Apprentice Program

Applications for the 2024/25 season will be accepted now – May 2, 2024.

“This might be a fundamental building block in helping a whole new generation of theatre artists and practitioners start and seed their own companies.”

—Ben Cameron, former Executive Director, Theatre Communications Group

For more than 25 years, the Arden’s Professional Apprentice (APA) program has proven to be one of the most distinguished and rigorous theatre training programs in the country.

Requirements

This program is a full-time-plus commitment running from early September to mid June. Housing and transportation are the apprentice’s responsibility. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.

About the Program

The Arden is seeking Arden Professional Apprentices (APAs) for the 2024/25 season. The Arden Professional Apprentice Program’s philosophy is to provide a comprehensive knowledge of the inner workings of a nonprofit regional theatre. It is designed to foster future theatre leaders. The program provides apprentices with a comprehensive knowledge of the inner workings of a nonprofit regional theatre through work in EVERY aspect of operations including front of house, box office, marketing, development, artistic, education, production, stage management, finance, and general management. Apprentices will not be assigned to a specific position or department but will be immersed in ALL departments. This is not an acting program, this is not a directing program. This program is a full-time-plus commitment running from early September to mid-June. Housing and transportation are the apprentice’s responsibility. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.

Compensation

The program offers a salary of $605 per week, health insurance, paid time off, complimentary tickets to Arden Theatre Company productions, understudy opportunities, and the opportunity to meet and network with members of the Philadelphia community.

Application Process

Applications for the 2024/25 season will be accepted from February 1 – May 2, 2024.

Applications must include cover letter, resume, 3 professional references, 2 letters of recommendation, and a short essay outlining their 5-year plan and how this program will play a role in achieving their goals. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Questions? Contact apa@ardentheatre.org

  • If you've already graduated, please put your Alma Mater!
  • If you've already graduated, please put the month and year of your graduation!
  • Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
    Must be submitted as a PDF
  • Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
    Must be submitted as a PDF
  • Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
      Must be submitted as a PDF
    • Drop files here or
      Max. file size: 50 MB.
        TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION REQUIRED. Must be submitted as PDFs. One letter from an instructor and one letter from an employer preferred, but this combination is not a requirement. You may also email letters of recommendation after you've submitted your application. Letters may be sent to: apa@ardentheatre.org

      Arden Theatre Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing an environment of mutual respect. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  Applicants from historically underrepresented groups in the theatre industry are strongly encouraged to apply.