Delaware Shakespeare offers apprenticeships for college students who wish to gain professional classical theatre experience prior to graduation. Apprenticeships are held in conjunction with the Summer Festival. Apprentices work with our professional directors, actors, designers, and staff to gain hands-on experience both on and off the stage. Each apprentice is assigned a mentor from the company to insure a personalized learning experience.
Overview
Performance apprentices appear in supporting roles in the mainstage production, understudy leading roles, and create a pre-show entertainment.
Directing apprentice will assist the director with the planning of daily rehearsals, serve as another set of eyes and ears for the director in rehearsals, and take notes for the director during runs and tech. The directing apprentice may run small scene rehearsals outside of the main rehearsal and helps the understudies prepare.
Production apprentices work with designers to help create costumes, props, sets, and lighting elements of the production. The Apprentice stage manager (SM) will work under the direction of the professional Stage Manager throughout the rehearsal and performance process. The Apprentice SM will attend all rehearsals as an assistant to the SM and will then have the opportunity to “run the deck” backstage.
Management apprentices work with the Front-of-House team to organize marketing campaigns, coordinate volunteers, sell tickets and merchandise, and provide an enjoyable audience atmosphere.
Education apprentices assist with implementation of The Bridge, Del Shakes’ summer program for at-risk and adjudicated youth, and other education and outreach activities.
All apprentices will be offered a series of Master Classes, with a focus on the unique demands of Shakespearean performance. (We know not all apprentices will be actors, but we feel it’s important that all apprentices have appreciation for the skills it takes to deliver these plays to an audience.) ALL APPRENTICES will work side-by-side with professional technical staff to perform set-up and strike duties each day of tech and performances.
All apprentices receive a modest stipend.
Timeframe
All apprenticeships (besides management) begin June 16, 2020 – the first day of rehearsal for The Tempest. Rehearsals will be held on nights and weekends. Management apprenticeships have a flexible start date. The Tempest runs July 17-August 2, 2020. During the run, apprentices need to have both daytime and evening availability.
Eligibility
Applicants should be enrolled in a college program. It is not necessary to be a Theatre major.
Delaware Shakespeare does not offer housing. All applicants should be able to provide their own local housing and transportation.
To Apply
In light of COVID-19 concerns, Delaware Shakespeare will not be conducting in-person auditions/interviews for the 2020 summer season.
Application materials should be sent to apprentice@delshakes.org by March 30, 2020.
All applicants should please submit a resume, two references (contact information only, no reference letter required), and a cover letter explaining their interest in becoming a Delaware Shakespeare Apprentice.
Performance Apprentice applicants should also include a headshot, as well as a video audition (preferably shared via YouTube or Vimeo link). The video audition should consist of:
- 1-2 minute Shakespeare monologue
- (if student sings) a short song, which can be performed a capella
Nancy B. Lynch, Delaware Shakespeare’s board president from 2005-2020, is a passionate believer in theatre education. The College Apprentice Program was named in her honor in 2020.