Tough and Tricky Tongue Twisters!
Every fall, the PRTC welcomes seven new apprentices to assist with the daily operations of the theatre. In doing so, they learn and apply a whole host of important skills that every theatre professional should have. Applications will open sometime in March. For those thinking of applying, read on for 10 reasons why it’s an experience worth pursuing!
- Get the whole picture – During the year, you’ll rotate through front of house and backstage positions, gaining a full understanding of the possible theatre professions you might pursue in the future. Positions include House Manager, Box Office Sales, Light or Sound Board Operator, Rehearsal Assistant, Production Assistance, Scene Shop, and Costume Maintenance.
- Contribute to the mounting of 4 productions – In the professional world, nothing beats hands-on experience. After your PRTC apprenticeship, you’ll have four production cycles under your belt. From initial production meetings and rehearsals, to 4-month performance runs and set strikes, you’ll get an opportunity to do it all.
- Work at the highest level – The PRTC prides itself on producing the highest quality professional theatre possible. As an apprentice, you’ll learn what it means to operate under Equity union rules, what it takes be a professional actor, director, stage manager and/or designer, and how to maintain the quality of a production from Opening to Closing night.
- Build your professional network – Collaborate with working theatre professionals such as actors, directors, set designers, light designers, sound designers, and stage managers.
- Hone your teamwork skills – Work alongside 6 other apprentices to keep the theatre running and help take 4 productions from script to stage.
- Test your work ethic – By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll feel like you can do anything in or outside of the theatre world. And you’ll be right. The apprenticeship may very well be one of the most challenging years of your life, but it will also show you how many new trades and skills you’re capable of learning!
- Understudy Opportunities – While it is never a guarantee, the PRTC gladly extends understudy opportunities to apprentices when possible. If offered an understudy role, you’ll be responsible for learning lines and blocking, and participating in weekly understudy rehearsals.
- Free and Discounted Classes – All apprentices participate in the PRTC’s 12-week Actor/Director Lab free of charge, where they learn about The Rose’s acting and directing philosophies from Artistic Director Guy Sanville. Additional classes, such as Shakespeare at The Rose and the Audition Intensive, are available at discounted rates.
- Dark Night – Write, design, rehearse and perform a series of one-act plays with your fellow apprentices and the guidance of Guy Sanville and Michelle Mountain. Considered the culmination of every apprentice class’ time at The Rose, Dark Night is a special evening of apprentice-produced theatre that PRTC staff, artists and former apprentices look forward to every year!
- Friends and family for life – A PRTC apprenticeship will not only give you the professional skills you need to succeed in the theatre industry. It will also leave you with a community of friends and family that will last far beyond your time in Chelsea, MI.
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