THE SHARON PLAYHOUSE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
HIGH SCHOOL Apprenticeships
The Sharon Playhouse and The 21st Century Fund for HVRHS are proud to partner in offering the High School Theater Apprenticeship Program.
Applications are now open for this unique and impactful opportunity, made possible thanks to the generous support of The 21st Century Fund.
This apprenticeship is designed specifically for students at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, providing hands-on experience as integral members of a nurturing and collaborative professional theater company. Through this partnership, students gain meaningful access to the performing arts and the chance to learn alongside industry professionals in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Details of the Apprentice Program:
Apprentices must be students of Housatonic Valley Regional High School
Apprentices must be 15 years of age or older by June 22, 2026.
Apprentices must be entering into their sophomore, junior, or senior year at Housatonic in the Fall of 2026 (unfortunately, seniors who are graduating in June of 2026 are not eligible).
During your assigned weeks as an apprentice (scheduled based on your availability), you must be able to work a full-time schedule of five to six days per week. In accordance with Connecticut state law, individuals who are 15 years old may not work past 9 PM.
The Apprenticeship window runs from Monday, June 22, to Sunday, August 23. Applications will be accepted from individuals who are available to work for three or more weeks within this timeframe. The weeks of your apprenticeship do not need to be consecutive.
Apprentices will receive a $325 weekly stipend.
This is a general Theater Apprenticeship and may include work in the following areas: set, props, scenic artistry, lighting, stage management, sound, costumes, educational theater, house management, arts administration, run crew, audience services, concessions, parking, and other aspects of theater management and production.
Apprentices must provide their own transportation.
Apprentices will receive professional development and incredible networking opportunities.
At the end of their apprenticeship, apprentices will be asked to submit the following:
To the 21st Century Fund for HVRHS: a short article about what they have learned from this opportunity and what it has meant to them. The article should include a couple of photos that can be used on the 21st Century Fund’s website and in promotional materials.
To the Editor of the Lakeville Journal: a letter that thanks both the Sharon Playhouse and the 21st Century Fund for all they have learned and experienced through this apprenticeship.
To apply, please complete the following application:
Applications will be processed on a first come, first serve basis, with a final deadline of Friday, May 1, 2026.
TESTIMONIALS
“Throughout my time at the Playhouse this summer I learned about all the different aspects of theater. From backstage work, to acting, to preparing for productions, and to watching the management of the Playhouse, I was able to experience it all. I worked closely with a variety of professionals and college level experts, allowing me to learn from those who were invested in the business. Everyone that I worked with was incredibly kind, supportive, and interested in helping me learn and seeing me succeed. This opportunity was incredibly valuable to me.”
“My four weeks at the playhouse were the best part of my summer. I learned so many new things and met so many amazing people.”
“The people were what made the experience so enjoyable. Everyone I worked with came from different backgrounds and worked in different aspects of theater, some even being performers, too. I got a lot of knowledge about college and having a real career in the theater, which gave me a lot of insight for my future and the decisions I will have to make during and after high school.”