Stage Management Apprenticeship

Austin Community College; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 5,000 - 9,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Furnished housing

Weekly stipend of $109

Cost of living scholarships available

College credit arrangements possible

Job summary

A leading theater company in Portland is seeking Stage Management Apprentices for its 2026-2027 season, offering a hands-on opportunity to work closely with Equity Stage Managers. Apprentices will assist in all aspects of rehearsals and shows while gaining valuable experience in different production areas. Furnished housing, utilities, and a stipend are provided, as well as potential scholarships for those in need. Candidates should be motivated and prepared for physical tasks during the apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• Basic training in theater arts desired.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a creative environment.
• Physical stamina to lift at least 40 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with all aspects of rehearsal and production activities.
• Participate in run crew duties during performances.
• Engage in various areas of theater production.
• Participate in run crew and potentially onstage in a costume for some productions.

Job description

Position Overview

PORTLAND STAGE COMPANY seeks apprentices for its 2026-2027 season.

All Portland Stage employees, apprentices and guest artists agree to 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).

Roles & Responsibilities

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.

Apprenticeships are also available in Arts Administration (Company Management, Development, Marketing), Directing/Dramaturgy, Education, and all areas of Production (Lights/Sound, Costumes, Props, Sets).

Program Overview

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.

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.

Application & Contact

See Apprenticeship FAQ on website for additional details. To apply, fill out the application form on https://www.portlandstage.org/work-with-us/apprenticeships/ and submit. Deadline: March 1.

Please reach out to Carrigan O'Brian Danish & Julianne Shea at [e-mail] with any questions.