The Production Management Apprentice works as a member of the Production office team with the Director of Production and Production Manager to provide the administrative and operational support for all production departments. This apprentice assists in the daily operations by keeping track of all the receipts from all production personnel, as well as managing schedules for the department and helping staff shows and shops by working with the Production Manager to review resumes and candidates. This individual also assists and shadows the Production Manager in meetings with production and creative personnel. The Production Management Apprentice will be able to develop relationships with all the shops on campus and have the opportunity to work with other industry professionals like designers, directors, and technicians. In turn, they are involved in creating the production schedule for the upcoming season.
The Production Management Apprentice also acts as the secondary crew swing on call for all mainstage productions, and the primary swing for shows in our smaller spaces, meaning this individual learns most backstage tracks for all productions, so they can jump in and fulfill that role in case a member of the crew cannot perform their duties.
Candidates should be able to multitask and establish priorities, be detail-oriented, have a valid driver's license, and be familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Excellent organization and interpersonal skills are a must. They should be comfortable completing tasks both alone and as part of a team, and be enthusiastic about jumping in to solve an issue while also remaining cool under pressure. This position is appropriate for those working toward careers as Production Managers, Technical Directors, Directors of Production, and General Managers.
Required Supplementary Application Materials: paperwork/organization examples (i.e., stage management paperwork like run sheets or reports, calendars, etc.)
Applications for 2026-2027 Apprenticeships are now open. All applications are due by March 13, 2026.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Olney Theatre Center is committed to training the next generation of theatre makers and providing these training opportunities to individuals of all backgrounds and identities. Every year, apprentices live on campus and train under our professional full-time staff (many of whom are apprentice alumni!) with key responsibilities in nearly every single department. Our apprenticeships are year-long, entry-level, full-time job positions where individuals forge connections within the theatre community, learn practical and professional skills, and get hands-on, real-world experience to build resumes and portfolios. Our program offers a space for early-career theatre artists to learn and work alongside professional technicians and administrators and participate in world-class productions. By the end of the apprenticeship year, we want our apprentices to feel confident applying to job opportunities in their chosen career tracks that they didn+rsquo;t feel confident applying for prior to joining us. Our goal is to be excited to recommend our graduating apprentice class for future job opportunities.
As an Olney Theatre Center Apprentice you will+hellip;
-Live and work in a vibrant artistic community for a full season.
-Receive on-site dormitory-style housing at no cost (includes a shared bedroom, bath, common area, and kitchen).
-Take advantage of the Washington, DC metro area theatre scene, one of the nation+rsquo;s largest theatre markets.
-Develop marketable skills and create contacts for future employment.
-Benefit from working directly with the resident staff, in addition to over 300 visiting professional artists.
-Participate in bi-monthly professional development classes with various staff members and industry professionals at Olney Theatre Center.
-Receive complimentary tickets to Olney Theatre Center productions and many other DC area shows.
-Have shared use of company vehicles and free parking (also free for personal vehicles). Olney Theatre pays for gas and tolls for company cars for local area use.
-Join run crew for at least one production in the season and receive professional backstage experience.
-Complete a capstone project, demonstrating what they+rsquo;ve learned at the end of the apprenticeship.
-Earn a $275 weekly stipend.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Submit your application materials to apprenticeships@olneytheatre.org as pdf attachments by March 13, 2026. Please include a resume, cover letter, contact information for three references, and any other supplementary materials required by the apprenticeship position for which you+rsquo;re applying. Most importantly, we want you to let us know: (1) who you are; (2) which apprenticeship position(s) you+rsquo;re applying for; and (3) why you want to spend a year learning and working with us. Please include the name of the apprenticeship position(s) you+rsquo;re applying for in the body of your email.
2. Complete the optional Apprentice 2026-2027 Application portion. This form is strictly voluntary and asks for demographic information that helps us track who is applying to our programs so we can make future plans that serve our Anti-Racism Reaffirmation. You do not have to complete this form in order to submit your materials in step one, but collecting this data will help us get a better idea of who we're reaching. In order to complete the form, it'll ask you'll be asked to create an account with us. We will never look at your individual answers to this form in regards to your application materials.
https://www.olneytheatre.org/education/apprenticeships/apply
