THE SHARON PLAYHOUSE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
College and Early Career Apprenticeships
The Sharon Playhouse, the historic, professional, nonprofit theater located in the foothills of the beautiful Berkshire Mountains, is now accepting applications for its Apprentice Program for its 2026 season. The Sharon Playhouse offers you the opportunity to work alongside professional artists from NYC, the tri-state area, and beyond. Our upcoming MainStage season includes Swingtime Canteen, 42nd Street and Come From Away, as well as, our Spotlight Gala, Writer’s Playground and a special reading of The Divine Sister. Our YouthStage season includes Pooh’s Parade, Matilda Jr., Big Bad, Shrek, Kids, the Launchpad Company production of Zombie Prom, and a school partnership production of Shrek, Kids with Indian Mountain School.
The Apprentice Program is designed to open the door to college theater artists and early-career professionals, giving them the opportunity to get practical experience as team members in a nurturing and collaborative regional theater company.
Details of the Apprentice Program:
Apprentices must be 18 years of age or older.
Apprentices must be able to work fulltime, likely 5 or 6 days per week.
Apprentices will receive a $350 weekly stipend.
Housing is available for apprentices in the Sharon Playhouse onsite dormitories. Apprentices will get their own bedroom.
Each apprentice will have a primary concentration as well as additional duties in other aspects of theater production.
Apprentices must provide their own transportation.
Apprentices must have a valid driver’s license. Access to a car for the summer is preferred.
Candidates must have strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to be self-starters and work independently, excellent organizational and time-management skills, a positive attitude and a collaborative spirit.
Apprentices will receive professional development and incredible networking opportunities.
All apprentices report to the Full Time Staff and Production Management Team.
There are 4 Half Season Apprenticeships (Costumes, Sound, Scenic, and Props/Scenic Artistry) that run from Monday, May 18, 2026 to Sunday, August 23, 2026. There are 4 Full Season Apprenticeships (Social Media/Marketing, Scenic, Sound, and Audience Services) that run from Monday, May 18, 2026 to Sunday, September 27, 2026. Please only apply for apprenticeships that you are both interested in and fully available for.
To apply, please complete the following application:
Applications for the 2026 Apprentice Program will be accepted until March 20, 2026
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Arrival: Monday, May 18, 2026
Departure: Monday, August 24, 2026
14 weeks at $350 per week = $4,900
Description:
The Costume Apprentice will assist the Costume Shop Manager, Costume Designers, Wardrobe Supervisor, and YouthStage Costumes Director with the execution of all elements related to costuming. They will interact with directors and actors to help the shows run smoothly; assist with the wardrobe during shows, including quick-changes; help pull, buy, and/or rent costume pieces and accessories; assist in fittings and alterations of costumes; and assist with costume construction, maintenance, laundry, and other support.
Specific Duties:
Assist with MainStage productions: Swingtime Canteen and 42nd Street
Assist with YouthStage productions: Shrek, Kids (IMS), Pooh’s Parade, Matilda Jr, Big Bad, Shrek Kids and the Launchpad Company production of Zombie Prom.
Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala
Assist with other departments and duties as needed by Production Management and Playhouse Staff
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Arrival: Monday, May 18, 2026
Departure: Monday, August 24, 2026
14 weeks at $350 per week = $4,900
Description:
The Sound Apprentice (Half Season) will work closely with the Technical Director, Resident Sound Designers, and Audio Engineers to deepen the skills required for a professional audio career. They will learn, maintain, and operate the digital sound console, Q-Lab (the computerized sound playback system), body microphones, and source as well as create sound cues for productions.
Specific Duties:
Assist with MainStage productions: Swingtime Canteen and 42nd Street
Assist with YouthStage productions: Shrek, Kids (IMS),Pooh’s Parade, Matilda Jr, Big Bad, Shrek Kids and the Launchpad Company production of Zombie Prom.
Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala
Assist with other departments and duties as needed by Production Management and Playhouse Staff
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Arrival: Monday, May 18, 2026
Departure: Monday, August 24, 2026
14 weeks at $350 per week = $4,900
Description:
The Props and Scenic Artistry Apprentice will work closely with the Props Manager, Scenic Artist, Production Managers and Technical Director. Throughout the season they will strengthen their artistic skills and gain experience while assisting in rental research, purchasing, prop build and scenery painting for MainStage and YouthStage productions and other special events.
Qualifications: This apprentice should have painting and crafting skills.
Specific Duties:
Assist with MainStage productions: Swingtime Canteen and 42nd Street
Assist with YouthStage productions: Shrek, Kids (IMS), Pooh’s Parade, Matilda Jr, Big Bad, Shrek Kids and the Launchpad Company production of Zombie Prom.
Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala
Assist with other departments and duties as needed by Production Management and Playhouse Staff
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Arrival: Monday, May 18, 2026
Departure: Monday, August 24, 2026
14 weeks at $350 per week = $4,900
Description:
As a Scenic Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to learn hands-on skills in scenic construction, prop fabrication, and theater operations while working alongside experienced professionals. Under the guidance of the Technical Director and Production Managers, you will assist in building and maintaining scenery, operating and safeguarding technical equipment, and ensuring the cleanliness and organization of workspaces. You’ll also gain experience in production processes by attending meetings and technical rehearsals, as well as collaborating across departments to support the overall success of each show.
Qualifications: Experience in technical theater and theater production, including the use of tools and equipment.
Specific Duties:
Assist with MainStage productions: Swingtime Canteen and 42nd Street
Assist with YouthStage productions: Shrek, Kids (IMS), Pooh’s Parade, Matilda Jr, Big Bad, Shrek Kids and the Launchpad Company production of Zombie Prom.
Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala
Assist with other departments and duties as needed by Production Management and Playhouse Staff
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Arrival: Monday, May 18, 2026
Departure: Monday, September 28, 2026
19 weeks at $350 per week = $6,650
Description:
The Lighting/Electrics Apprentice will work collaboratively alongside the Technical Director, Lighting Designers, and Production Electricians. They will assist in the implementation and maintenance of the lighting instruments and lighting hang. The Lighting Apprentice will gain experience working with the current drafting software and lighting control systems. This position will serve as lighting board operator and/or follow-spot operator for all productions. This position will require climbing ladders, working at heights, and lifting heavy lighting instruments and gear.
Specific Duties:
Assist with MainStage productions: Swingtime Canteen, 42nd Street, and Come From Away
Assist with YouthStage productions: Shrek, Kids (IMS),Pooh’s Parade, Matilda Jr, Big Bad, Shrek Kids and the Launchpad Company production of Zombie Prom.
Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala, Divine Sister, and Writer’s Playground
Assist with other departments and duties as needed by Production Management and Playhouse Staff
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Arrival: Monday, May 18, 2026
Departure: Monday, September 28, 2026
19 weeks at $350 per week = $6,650
Description:
The Audience Services Apprentice will work with the House Management Team, Parkers, Box Office, Front of House Volunteers, and Playhouse Staff to ensure the safety and comfort of all Sharon Playhouse patrons throughout their theatergoing experience. They will represent the Sharon Playhouse in a welcoming, professional, and courteous manner through thoughtful and detailed customer service. The Audience Services Apprentice will train in the Box Office, work concessions, and help run the Gift Shop. The Audience Services Apprentice will read all scripts for the 2026 Season in order to be able to address customer questions about the content of the shows offered for the season. This position will brainstorm ways to enhance the audience experience and systematize the implementation of such ideas, alongside the marketing team.
Specific Duties:
Assist with MainStage productions: Swingtime Canteen, 42nd Street, and Come From Away
Assist with YouthStage productions: Shrek, Kids (IMS),Pooh’s Parade, Matilda Jr, Big Bad, Shrek Kids and the Launchpad Company production of Zombie Prom.
Assist with Special Events: Spotlight Gala, Divine Sister, and Writer’s Playground
Assist with other departments and duties as needed by Production Management and Playhouse Staff