To apply, email resume, along with a cover letter and three professional references, to apprenticeships@olneytheatre.org. To learn about life at Olney Theatre Center from the current apprentices themselves, visit their blog at www.otcapprentices. tumblr.com.
APPRENTICE TRAINING PROGRAM
OLNEY THEATRE CENTER 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road Olney, MD 20832 www.olneytheatre.org Photo from Brooklyn Boy - 2007
ABOUT OLNEY THEATRE CENTER
ABOUT THE PROGRAM Each class of full-time apprentices plays an essential role in Olney Theatre Center operations. Working in every facet of the organization, apprentices
Located just north of Washington, DC in Montgomery County, Maryland,
learn standards of professionalism while building their resumes and
Olney Theatre is an award-winning regional institution with a 75-
portfolios and forging connections within the theater community.
year history. OTC is one of two companies in the country to operate
Our program offers emerging theater artists a bridge between the university
under a Council of Stock Theaters (COST) contract with Actors’ Equity
and the profession, developing each individual’s skills by working alongside
Association—but we have evolved far beyond our summer-stock
world-class designers and directors. Apprentices also have the opportunity
beginnings. The OTC campus now boasts two proscenium stages, a
to work with the Director of Education to complete a Capstone Project
black-box laboratory, an outdoor stage, and a rehearsal hall, along with
tailored to enhance their individual goals.
administrative offices, fully equipped scenery and costume shops, and residence halls.
As an apprentice, you will:
In 2014, OTC is producing four musicals; two Rolling World Premieres;
• Live and work together in a vibrant artistic community. On-site housing
great stories by Odets, Shakespeare, and Wilson; and also is launching the
includes shared bath, common area, and kitchen.
66th season of the country’s longest-running touring company, National
• Take advantage of the Washington, DC theater scene, the nation’s second
Players.
largest theater market. • Develop marketable skills and create contacts for future employment MISSION
through official visits to area theaters.
Olney Theatre produces and presents extraordinary theater and
• Benefit from working directly with the resident staff, in addition to more
performance on its four-theater campus for an ever-more diverse set
than 300 visiting professional artists.
of audiences in our community, and educates the next generation of
• Receive complimentary tickets to OTC productions and many other DC area shows.
theatermakers to follow in our footsteps. VISION
• Earn a $125 weekly stipend and have shared use of company vehicles.
We strive every day to unleash the creative potential of our artists and audiences, and in so doing, become Maryland’s premier center for theater performance and education.
Odyssey, National Players Tour 65 - 2013
STAGE MANAGEMENT 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.
“Olney Theatre Center has a strong
commitment to nurturing the next generation of theater artists and continuing to support apprentices as they move into their professional careers. OTC gave me my AEA card...And I'm still in touch with many of the apprentices who have been here in the last nine years, many of whom are still working in theater.” — Renee E. Yancey, AEA Stage Manager Stage Management Apprentice, 2004-05
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT The Production Management Apprentice works directly with the Director of Production to record, reconcile, and report budgets and expenses. She or he assists in the daily operations of the Production Office, including contracting, receiving and processing purchase orders and check request forms, as well as managing production calendars, contact sheets, databases, and policies. The apprentice also assists and shadows the Director of Production in meetings with production and creative personnel. Additional responsibilities include company management coverage and run crew assignments. Candidates should be able to multi-task and establish priorities, be detailoriented, and be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. This position is appropriate for those working toward careers as Production Managers, Producing Directors, and General Managers.
A Chorus Line - 2013
COMPANY ARTISTIC MANAGEMENT The Artistic Apprentice works with the Artistic Director and visiting directors to help cast each mainstage production. He or she schedules and attends all local auditions and also works with New York casting agencies 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 Director on various other responsibilities, including season planning and assistant directing. 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-toseason 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 his or her experience to suit one’s individual interests and is appropriate for those working toward careers as Casting Directors, Casting Agents, or Directors.
“My apprenticeship balances independence and mentorship; I’m trusted with a great deal of creative autonomy on projects, but I have The Production Management Intern works directly with the Director of a support system me the Production to record, reconcile, to and give report budgets and guidance expenses. He or she will assist in the daily operations of the Production Office, including contracting, I need along the way. My portfolio, resume, receiving and processing purchase orders and check request forms, and connections, andofconfidence arecontact really assisting in the management production calendars, sheets, databases, and policies. blossoming here, and I’m developing a clear ofalsowhere I’dshadow like the toDirector see myself asinmy Thesense intern will assist and of Production a variety of career meetings with production and creative personnel. responsibilities goes forward. Even moreAdditional importantly, I’m include company management coverage and run crew assignments. feeling confident that I can get there. ” Candidates should be able to multi-task and — establish priorities,Clearwood be detailMaegan oriented, and be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. This position allows the intern to direct his or her experience Apprentice, to suit one’s individual interests Dramaturgy 2013-14 and is appropriate for those working toward careers as Production Managers, Producing Directors, and General Managers. Photo from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown - 2011
SCENIC Scenic 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. Experience working with metal and having a valid driver’s license is a plus. 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.
The King and I - 2013
PROPERTIES The Properties Apprentice assists the Properties Master in creating, building, and/ or sourcing all props for the mainstage season and will have the opportunity to work closely with guest designers. She or he 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 or designers.
COSTUMES Working directly with the Costume Shop Manager and visiting designers, Costume Shop Apprentices assist in the construction of costumes. They also serve as wardrobe crew, which includes maintaining and repairing costumes and wigs during the run of each show. The Costume Shop 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.
Triumph of Love - 2010
“Living at the theater is an adventure in and of itself. Our housing cultivates a collaborative environment, which I find useful in both my work and my personal life. As cheesy as it sounds, we’re a family. Living with a dozen other people has also encouraged me to cherish my personal time, and to take advantage of what the greater Washington, DC area has to offer. This can be anything from going apple picking at a nearby orchard to seeing a play at the Shakespeare Theatre Company.” — Meghan Twible Education Apprentice, 2012-13
SOUND The Sound Apprentice works directly under the supervision of the Sound Engineer to implement sound design for each mainstage production. The apprentice also works alongside local and visiting sound designers. Responsibilities include assisting with load-in, troubleshooting problems during tech rehearsals, maintenance of audio 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.
“This is a great kickstarter for somebody looking to work in Maryland or DC. It’s given us great connections to local designers and allowed us to expand our professional network. We get to interact with local, even nationally recognized artists...And the on-campus housing is a truly enjoyable experience. We really connect as an apprentice class, not only as members of a production team, but also as a community of artists.” — Vincent Loucks Costume Apprentice, 2013-14
ELECTRICS Electrics Apprentices work directly under the supervision of the Master Electrician to implement lighting design for each production. Apprentices also work alongside local and visiting lighting designers and theater electricians. Responsibilities include assisting with load-in, hanging and focusing lights, troubleshooting problems during tech rehearsals, 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 and follow spot. Experience working on electrics crews and awareness of current lighting consoles and equipment is preferred. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working towards careers as Master Electricians and Lighting Designers.
Spring Awakening - 2013
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT The Marketing & Development Apprentice works with both departments to provide support for marketing campaigns, special events, and daily development activities. The apprentice edits and distributes marketing literature, supports development events, and assists on email campaigns for ticket sales and donors. While working in the administrative offices, the apprentice learns the daily operations and responsibilities of a marketing department while assisting in all activities. She or he develops skills through communication with patrons, donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
COMPANY MANAGEMENT The Company Management Apprentice is the frontline of visiting actor and artist contact. She or he assists the Company Manager with guest artist travel and accommodations, attending to the needs of artists, drafting contracts, corresponding with agents, arranging complimentary tickets, and maintaining production files, along with other administrative tasks. While working alongside other administrative departments, the apprentice learns about the about union contracting and the daily operations of a regional theater. She or he greets out-of-town artists upon arrival and serves as an emergency contact during their stay on campus. Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and have a valid driver’s license. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are a must. This position is appropriate for those interested in working as Company Managers or General Managers.
Rancho Mirage - 2013
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.
“The apprentice class at OTC is like a family. You spend so much time with each other and build relationships that will last beyond the apprenticeship. It’s an affordable way to break into the second largest theatre community in the country. It’s a great first step after college.” — Fred Paul Marketing Associate, OTC Production Management Apprentice, 2011-12
EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION The Education Administration Apprentice assists in the planning, implementation, and daily operations of National Players, the country’s longest-running touring company. Working closely with National Players General Manager, she or he maintains budgets and calendars, tracks expenses, archives materials, and promotes National Players. Additionally, as part of a developing Education Department, the apprentice develops and conducts workshops, classes, and interviews with local students. She or he works directly with local schools to coordinate and host student matinees. Additional responsibilities include company management coverage and run crew assignments.
DRAMATURGY The Dramaturgy Apprentice assists the Director of Education in the creation, preparation, and implementation of unique Dramaturgical Context Plans for all productions at Olney Theatre Center. She or he creates original dramaturgical materials, including program notes, study guides, talk-backs and afterwords, and lobby materials. Additionally, as part of a developing Education Department, the Dramaturgy Apprentice has opportunities to develop and conduct workshops, classes, and interviews with local students. She or he will work directly with local schools to coordinate and host student matinees. 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, Education Directors, and Literary Managers.
Macbeth, National Players Tour 65 - 2013
Candidates should be able to multi-task and establish priorities. They should also be detail-oriented and familiar with various social-media platforms, as well as Microsoft Word and Excel. An understanding of Microsoft Access is preferred. This position is appropriate for those working toward careers as Production Managers, Producing Directors, Education Directors, and General Managers.
“One great thing about the OTC apprenticeship program is its flexibility. Apprentices have a lot of freedom to personalize their experience, and I’m very grateful to be a part of a program that values my personal interests and career goals.” — Michelle Muntifering Agents’ Assistant, Capital Talent Agency Artistic Apprentice, 2012-13