Directing/Dramaturgy Apprenticeships

PORTLAND STAGE COMPANY seeks apprentices for its 2025-2026 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).

Directing/Dramaturgy Apprenticeships:

Each Directing/Dramaturgy Apprentice typically assists directors during rehearsals of two Mainstage productions and works with the artistic staff on daily administrative activities in the Literary and Education Departments. There are usually three Directing/Dramaturgy Apprentices each season. Apprentices assist with Portland Stage’s New Work Development. Dramaturgical duties include researching, writing, editing, and laying-out resource guides (PlayNotes), reading and evaluating scripts, and assisting with post-play discussions. All apprentices will be on two, if not more, run crew assignments and will spend time in other departments to expand their knowledge in all areas of theater.

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

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.

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

Please reach out to Jenn London & Julianne Shea at apprenticesearch@portlandstage.org with any questions.