Apprentice Program Summer 2020
APPRENTICE PROGRAM SUMMER 2020
A unique opportunity for youth ages 14-18 years old
Weathervane Playhouse has a tradition in training young artists in the areas of backstage or technical theatre. This training is a hands-on experience with growing professionals in the business. This tradition has become known as the Weathervane Playhouse Apprentice Program.
The Apprentice Program is an unpaid educational adventure that is an invaluable experience in learning the business of theatre, the mechanics of putting on a production, honing and learning new skills and observing professionals in their craft. A fully hands-on learning experience, that is cultivated in real-job application. Many of our apprentices have gone on to have very successful careers in theatre, film, and other areas.
Weathervane Apprentices are encouraged to participate in the tech process, strikes/turnover. They will also receive a complimentary ticket to all 2020 Weathervane Playhouse productions, and may participate in one complimentary WYART workshop or production during the summer season.
You must be 14 years or over to apply.
Applications may be sent via email to the Theatre Education Director at ted@weathervaneplayhouse.org or by regular mail to:
Weathervane Playhouse
ATTN: Theatre Education Director
P.O. Box 607
Newark, OH 43058-0607
Letters of recommendation may be sent separately.
Acting Apprentice Application Deadline: March 5, 2020
Technical Apprentic Application Deadline: April 15, 2020
To Apply Please submit the following:
- Apprentice Application and Emergency Medical Information Form with Required Signatures to be completed by the Apprentice and Parent/Guardian – download here.
- 1000 word typed essay detailing why you should be considered for an apprentice position in the areas you are most interested, what you bring to the program and your goals for what you hope to learn.
- Typed resume with your extra-curricular activities and your roles in those activities, school groups, achievements (academic and other), work place experiences, theatre experiences, and any other experiences you feel are applicable or should be considered,
- Letter of Recommendation from a teacher, employer, or community leader who is not a family member, and Letters of recommendation may be sent separately.
- List of anticipated conflicts and dates/times between May 13, 2020 and August 3, 2020.
- Schedule an interview/audition appointment with the Artistic Director
- Acting Auditions/Interviews: Feb 21 6-10, Feb 22 10-6, March 21 1-4
- To schedule an audition email: auditions@weathervaneplayhouse.org, or visit: https://weathervaneplayhouse.org/audition-information/
- Technical Interviews: Feb 21 6-10, March 21 1-4, April 19 1-4pm
- To Schedule an Interview: email: auditions@weathervaneplayhouse.org, or visit: https://weathervaneplayhouse.org/audition-information/
- Acting Auditions/Interviews: Feb 21 6-10, Feb 22 10-6, March 21 1-4
The 2020 Summer Apprenticeship Program has the following openings:
Costume Apprentice (4 positions) Apprentices will work shop hours in the costume shop and assist during the ‘build’ of the show. They will learn and assist with basic sewing skills, learn how to take measurements, pull from stock, proper costume maintenance, laundry techniques and material care, and will be influenced by the creative efforts of the Costume Designer and Assistant Costume Designer and their process. Apprentices are also tasked with handling final preparations of a production and act as dressers for productions.
All Costume Apprentices must be able to work at least 1 full tech & performance process as a member of the run crew over the course of the summer.
Sound Apprentice (2 positions) Sound Apprentice will work shop hours learning about the basic aspects of how to balance a room, listening to the space and microphones, learning basic sound language and terminology, proper mic handling and use techniques, as well as other basic technical information. Sound Apprentices will be responsible for serving as a Mic Wrangler, or as a sound board operator during the tech and performance process of up to 5 productions.
Lighting Apprentice (2 positions) Apprentices will learn basic skills as relates to the area of lighting and lighting design, assist with lighting hang and focus, and assist with running the lighting board during performances. Lighting Apprentices may also have the opportunity to test their honed skills working with the WYART programs as needed throughout the summer.
All Lighting Apprentices must be comfortable with ladders and must be able to work at least 1 strike.
Properties Apprentice (2 positions) Apprentice will begin to learn how to analyze a script for props, do research for props to assure quality and appropriateness, as well as be open to learning how to make and engineer properties as needed. This may include use of power tool, incorporating paint techniques, or creatively remaking an item for a new use. An open mind and creative energy are crucial to this position. The Properties Apprentice must also be able and willing to be on run crew for at least 2 of the 5 productions. The properties apprentices must be comfortable working outdoors, and with learning how to properly use hand and power tools.
Stage Management Apprentices (4 positions) All Stage Management Apprentices will observe and be a part of a rehearsal process, assist with paperwork and organization of show tracking, and properties tracking. Apprentice must have great attention to details and be a self-starter. This position will require serving on at least 1 production run crew during the summer. Apprentices may also be given the opportunity to step into the role of Stage Manager for a WYART production, or to serve as part of the run crew during productions. Access to a personal laptop, tablet, or personal computer may be helpful in this position.
Acting Apprentices (4 positions) Acting Apprentices will be required to audition for selection. Auditions may be completed during the general Weathervane 2020 Auditions, or during the Apprentice Interview/Auditions. Acting Apprentices will be required to complete all necessary hours for rehearsal for productions they are cast in, and will be required to sit in on rehearsal processes and observe styles and techniques of actors and directors in productions they are not cast in. In addition, Acting Apprentices may be asked to serve on run crew for shows not cast in, and may be asked to also partake in full Company assignments such as Theatre Clean.
Administrative Apprentice (1 position) Apprentice will learn the basics and understanding of facility management, marketing, box office assistance, ushering and assisting the administrative team with WYART programming needs. Access to a personal computer, or laptop will be helpful. Availability will be required both during regular business hours, and during Performances.
Educational Apprentices (2 positions) Our Educational Apprentices will assist the summer WYART classes by being an assistant teacher for workshops. Assistant teacher duties may include but are not limited to: assisting with leading lesson plans, assisting with classroom maintenance, assisting with technical aspects of workshop such as stage management, properties, scenic painting, etc. As an educational apprentice, you may be asked to lead classes, or to act as a Stage Manager, Props Master or at times an Assistant Director.
If you would like to be involved at Weathervane Playhouse, but do not want to commit to an apprentice position at this time, please send your contact information, resume or brief explanation of your background and your interests to ted@weathervaneplayhouse.org.