Apprenticeships

Each Stage Management Apprentice works directly with Equity Stage Managers as an integral part of the stage management team. In general, we have two Stage Management Apprentices each season. Typically, each Stage Management Apprentice is specifically assigned to one Equity Stage Manager for the season and alternates between productions. Apprentices assist with all aspects of rehearsal and coordinate activities on deck from the tech process through the run of the shows. When not in rehearsal, time will be spent in other departments outside of Stage Management.

Each Directing/Dramaturgy Apprentice typically assists directors during rehearsals of two Mainstage productions and works with the artistic staff on daily administrative activities in the Literary and Education Departments. There are usually three Directing/Dramaturgy Apprentices each season. Apprentices assist with Portland Stage’s New Work Development. Dramaturgical duties include researching, writing, editing, and laying-out resource guides (PlayNotes), reading and evaluating scripts, and assisting with post-play discussions. All apprentices will be on two, if not more, run crew assignments and will spend time in other departments to expand their knowledge in all areas of theater.

Education Apprentices assist the artistic and education staff with planning and running Portland Stage’s Education Programs for students aged 4-18. In general, there are two Education Apprentices each season. Education Apprentices will have the opportunity to assist and co-teach alongside experienced professional theater artists. Responsibilities include: leading warm-ups; assisting & co-teaching Camps/Classes/Touring Programs; collaborating with teaching artists on lesson planning; contributing to performances & readings (may include acting, assistant directing, stage managing, design, etc.); and serving as Ensemble Coordinators for the winter show. Apprentices will also take part in the ongoing administration of education & outreach programs. Administrative duties include: organizing & prepping materials, coordinating & communicating with education artists & schools, and researching & writing educational resource guides. All Apprentices will be on two, if not more, run crew assignments and will spend time in other departments to expand their knowledge in all areas of theater. Education Apprentices from the preceding season are often asked to apply to stay for the summer.

Summer Education Apprentices assist the artistic and education staff with planning and running Portland Stage’s theater camps for students ages 4-18. In general, there are three Education Apprentices each summer. Responsibilities include assisting and co-teaching with professional teaching artists, organizing and producing camp materials, leading warm-ups, and planning and executing camp ‘Apprentice Hours’ of lead teaching (1-2 instructional hours daily). The summer may also include opportunities to assist the Summer Library PLAY Tour. This apprenticeship includes free access to Maine Career Catalyst events and resources including social networking, professional development, and fun excursion events throughout Maine. This Apprenticeship generally runs from late May through mid-August.

This is a new initiative started in the 2022-2023 season. The application is separate from the Apprenticeship application, and can be found here. Email Scholarship with any questions. Note: This is not currently available for the Summer Education Apprenticeship.

There are certain tasks that get assigned to all apprentices throughout the season. Apprentices can expect to be assigned to go on postering routes, assist the costume shop, strike the set of a show, work an electrics changeover and focus, set-up a company meal or party (and eat, too!), be on book for tech or preview performances, usher for an occasional performance, and other various tasks as assigned. All apprentices should be prepared to bend, lift, carry, move, etc.; apprentices should be physically able to lift 40 lbs (the weight of a stage weight) on their own. The vast majority of your time will be spent in your department; however, as in many apprenticeships, your time will be scheduled in an attempt to give each apprentice a well-rounded theatrical education.

Yes, we offer a Summer Education Apprenticeship that runs from the end of May through mid-August. Applications for the Summer Education Apprenticeship are due February 15. We typically do not have summer apprenticeships in other areas.

The program should be regarded as a full-time and primary commitment of 40 hours per week. The schedule, currently posted on a weekly basis, varies based on the needs of the show and the needs of the theater. Additional employment to supplement income would need to be flexible to accommodate the fluctuating nature of the schedule. In the past, some apprentices have found that pet sitting, babysitting, snow shoveling, virtual teaching, and other remote work works with their schedules.

The schedule will have ebbs and flows from week to week. We are committed to a 40 hour per week maximum work load across all positions. When on a production run crew, you will primarily be scheduled to work nights and weekends. We have an additional Swing Run Crew position that will function essentially as an understudy for the production crew and may sub in to run shows as needed to provide time off for other run crew members. As of the fall of 2020, we have eliminated “10 out of 12” tech days to promote healthier and more equitable schedules. For non-run crew or tech schedules, you will primarily be working weekdays. Apprentices are encouraged to discuss any schedule conflicts with their supervisor and with the Apprentice Coordinators in advance so we can make schedules work around conflicts whenever possible.

We select ten to twelve (10-12) apprentices per season. This cohort will learn about theater as a whole each with a focus in various areas of theater. The summer generally has three education apprentices.

Typically between 110 and 130 per season.

Portland Stage primarily selects individuals that are currently residents of the United States. However, we will consider applicants from outside the United States if they already have secured and can demonstrate permission to work in the US for the period of the apprenticeship. Portland Stage is not able to help successful applicants secure a work permit/visa.

The decisions are made in late April or May. Summer Education Apprenticeships will likely be decided by early March.

Portland Stage cares about the health and safety of our apprentices, staff, guest artists, patrons and volunteers. We continue to adapt to the guidelines set forth by the CDC and the Governor of the State of Maine. Flexibility continues to be key.

Portland Stage upgraded the HVAC system in the building to include bi-polar ionization technology which releases charged atoms that attach to and deactivate harmful substances like bacteria, mold, allergens, and viruses by pulling the hydrogen atom away, causing the harmful substances to die. Testing of this system for effectiveness against the COVID-19 virus by two different independent laboratories, Analytical Lab Group and Innovative Bioanalysis, revealed that the level of the virus is cut by 90% within 60 minutes. The safety plan is regularly reviewed to ensure everyone is informed of the plan as well as expectation for their actions and those of others. Everyone is encouraged to speak up and help remind others of the safety plan.