Apprenticeships

2026 Glimmerglass Apprenticeship Program

Graciously supported by Denise Littlefield Sobel

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Glimmerglass Festival Apprenticeship Program reinforces the company’s decades-long history of mentoring and educating theatre professionals.  The company offers hourly paid summer Apprenticeships in Artistic, Company Administration, and Production disciplines across the Company. Our Apprenticeship Program provides a unique combination of practical work, mentorship, and educational programs, each designed to further professional growth.

Our Apprenticeship Program is geared toward participants, ages 18 and over, who would like to continue to grow and pursue professional opportunities in their chosen field. Our Apprentices join the program after gaining interest and knowledge through either practical experience or through their academic studies. Apprentices work directly with noted professionals under the guidance of supervisors and staff from many of the nation’s top theaters, opera companies, and institutions. Apprentices are engaged for 8-16 weeks, with some positions beginning in early May and others extending through the end of August.

Program Mission

To provide experience and knowledge to early career professionals and students who seek to further their professional growth through practical training, one-on-one mentorship, and a range of workshops and seminars across multiple disciplines. 

Program Goals

Goal 1:  Train competent and creative professionals. 

Apprentices receive training in industry best practices and current technologies in areas of their interest within the performing arts. 

Goal 2: Provide mentorship and evaluate growth.

Apprentices work alongside professional staff and artists from around the world, as well as work with supervisors to establish goals and review progress throughout the season.

Goal 3: Deliver a broad range of educational programs.

Apprentices participate in seminars, workshops, and resume & portfolio reviews with industry professionals.

Goal 4: Foster equity and access to the Apprenticeship Program

Recruitment and outreach connections are expanded each year to maximize participation in the program, while also reviewing the company’s hiring process and policies to ensure that each candidate is evaluated equitably and compensated fairly upon hire. 

PROGRAM METHODOLOGY AND CURRICULUM

The Glimmerglass Festival Apprenticeship Program provides a unique combination of practical work experience with industry-focused educational programming, each designed to further professional and personal growth. Each apprenticeship offers a well-rounded experience, including structured training sessions, curated seminars, and frequent opportunities to learn and work alongside seasoned professionals in formal and informal settings. 

Apprentice Compensation and Offerings

The Glimmerglass Apprenticeship Program is annually compared with other industry educational offerings, and we do our best not only to make progress each year but also to stay at the forefront of the industry. Thanks to the collaborative work of every department at Glimmerglass and through the generous support of the program by Denise Sobel, we can offer our apprentices the following:

  • Apprentices are compensated at a rate of $16.00/hr and are eligible for overtime after 40 hours worked. Hourly Non-Exempt Employees accrue one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
  • Apprentices are provided company housing at no charge. Apprentices will share a room with one other Apprentice. Additionally, Apprentices have a shared bathroom, kitchen, and common spaces. (There is no smoking and no pets allowed in any company housing. A Security Deposit of $150 for Apprentices will be removed from your second paycheck and returned by November 1, provided housing was properly maintained.) Local transportation is provided at no charge, including rides for personal necessities, daily commuting to and from work, and travel to and from airports and train stations, ensuring a smooth and accessible transition into the apprenticeship experience.
  • Apprentices receive periodic evaluations with their mentor and/or supervisor to discuss goals, growth, and actionable next steps to take their work to the next level.
  • Apprentices are paid to attend a wide range of industry-specific educational programming geared toward professional and personal growth. A mixture of panel discussions, lectures, and hands-on practical sessions is provided over the course of the summer. 
  • Apprentices/Employees during the Festival Season have access to the Glimmerglass Festival Wellness Program, which includes a partnership with a local private medical provider, Glimmerglass Medical & Wellness LLC. During the Festival Season, this Wellness Program consists of priority reduced-cost convenient care with Glimmerglass Medical & Wellness LLC, no-cost weekly fitness classes, and no-cost weekly general wellness newsletters.   

Training & Seminars

Training Sessions may include, but are not limited to: (required by department/role)

  • Safety: Company policies; sexual harassment prevention; emergency procedures and active shooter awareness; personal protective equipment; hazardous communication; CPR/first aid; slips, trips, and falls; back safety; respirator fit testing; standard and oversized vehicle trainings; fire extinguisher training; tool checkout; lifts and ladders; lockout/tagout; spray booth training; secondary containers;
  • Technology: Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, Google Workspace, Lightwright, MailChimp, MS Office Suite, PatronManager, QLab, and Vectorworks. 
  • Creative Skills: Lighting, scenic, and costume design sessions
  • Applied Skills: Resume building, health and wellness, and communication skills.  

2025 Seminar offerings (Seminar topics vary year to year):

  • A Holistic Approach to Working in the Arts
  • Opera History 101
  • Intro to CNC Routers and Lasers
  • Apprentice Mixer
  • TOS Production Seminar
  • SUN Production Seminar
  • RAK Production Seminar
  • MAN Production Seminar
  • Getting Hired and Taking the Job
  • Hacking the Nervous System
  • Finance in the Industry
  • Leadership in the Performing Arts
  • Beyond the Booth: Careers in Theater Management
  • Firearms – Historical Reality & Modern Imitation
  • Color Theory: The Power of Limited Palettes
  • The Digital Stage: Social Media in the Arts
  • What the Heck Happens in the Music Library

Program Administration

The Program is advertised at vocational institutions, academic institutions, in industry publications, and at professional and collegiate conferences attended by interested parties. The application process consists of an online application, in which candidates choose up to three apprenticeships in order of preference and submit required materials, such as a cover letter, resume (with references), and portfolios. Applications are reviewed directly by the apprentices’ would-be mentors/supervisors, and evaluated for interview invitation.

Apprenticeships are competitive and are awarded based on the candidate’s:

  • Demonstrated interest and/or applicable experience.  
  • Academic/Experiential achievement, development of technical skills, and/or personal merit.
  • Potential and desire to pursue a professional career in the chosen field.

Mentor responsibilities: 

  • Work with apprentices to set goals for the length of the apprenticeship. Use the evaluation form and instruction sheet for pre-season, mid-season, and post-season evaluations.
  • Supervise apprentices in day-to-day work, development, and operations.  
  • Ensure an appropriate mix of practical experience and educational opportunities.
  • Administer any documentation or program criteria required by the apprentice’s academic institution, if applicable.

2026 GLIMMERGLASS APPRENTICE PROGRAM POSITIONS 

TOTAL apprentice program positions: 56

2026 Artistic Apprentices: Total 5

Artistic Administration (2) May 18 – August 21, 2026

Music Library (1) May 18 – August 21, 2026

Music Operations (2) May 25 – August 21, 2026

2026 Company Administration Apprentices: Total 17

Box Office (2) June 8 – August 17, 2026

Communications (2) June 1 – August 23, 2026

Company Management (5) May 9 – August 26, 2026

Development (4) June 1 – August 21, 2026

Front of House (1) May 25 – August 21, 2026

General Administration (1) May 11 – August 22, 2026

Information Technologies (1) May 4 – August 21, 2026

Operations Management (1) June 1 – August 23, 2026

2026 Production Apprentices: Total 34

Audio/Video Engineering (3) May 18 – August 23, 2026

Costume Admin (1) May 11 – August 23, 2026

Costume Crafts (2) May 18 – July 19 (1 position) or August 2 (1 position), 2026

Costume Design (1) May 18 – August 9, 2026

Costume Stitcher (4) May 18 – July 12 (2 positions) or July 19 (2 positions), 2026 

Dramaturgy/Titles (1) June 1 – August 18, 2026

Electrics (3) May 18 – August 23, 2026

Hair & Makeup (2) May 26 – August 17, 2026

Lighting Supervision (1) May 11 – August 18, 2026

Production Administration (1) May 4 – August 23, 2026

Properties (1) May 4 – July 26, 2026

Properties Paints (1) May 4 – August 9, 2026 

Safety (1) May 4 – August 23, 2026

Scene Design (1) May 11 – August 9, 2026

Scenic Art (2) May 11 – August 2, 2026

Scenic Carpentry (1) May 4 – August 23, 2026

Stage Management (2) May 18 – August 17, 2026

Stage Operations (5) May 4 – August 23, 2026 

Technical Direction (1) May 4 – August 23, 2026

Wardrobe (3) June 8 – August 23, 2026

Updated: March 16, 2026

2026 Glimmerglass apprentice descriptions

You can apply for up to three different Apprenticeships in a single application! Multiple single-page resumes are recommended when applying for multiple Apprenticeship positions.

The Glimmerglass Festival offers summer Apprenticeships in Artistic, Company Administration, and Production. The Glimmerglass Apprenticeship Program provides a unique combination of practical work and educational programs, each designed to further professional growth.

For further information, email the Hiring Search Department at hiring@glimmerglass.org.  

No phone calls, please.

ARTISTIC apprenticeships

Artistic Administration 2 positions. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Music Library 1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Music Operations 2 positions. Supervised by the Music Operations Director, orchestra operations apprentices are primarily responsible for the set-up and tear-down of rehearsal rooms and the orchestra pit for every orchestral service. Guided by the collective bargaining agreement between AFM Local 380-443 and Glimmerglass, apprentices are also responsible for the secure transportation of instruments and strict adherence to all written company policies and CBA work rules. Attendance at all orchestra rehearsals and performances is required. General administrative and run-out performance duties within the artistic department may also be assigned. A background in music and/or music ensemble logistics is preferred. These positions work closely with orchestra members, conductors, and the stage operations team. Successful candidates will be highly organized, reliable, and have strong interpersonal skills. These positions require heavy lifting (+50 lbs.) and manual labor on a nearly daily basis, but they also require meticulous care to protect Glimmerglass and orchestra-owned instrumental assets. Work is scheduled primarily on weekends and evenings in the summer season, specifically catered to the orchestra schedule. A driver’s license with a clean driving record is required. May 25 – August 21, 2026.

 

Company ADMINISTRATION apprenticeships

Box Office 2 positions. Assist with ticket sales, patron services, and preparation of income reports, as well as offer support to the coordination of Group experiences. Work will take place both in the downtown Box Office building and on-campus ticket kiosk. This position will perform the majority of their work seated at a computer and will interact with both company members and patrons repeatedly. Successful candidates have excellent attention to detail, good organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, confidence in phone conversations, as well as strong computer literacy. Knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is desirable but not required.  June 8 – August 17, 2026.

Communications 2 positions. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Company Management 5 positions. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Development 3 positions. Assist with the administration and execution of summer fundraising projects and events, and long-range projects, such as the annual fund campaign and, potentially, grant preparation. General development administration tasks will include prospect research, analysis of prospective donors, and the subsequent one-on-one engagement of selected patrons. Interaction with patrons is a major component of this Apprenticeship, including face-to-face, written, and phone communication with donors. In addition to the overarching development tasks, each Apprentice will have one of three distinct, summer-long roles: 1) Operations, 2) Sponsorship Pairings, or 3) Events. Successful Apprentices have excellent verbal and written communication skills, are flexible in a fast-paced environment, and work successfully as an individual and as part of a team. A musical background is not required, but knowledge of and appreciation for the arts is preferable. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs.  June 1 – August 21, 2026.

Front of House  1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

General Administration 1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Information Technologies  1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Operations Management 1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Updated: March 16, 2026

PRODUCTION apprenticeships

Audio/Video Engineering 2 positions. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON 

Costume Administration 1 position. Assist Production Management in facilitating costume department accounting and reconciling all purchases/shipping/returns, distributing information to the Costume Shops, processing occasional fitting photos, purchasing and distribution of Costume Shop/Craft Shop supplies, as well as assisting in the execution of Orientations, Seminars, and Crew Meals. Much of the work this position performs routinely involves lifting equipment, boxes, and costumes to elevated positions. A working knowledge of computers, Google Drive, and Word/Excel, some understanding of costume shop terminology, and experience in administrative organization are desired. Requires organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; a valid driver’s license with a clean record is required. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. May 11 – August 23, 2026.

Costume Crafts 2 positions. Assist with craft work, including dyeing, distressing, jewelry construction and modification, leatherwork, stitching, painting, dying, labeling, shoe/boot modification, fabric and garment aging, and millinery/footwear construction and modification of costumes for four productions. Requires theatrical sewing skills and skill in one or more crafts areas. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. Portfolio required. May 18 – July 19 (1 position) or August 2 (1 position), 2026.

Costume Design 1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON 

Costume Stitcher 4 positions. Assist with the construction and/or alteration of costumes by hand and with a machine for four productions while working on a team within the Costume Shop structure. Besides sewing this also includes prepping fabrics, quick rigging and the finishing work on garments.  Requires sewing skills and costume/clothing construction experience. Portfolio required. May 18 – July 12 (2 positions) or July 19 (2 positions), 2026.

Dramaturgy/Titles 1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Electrics 3 positions. Assist with installing, circuiting, and focusing 500+ unit plot; perform daily changeovers, which include cabling and focusing lighting instruments; work on practical lighting projects which often include LED soldering and wiring; run productions either as a spotlight operator or potentially as an additional deck electrician; and strike all lighting equipment at the end of the season. Much of the work this position performs routinely is at height, on ladders, or in lifts; involves lifting equipment to elevated positions; and may require occasional use of power tools for custom projects. Requires thorough experience with stage electrics, including intelligent lighting, networking, and set electrics. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs or ladders. This is a large crew, and a team-oriented attitude is essential. May 18 – August 23, 2026.

Hair & Makeup 2 positions. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Lighting Supervision  1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Production Administration 1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Properties 1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Properties Paint 1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Safety 1 position. Assist in maintaining an excellent company safety culture and safe working environment; assist the Safety Department in ensuring compliance with regulatory OSHA requirements; promote a safe work environment daily; conduct safety observation reports regularly; assist in Orientation set-up and execution; assist in outside training set-up and execution; will help to implement all Health and Wellness Compliance Policies as outlined by Glimmerglass Festival; collect and maintain required documents per company requirements; investigate, document, and respond to incidents; assist with compliance documentation; and assist in purchasing/tracking and restocking PPE, First Aid, and other equipment. This role will routinely handle sensitive information related to employee incidents, health and safety records, and company compliance. Maintaining strict confidentiality and exercising discretion with all protected information is required. Much of the work this position performs involves remaining in a stationary position during the shift, and involves moving boxes of supplies. Knowledge and experience within production and theatre operations are helpful. Requires organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; basic knowledge of production procedures and terminology; working knowledge of computers, Google Drive, and Word/Excel; and a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Projects will be coordinated with all Festival Employees (400+), patrons who visit the campus, and will be a highly collaborative position. Much of the work this position performs involves remaining in a stationary position during the shift, and involves moving boxes of supplies. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. May 4 – August 23, 2026.

Scene Design 1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Scenic Art 2 positions. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Scenic Carpentry 1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON 

Stage Management 2 positions. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Stage Operations 5 positions. Assist with the installation of repertory scenery; assist with various scenic department notes or build projects before the performance season; run deck, rail, and properties during performances; perform daily scenery changeovers; install and maintain rehearsal scenery and properties; and strike scenery at the end of the season. Basic familiarity with stage procedures and intro carpentry/rigging experience preferred. The position is an excellent introduction to most aspects of production. This is a large crew, and a team-oriented attitude is essential. Some of the work this position performs may be at height, on ladders, or in lifts; frequently involves moving equipment/supplies up to 50 pounds to elevated positions; and may require occasional use of power tools for custom projects. May 4 – August 23, 2026.

Technical Direction 1 position. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON 

Wardrobe 3 positions. FILLED FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Updated: March 16, 2026

NOW OPEN- APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATION INFORMATION/INSTRUCTIONS

The application process involves completing an online Employment Application Form (EAF) at the bottom of this webpage and attaching a single PDF containing a single one-page cover letter and one-page resume(s) with references and a possible link to an online portfolio. Some positions may require an additional portfolio attachment or link (preferred). The PDF file, in combination with your portfolio (as applicable), should be no larger than 10MB.

Cover letter

One (1) page PDF. A single one-page Cover Letter is requested; you do not have to submit multiple cover letters if you are applying for multiple apprentice positions in a single application. Indicate the earliest date available and the latest departure date. Date ranges are included for each apprenticeship. Glimmerglass start dates are often more flexible than end dates- sometimes, a week of flexibility can be given depending on the position. Applications with start and end dates that are significantly outside the dates provided below will not be considered. 

Resume(s)

One (1) page PDF(s). Include telephone number, e-mail address, education (post high school, if applicable), work and internship experience (with dates). Multiple single-page resumes are recommended when applying for multiple apprentice positions, each detailing your experience for the appropriate desired apprentice position you are applying for. These can be combined into your single PDF submission. 

References

(Should be included on the same page as either the Cover Letter or Resume)

Provide contact information for three references. Indicate your relationship to each reference, their telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Applications listing “References upon request” will not be considered.

Portfolio

(Online portfolio link is requested when required)

Some positions (Communications, Costumes, Costume Crafts, Costume Design, Hair & Makeup, Props, Scenic Art, Scenic Carpentry, Scenic Design, or Technical Direction) may require examples of your previous work. Please include either a link to your digital portfolio/webpage or images with descriptions on additional pages at the end of your PDF submission. An online portfolio link is requested when a portfolio is required. The PDF file, in combination with your portfolio (as applicable), should be no larger than 10MB.

 

Glimmerglass Employment Application Form

The Apprenticeship Program is highly competitive; some positions are filled as early as the end of January. Early applications are strongly encouraged. All positions in the Apprenticeship Program will be posted for two weeks prior to the start of the offer process, and applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.

For further information, email the Hiring Search Department at hiring@glimmerglass.org.  

No phone calls, please.

 

Join The Glimmerglass Festival team

More positions may be added; please check back for updated information.

Please note: All company members will be required to follow all safety, health, and wellness policies and procedures.

The Glimmerglass Festival seeks to hire persons of all backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. Developing and investing in our employees is our highest priority to achieve an environment that fosters company wide success. The Festival aims to employ individuals at varying stages of their careers, who have a desire to work for a leading arts organization that values professional and personal growth through collaboration and commitment to creating the highest quality product possible. Click here to learn more about the initiatives and actions we are taking to make progress in these areas.

The Glimmerglass Festival is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic data or any other legally protected status.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Updated: March 16, 2026