Apprentice Companymember Kelvin O'Bryant with Equity Company members Craig Wallace and David Manis in the Main Stage production of Richard II. Photo: Gerry Goodstein.

“I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world... I'm leaving this program as a better actor.” --Miranda McGee, Apprentice 2004

The Apprentice Company is designed for aspiring young actors in the early stages of training with little or no professional experience. A rigorous 11-week program, it provides the opportunity to focus on one's individual needs as an actor while providing necessary exposure to all aspects of professional theatre, both as an art form and as a business. While a variety of classes are offered, the primary focus of the training is on Shakespeare and other classic works.

May 25-August 11, 2008

Application deadline: May 2, 2008

2008 Tuition: $2,500

($1,575 tuition + $925 housing), plus $100 security deposit

Download an application

The Apprentice Program:

Classes

Apprentice Company members Victoria Hudziak, Jake O'Connor and Ed Flynn in the 2005 Apprentice Company final project Henry VI, Part 3. Photo: Warren Westura, 2005.

Classes are the primary focus for the members of the Apprentice Company, meeting three full days a week, in addition to regularly scheduled workshops and master classes throughout the summer.

Enrollment for the Apprentice Company is limited to 32, with many classes and workshops meeting in smaller sections. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is committed to limiting apprentice enrollment to ensure individual attention for each student. Faculty members are working theatre professionals who share the company's committment to excellence and learning.

Alexander Technique instructor Barbara McCrane assists a student, J.P. Matthews, with proper alignment. Photo: Kristin Earley, 2002.

Regular weekly classes include:

• Acting/Scene Study (M,W,F)
• Voice and Speech (W,F)
• Movement (W, F)
• Stage Combat (W, F)
• Text Analysis (M)
  

Additional seminars and master classes supplement the Apprentice Company experience in both the artistic and business realms. Workshops and seminars conducted by guest artists and resident theatre professionals have included audition techniques, period styles, stage combat, make-up, approaches to Shakespearean text, headshot and resume workshops, as well as informative Q&A sessions with New York casting agents, Actors' Equity Association representatives, and Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte.

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Crew Assignments supplement the academic aspects of the training program experience by providing Apprentice Company members with valuable exposure to the technical and administrative aspects of a working professional theatre.

Each apprentice is assigned to one day crew for the duration of the summer, which meets three days a week. Day crew assignments include: Scenic Construction, Costumes/Wardrobe, Electrics, Sound, Props, Scenic Painting and Administration.

Many apprentices will also serve on a run crew for at least one Main Stage or Outdoor Stage production during their summer at The Theatre. During the tech/preview week for the production, run crew members will be pulled from classes as necessary to properly learn and perform their production duties. Arrangements will be made in advance with faculty to minimize time conflicts and best address the student's needs during this period. Though crew assignments are an integral and vital part of The Apprentice Company, actor training is the major priority for apprentices. If technical duties interfere with scheduled class time, every effort is made to reschedule the class. While assigned to a run crew, apprentices do not report to their day crew.

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Performance Opportunities complete the apprentice experience. All apprentices perform in three scene-night presentations in the Theatre's Late Nite Series. Apprentices are also eligible to perform in independent Late Nite projects created by members of the Intern Company or in the annual Late Nite Cabaret.

The Apprentice Company program culminates in a final project, which incorporates all elements of the 11-week program in the production and presentation of an abridged Shakespeare play. Recent projects have included abridged productions of The Winter's Tale; Henry V; and Henry VI, Part III.

Main Stage performance opportunities may be available to apprentices depending upon the casting needs of each production. Although The Shakespeare Theatre does not guarantee the casting of apprentices on the Main Stage, the size of the casts often allows apprentices to be cast in small roles, providing further opportunity to work with seasoned professionals. Apprentices cast in Main Stage productions can receive Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) points by enrolling in the AEA EMC program.

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