EDUCATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Portland Stage Co.; Portland, Northern (ME, KY); Hybrid; USD 5,700 - 7,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Furnished housing

Utilities provided

Weekly stipend

Scholarships

Job summary

Portland Stage Co. offers a full-time Apprenticeship Program that partners with our professional production team and designers to train the next generation of theater professionals.

Apprentices gain hands-on experience, collaboration opportunities, and the chance to contribute to quality theatrical work. Housing is furnished with utilities and a weekly stipend of $109; limited scholarships of up to $5,000 are available for those in financial need.

Qualifications

• Applicants should be highly motivated individuals who have acquired basic training in the theater arts.
• Willingness to collaborate with designers, directors, and production teams.
• Ability to perform physical tasks safely.

Responsibilities

• Work with leading designers, directors, administrators, and the production team.
• Participate in multiple run crew roles across productions.
• Provide space for college credit arrangements and support apprentice projects.

Skills

Motivation

Theater arts training

Job description

The Portland Stage Apprenticeship Program is committed to training future generations of theater professionals. Applicants should be highly motivated individuals who have acquired basic training in the theater arts and are looking to explore their field further through meaningful hands-on experience. Portland Stage apprentices can expect to be challenged by a creative process that relies on both ingenuity and collaboration.

Apprentices at Portland Stage work with leading designers, directors, administrators, and our professional production team throughout the season. They leave with a greater knowledge of the theatrical process and the satisfaction of being part of a dedicated theater company where exceptional quality is the end goal.

All Portland Stage employees, apprentices and guest artists agreeto create a work environment that respects diverse ideas, races, genders, sexualities, abilities, culture, and religions, contribute to working in an anti-racist theater, and value Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA).

What You Can Expect:

• The hours are full time (40 hours a week) and the schedule will likely fluctuate from week to week.
• Furnished housing, utilities (electricity, heat, internet) and a $109 weekly stipend will be provided.
• Limited $5,000 cost of living scholarships are available for those with financial need. We encourage everyone to apply for this scholarship.
• There will be physical tasks that require repeated lifting of at least 40 lbs and bending, as well as possibly being on ladders, lifts, or catwalks. Please note that some areas of the theater facility are not handicap-accessible.
• Everyone will be on run crew at least twice. Some apprenticeships have more run crew expectations than others. Some run crew positions might require that you appear onstage in a costume.
• There are additional Swing Run Crew positions for each production that will function essentially as an understudy for the production run crew and may sub in to run shows as needed to provide time off for other run crew members.
• College credit can be arranged.
• We encourage each apprentice cohort to produce their own theatrical work outside of their apprenticeship by providing space and support.
• The minimum commitment is from late August through early June; Education Apprentices may be invited to stay as late as early August.
  • If you are just applying for the summer education apprenticeship that runs June – mid August.

Summer 2027 Education Apprenticeship Applications due February 15 2027
2027 – 2028 Season Long Apprenticeship Spots in all areas of the theater due March 1 2027
Applications Open in January

Apprenticeship Areas

Please Note: Each year the specific apprenticeships offered fluctuate depending on the needs of the season and the skills/interests of the year’s applicants.

• Production: Costume/Wardrobe, Electrics, Props, Stage Management, Sets
• Arts Administration
• Directing/Dramaturgy
• Education
• Summer Education
• Stage Management