Professional Apprenticeship Program

PLEASE NOTE: THE APPRENTICESHIP POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR THE 2022-23 SEASON.

The Omaha Theater Company sponsors a Professional Apprentice Training Program in technical theater. The program provides a practical “hands-on” experience that gives emerging theater artists an opportunity to work directly with designers, technicians, and professionals in their respective fields.

COMPENSATION

Gross compensation is $440 per week, minus $125 for housing, for the first four weeks of the month. Weekly take-home is $315 before taxes. For a four-week month, total gross pay is $1,760, minus $500 ($125 x 4 weeks) for a gross total of $1,260 before taxes. Rose Theater payroll dates are the 15th and the last day of each month. 

• Housing is provided via a paycheck dedication of $125/week. 
• A personal vehicle is recommended, but not required. 

CONTRACT PERIOD

Early August – End of June

• This is a full-time position, requiring 40 hours per week, up to six days per week.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

• The Apprentice Program does not offer a degree.
• Apprenticeships are ten months in length beginning in August and ending in June.
• Apprenticeships are full time (40 hrs per week).
• Apprentices’ weekly schedules may vary with their duties and the requirements of the overall production schedule and will include some nights and weekends.
• Each apprentice will receive complimentary tickets to all Rose Theater productions.
• The apprenticeships are a full time commitment.  An outside job cannot be relied upon as an income supplement.

WHAT TO EXPECT

An apprenticeship is a full season commitment, lasting from mid August to June. The Omaha Theater Company’s apprentices will participate as staff members within their assigned roles on a variety of shows and projects.  Apprentices are an integral part of the production team with the Omaha Theater Company and in order to create well-rounded theater professionals, our technical theater apprentices work backstage in a variety of roles. They are encouraged to develop good marketable habits, refine their interpersonal skills, and develop relationships with theater professionals. Formal evaluations are given in the fall and spring, and provide an opportunity for the apprentice and their supervisor to discuss future goals and objectives for the program. Resume and portfolio reviews are given throughout the season. They also receive specialized training in their chosen specialty and are able to take on leadership roles with the Teens ‘N’ Theater program, including designing lights and sound, leading load-ins, and training the board ops. 

FACILITIES

The Omaha Theater Company is one of the largest professional children’s theater companies in the country.  It makes its home at The Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center (Rose Theater).  Live performances take place on two stages:

• The Buffett Auditorium is a 30’x60’ proscenium stage that seats 900.  The company’s eight-show mainstage season of educational theater and family musicals takes place on this stage.  
• The Hitchcock Theater is a flexible black box space that seats 150.  This space supports the award-winning Teens ‘N’ Theater program, two Pre-K theatrical productions, and other special events.
• The Youth Artists Studio is located in West Omaha and has  27,000 square feet of classroom space, 10 spacious dance, creative drama and voice studios, a 200 seat performance space, and so much more.

In addition to the two stages and studio, the Rose Theater houses an electrics studio, costume studio and rental shop, and multiple classroom and rehearsal spaces. The Rose Theater Scene Shop is located three blocks from The Rose Performing Arts Center and contains scenic and paint studios, props shop, and ample storage space. The Rose Theater West Studio is a satellite location for various classes in dance, voice and professional musical theater and is often used as a rehearsal space for mainstage productions.

AVAILABLE APPRENTICESHIPS

Scenic/Carpentry Apprenticeship – THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED

Scenic/Carpentry Apprentices work with the Props Master, Scenic Charge Artist, and Technical Director throughout the season, painting and constructing scenery and/or props for select shows. They also serve as run crew for several productions and assist with scenic load-ins, light hangs, and maintenance of our shop inventory as needed throughout the season. Budgeting, bookkeeping, and time management skills will be addressed, as will interdepartmental communications and cooperation. There may be opportunities to serve as a Props Master or Charge Artist on productions later in the season. Applicants should be able to safely use hand and power tools and lift at least 50 pounds. Experience with hand/machine sewing and various paint techniques is a plus. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working towards careers as prop or scenic artists, and technical directors. 

Stage Management Apprenticeship – THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED

Stage Management Apprentices work as an assistant stage manager and run crew on various mainstage productions. Starting with pre-production meetings through rehearsals and performances, they will work closely with actors, students, directors, and choreographers. Assignments also include the opportunity to stage manage two productions in our black box theater and one production on our mainstage. When not assigned to a show, Stage Management Apprentices assist with administrative/production management work and other areas of production as needed.  This includes helping with load-ins, strikes, and light hang/focus. Applicants should be able to interact with a wide variety of personalities and adapt to various working styles. Additionally, the apprentice must stay focused, take initiative, and maintain a professional demeanor in the workplace. Applicants must possess strong writing and computer skills as there is an emphasis on producing quality paper work. The ability to read music is desirable and prior stage management experience is required. A practical knowledge of electrics and a basic understanding of power tools is a plus. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working towards careers as professional stage managers.

 Electrics/Audio Apprenticeship – THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED

The Electrics/Audio Apprentice will work directly under the supervision of the Resident Lighting & Sound Designers to implement the lighting design for each mainstage production. This apprentice will also gain hands-on experience with audio implementation. This position includes assisting with the hanging and focusing of lights, reading and drafting the light plot, assisting the lighting designer with paperwork, assisting the sound designer with programing and digital mixing, and general maintenance of our inventory and spaces, along with working scenic load-ins and strikes. Electrics/Audio Apprentices may have the opportunity to act as Master Electrician, A2, and/or serve as run crew on mainstage productions. Assignments also include the opportunity to design lights in our black box theater for two Pre-K productions and a portion of our Teens ‘N’ Theater shows. Applicants should have a practical knowledge of electrics and a basic understanding of electricity, along with the ability to read and interpret lighting paperwork. Familiarity with ETC Ion lighting console and Vectorworks is a plus. Experience or interest in sound design and implementation is a plus. This apprenticeship is suitable for those working towards careers as master electricians and lighting designers.

Theater Generalist Hybrid Apprenticeship – THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED

The theater generalist apprenticeship will work directly under the supervision of the Director of Production, Youth Productions, and the Director of Education. This Hybrid apprenticeship will spend half of their time developing their technical skills and the other half gaining hands-on teaching and administrative experience. This position can expect to assist with the facilitation of all youth productions including our Teens ‘N’ Theater shows, learning how to program lights, sound, and run a technical rehearsal. This position would be well suited for someone looking to dive deeper into the many facets of theater and allows for the flexibility to explore alongside many diverse professionals. Desired applicants may have a focus in stage management, production management, administration or technical direction. Familiarity with carpentry and power tools is a plus, desire to learn is a must.