apprenticeships
apprenticeships
GRSF apprentices learn from and are surrounded by nationally known, professional theater artists. The people you work with every day can be the beginning of your professional network and continue to be important connections throughout your career. Additionally, many apprentices return to GRSF as regular seasonal staff. Most seasons, over a third of our professional company members were former apprentices or students of our professional training program. We believe in the value of our training programs and 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.
Apprentices receive free housing, an hourly wage and overtime. Former 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.
PAID APPRENTICESHIPS
APPRENTICESHIPS
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.
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.
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