Sharon Playhouse - The Bobbie Olsen Theater

THE SHARON PLAYHOUSE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

The Sharon Playhouse, the historic professional summer stock theater located in the foothills of the beautiful Berkshire Mountains, is now accepting applications for its Apprentice Program for its 2024 season. The Sharon Playhouse offers you the opportunity to work alongside professional artists from NYC and the Tri-State area. Our upcoming MainStage season includes Rock of Ages, The Prom, Steel Magnolias, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and our YouthStage season includes Mary Poppins Jr., As You Like It, Sharon Playhouse Stars, Willy Wonka Kids, High School Musical Jr., and Sassy Cinderella.

The Apprentice Program is designed to open the door to college theater artists and early-career professionals, giving them the opportunity to get practical experience as team members in a nurturing and collaborative regional theater company.

Details of the Apprentice Program:

Apprentices must be 18 years of age or older.
Apprentices must be able to work 40 hours per week (five to six days).
Apprentices will receive a $325 weekly stipend.
Housing is available for apprentices in the Sharon Playhouse onsite dormitories. Apprentices will get their own bedroom.
Each apprentice will have a primary concentration as well as additional duties in other aspects of theater production.
Apprentices must provide their own transportation.
Apprentices must have a valid driver’s license. Access to a car for the summer is preferred.
Candidates must have strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work independently, excellent organizational and time-management skills, a positive attitude and a collaborative spirit.
Apprentices will receive professional development and incredible networking opportunities.
There are 4 Half Season Apprenticeships (Costumes, Company Management, Production Management, and Audience Services) that run from Monday, May 20, 2024 to Sunday, August 25, 2024. There are 4 Full Season Apprenticeships (Theater Administration, Lighting, Sound, Props & Scenery) that run from Monday, May 20, 2024 to Sunday, October 6, 2024. Please only apply for apprenticeships that you are both interested in and fully available for.

To apply, please complete the following application:

All positions are now filled for the 2024 Apprentice Program. Check back for more information about the 2025 Apprentice Program.

Concentrations are available in the following areas:

- Arrival: Monday, May 20, 2024
- Departure: Sunday, August 25, 2024
- 14 weeks at $325 per week = $4550
- Description: The Costume Apprentice will assist the Costume Shop Manager, Costume Designers, Wardrobe Supervisor, and YouthStage Costumes Director with the execution of all elements related to costuming. They will interact with directors and actors to help the shows run smoothly; assist with the wardrobe during shows, including quick-changes; help pull, buy, and/or rent costume pieces and accessories; assist in fittings and alterations of costumes; and assist with costume construction, maintenance, laundry, and other support.
- Specific Duties:
  - Assist with MainStage productions: Rock of Ages and The Prom
  - Assist with YouthStage productions: Mary Poppins, Jr. (IMS), Sharon Playhouse Stars, As You Like It, Willy Wonka Kids, High School Musical Jr., and Sassy Cinderella
  - Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala
  - Assist with other departments and duties as needed by the Production Management and Playhouse Staff
- Arrival: Monday, May 20, 2024
- Departure: Sunday, August 25, 2024
- 14 weeks at $325 per week = $4550
- Description: The Company Management Apprentice will work closely with the Company Manager for the summer season on all behind-the-scenes and administrative work, and hospitality regarding The Sharon Playhouse on-site & off-site campus life. This position will help with both the MainStage productions as well as the YouthStage productions. The Company Management Apprentice will assist the Company Manager in such things as maintaining artist housing, travel, communications and creating positive helpful relationships with cast, crew, and creatives.
- Specific Duties:
  - Assist with MainStage productions: Rock of Ages and The Prom,
  - Assist with YouthStage productions: Mary Poppins, Jr. (IMS), Sharon Playhouse Stars, As You Like It, Willy Wonka Kids, High School Musical Jr., and Sassy Cinderella
  - Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala
  - Assist with other departments and duties as needed by the Production Management and Playhouse Staff
- Arrival: Monday, May 20, 2024
- Departure: Sunday, August 25, 2024
- 14 weeks at $325 per week = $4550
- Description: The Production Management Apprentice will work closely with the Production Manager on all aspects of theater production for the summer season. This position will help serve as the liaison between the Playhouse staff, creative teams, and production staff. The Production Management Apprentice will assist the Production Manager in such things as approving department purchasing, compiling and managing budgets, consulting with the Technical Director on builds, load-ins, strikes, rentals, crew needs, and executing and implementing the director’s and designers’ visions. This position may be called upon to join a specific crew, depending on the production’s requirements.
- Specific Duties:
  - Assist with MainStage productions: Rock of Ages and The Prom
  - Assist with YouthStage productions: Mary Poppins, Jr (IMS), Sharon Playhouse Stars, As You Like It, Willy Wonka Kids, High School Musical Jr., and Sassy Cinderella
  - Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala
  - Assist with other departments and duties as needed by the Production Management and Playhouse Staff
- Arrival: Monday, May 20, 2024
- Departure: Sunday, August 25, 2024
- 14 weeks at $325 per week = $4550
- Description: The Audience Services Apprentice will work with the House Management Team, Parkers, Box Office, Front of House Volunteers, and Playhouse Staff to ensure the safety and comfort of all Sharon Playhouse patrons throughout their theatergoing experience. They will represent the Sharon Playhouse in a welcoming, professional, and courteous manner through thoughtful and detailed customer service. The Audience Services Apprentice will train in the Box Office, work concessions, and help run the Gift Shop. The Audience Services Apprentice will read all scripts for the 2024 Season in order to be able to address customer questions about the content of the shows offered for the season. This position will brainstorm ways to enhance the audience experience and systematize the implementation of such ideas.
- Specific Duties:
  - Assist with MainStage productions: Rock of Ages and The Prom,
  - Assist with YouthStage productions: Mary Poppins, Jr (IMS), Sharon Playhouse Stars, As You Like It, Willy Wonka Kids, High School Musical Jr., and Sassy Cinderella
  - Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala
  - Assist with other departments and duties as needed by the Production Management and Playhouse Staff
- Arrival: Monday, May 20, 2024
- Departure: Sunday, October 6, 2024
- 20 weeks at $325 per week = $6500
- Description: The Theater Administration Apprentice will focus on administrative tasks that are related to the Leadership Team (Artistic Director, Managing Director, and Associate Artistic Director/Director of Education) and all aspects of Administration. They will help ensure that the Leadership Team are represented in all communications in a professional, engaged, and welcoming manner. While working in the admin. office, this position must remain proactive, solution-oriented, and highly organized with exemplary communication skills when interacting with staff and the public. Responsibilities will include drafting correspondence with agents, unions, and other collaborators, preparing research for various production and administration needs, collecting content for Social Media, and spearheading efforts in marketing, fundraising, and development.
- Specific Duties:
  - Assist with MainStage productions: Rock of Ages, The Prom, Steel Magnolias, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown
  - Assist with YouthStage productions: Mary Poppins, Jr. (IMS), Sharon Playhouse Stars, As You Like It, Willy Wonka Kids, High School Musical Jr., and Sassy Cinderella
  - Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala, September Reading, Writers Playground
  - Assist with other departments and duties as needed by the Production Management and Playhouse Staff
  - The Theater Administration Apprentice will also assist with Costumes, Company Management, Production Management, and/or Audience Services from Monday, August 26-Sunday, October 6, 2024
- Arrival: Monday, May 20, 2024
- Departure: Sunday, October 6, 2024
- 20 weeks at $325 per week = $6500
- Description: The Lighting Apprentice will work collaboratively alongside the Technical Director, Lighting Designers, and Production Electricians. They will assist in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of the lighting instruments, lighting hang, and lighting designs. The Lighting Apprentice will gain experience working with the current drafting software and lighting control systems. This position will serve as lighting board operator and/or follow-spot operator for productions. This position will require climbing ladders, working at heights, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Specific Duties:
  - Assist with MainStage productions: Rock of Ages, The Prom, Steel Magnolias, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown
  - Assist with YouthStage productions: Mary Poppins, Jr. (IMS), Sharon Playhouse Stars, As You Like It, Willy Wonka Kids, High School Musical Jr., and Sassy Cinderella
  - Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala, September Reading, Writers Playground
  - Assist with other departments and duties as needed by the Production Management and Playhouse Staff
  - The Lighting Apprentice will also assist with Costumes, Company Management, Production Management, and/or Audience Services from Monday, August 26-Sunday, October 6, 2024
- Arrival: Monday, May 20, 2024
- Departure: Sunday, October 6, 2024
- 20 weeks at $325 per week = $6500
- Description: The Sound Apprentice will work closely with the Technical Director, Resident Sound Designers, and Audio Engineers to deepen the skills required for a professional audio career. They will learn, maintain, and operate the digital sound console and body microphones as well as program the Q-Lab computerized sound playback system and source/design sound cues for productions.
- Specific Duties:
  - Assist with MainStage productions: Rock of Ages, The Prom, Steel Magnolias, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown
  - Serve as Audio Engineer for YouthStage productions: Mary Poppins, Jr. (IMS), Sharon Playhouse Stars, As You Like It, Willy Wonka Kids, High School Musical Jr., and Sassy Cinderella
  - Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala, September Reading, Writers Playground
  - Assist with other departments and duties as needed by the Production Management and Playhouse Staff
  - The Sound Apprentice will also assist with Costumes, Company Management, Production Management, and/or Audience Services from Monday, August 26-Sunday, October 6, 2024
- Arrival: Monday, May 20, 2024
- Departure: Sunday, October 6, 2024
- 20 weeks at $325 per week = $6500
- Description: The Props and Scenic Artistry Apprentice will work closely with the Props Manager, Scenic Artist, Production Manager and Technical Director. Throughout the season they will strengthen their artistic skills and gain experience while assisting in rental research, purchasing, prop build and scenery painting for both MainStage and YouthStage productions.
- Specific Duties:
  - Assist with MainStage productions: Rock of Ages, The Prom, Steel Magnolias, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown
  - Assist with YouthStage productions: Mary Poppins, Jr. (IMS), Sharon Playhouse Stars, As You Like It, Willy Wonka Kids, High School Musical Jr., and Sassy Cinderella
  - Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala, September Reading, Writers Playground
  - Assist with other departments and duties as needed by the Production Management and Playhouse Staff
  - The Props and Scenic Artistry Apprentice will also assist with Costumes, Company Management, Production Management, and/or Audience Services from Monday, August 26-Sunday, October 6, 2024