GRSF apprentices are surrounded by and learn from by nationally known, professional theater artists. Apprentices work with people everyday who can become their professional network and can continue to be important connections throughout a career. Additionally, many apprentices return to GRSF as professional staff. Most seasons, more than a third of our professional company members are former apprentices or students of our professional training program. We believe in the value of our training programs, and we invest in the education of those that we hire.

Apprenticeships are available for college-age/early career professionals and provide both formal instruction and practical application of skills within production and administrative disciplines. Production apprentices work alongside professional artisans to create, maintain, and operate scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, properties, wigs, make-up, and stage management.  Administrative apprentices work under the guidance of GRSF’s professional staff in marketing and education. 

GRSF offers apprenticeships in props, lighting, lighting/sound, costumes, and stage management. Apprentices are paid $11.13 per hour plus housing and are eligible for overtime.

GRSF apprentices have gone on to work for major organizations across the country including Manhattan Theatre Club, Yale Rep, Goodman Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf, Glimmerglass Festival, Utah Shakespeare Festival, San Francisco Opera, Milwaukee Rep, and Irish Repertory Theater.

Most apprenticeships are ideal for candidates at the third- or fourth-year undergraduate level. Apprentices who do not meet all qualifications are still encouraged to apply.

To apply, please fill out this form.

2025 Apprentice positions

COSTUME APPRENTICE (2 POSITIONS)

May 20, 2025 - July 30, 2025

The costume apprentice position reports to the costume shop manager and wardrobe manager and works alongside other costume apprentices. The costume apprentices start the season as stitchers and then transition to wardrobe run crew.

Job Duties:

• Assist with construction of costumes

• Help to set up and shut down wardrobe 

• Assist in the maintenance, repairs, and laundering of costumes during the season

• Be present for all tech rehearsals and assigned shows/performances

• Perform wardrobe dressing duties

Qualifications:

This position requires an individual who is punctual, able to take directions, and good under pressure.

The following areas of expertise are preferred:

• Construction of costumes

• Hand and machine sewing

• Costume repairs

• Quick changes

• Running wardrobe dresser tracks

Lighting Apprentice

May 16, 2025 - July 30, 2025

The lighting apprentice works closely with the head electrician and lighting designer to install the  lighting systems for the production season. The lighting apprentice becomes the lighting board operator for the season as well as the lighting technician when the lighting designer leaves.

Job Duties:

• Assist with hanging and circuiting all lighting elements

• Assist with all focus calls for repertory plot 

• Assist with wiring for all electrified and battery operated props

• Assist with the build and execution of lighting and atmospheric effects

• Perform dimmer checks and ensure the integrity of all lighting elements before each show call for light board operation

• Assist with all lighting calls 

• Assist with the maintenance of all lighting elements

Qualifications:

This position requires an individual who is punctual, able to take directions, good under pressure, and able to work independently. 

The following areas of knowledge/experience are preferred: 

• Lighting programming

• Lighting board operation

• Hanging and running cable to lights

• Operating flyrail systems

Lighting/Sound Apprentice

May 16, 2025 - July 30, 2025

The lighting/sound apprentice works closely with the head electrician, sound supervisor, and lighting/sound designers to install the sound and lighting systems for the production season. The lighting/sound apprentice becomes the playback/sound operator for the season as well as the audio technician when the sound designer leaves.

Job Duties:

• Assist with hanging and circuiting all lighting elements

• Assist with all focus calls for repertory plot 

• Assist with wiring for all electrified and battery operated props

• Assist with the build and execution of lighting and atmospheric effects

• Perform dimmer checks and ensure the integrity of all lighting elements before each show call for light board operation

• Assist with all lighting calls 

• Assist with the maintenance of all lighting elements

• Assist with hanging and circuiting for all sound elements

• Assist with programming for sound elements

• Perform maintenance and checks for all sound elements

• Operate Qlab and the sound board during performances

Qualifications:

This position requires an individual who is punctual, able to take directions, good under pressure, and able to work independently. 

The following areas of knowledge/experience are preferred: 

• Lighting programming

• Lighting board operation

• Hanging and running cable to lights

• Operating flyrail systems

• QLab programming and playback

• Pro Tools or Logic

• Dressing/operating wireless microphones

• Communications (Clear-Com, Telex, etc) operation/troubleshooting

props apprentice

May 16, 2025 - July 30, 2025

The props apprentice works with the props designer to create props for mainstage productions. During technical rehearsals, the props apprentice transitions to props run crew and takes on the responsibility of maintaining props after opening.

Job Duties:

• Under the guidance of the props designer, construct and modify props for two mainstage productions

• Maintain integrity of the prop design during the run of the season, including minor repairs and maintenance

• Meet deadlines in an environment of change and creative process

• Implement prop notes from stage management after all shows have opened and the props designer has left

• Assist with scenic changeovers during the run of the season

• Run a crew track during technical rehearsals and performances

Qualifications:

This position requires an individual who is punctual, able to take directions, good under pressure, and able to work independently. 

The following areas of knowledge/experience are preferred:

• Carpentry

• Sewing

• Painting

• Props construction and modification

• Run crew

• Graphic design

Stage Management Apprentice (2 positions)

May 13, 2025 - July 30, 2025

The stage management apprentice position reports to the production stage manager. Stage management apprentices serve as the assistant stage manager on one mainstage production.

Job Duties: 

• With the guidance of the production stage manager and calling stage manager, act as the assistant stage manager on one mainstage production

• Attend all rehearsals, tech rehearsals, and performances of one mainstage production

• Attend weekly production meetings

• Generate backstage and running paperwork, including props, costume, and scenic running sheets

• Manage placement and running of props in rehearsal with the guidance of the SM

• Assist the SM in scheduling rehearsals and generating daily rehearsal reports

• Lead a non-union backstage crew during tech and performance

• Run a crew track on one mainstage show

• Assist other departments during changeover between shows

• Assist other departments during strike

Qualifications:

This position requires an individual who is punctual, able to take directions, good under pressure, and able to work independently. This position is designed to give hands-on, real-world experience to candidates developing their stage management skills. You will have the support of professional stage management and production staff while executing the real role of ASM on a mainstage production.

The following areas of knowledge/experience are preferred:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• At least 2 years of collegiate or professional experience in stage management

• Able to work as part of a team