 15. See specific information about each apprenticeship as well as how to apply below. 

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 $290 weekly stipend.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Submit your application materials to apprenticeships@olneytheatre.org as pdf attachments by July 15, 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.

Education & Engagement

The Education & Engagement Apprentice assists in the planning and implementation of the theatre’s community engagement and educational initiatives. The apprentice works with teaching artists to develop and conduct lessons, classes, and other school programs throughout the year. Additionally, the apprentice collaborates with the Director of Community Engagement in a variety of programs that deepen our ties to our local community, ranging from running panel discussions to organizing donation drives and coordinating special community events. This individual also helps facilitate post-show discussions and has an opportunity to work directly with students as a teaching artist. They are also involved in artistic season-planning conversations and create written materials like study guides and other resources. In addition, the apprentice also completes administrative tasks like departmental finance and data tracking. Other responsibilities include a backstage production run crew assignment.

Candidates should be able to multitask and establish priorities. They should also be detail-oriented and familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Suite. A valid driver's license is preferred. This position is best served by someone who can act as a liaison between multiple stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal communication, organization, and interpersonal skills are integral. Graphic Design skills are a plus. This position is appropriate for those working toward careers as Arts Administrators, General Managers, Producing Directors, Education Directors, Community Engagement Managers, and Teachers.

Required Supplementary Application Materials: sample lesson plan 

For more information, visit https://www.olneytheatre.org/education/apprenticeships/apply