Apprenticeships

2023 Glimmerglass Apprenticeship Program

Graciously supported by Denise Littlefield Sobel

The Glimmerglass Festival is reinforcing the company’s decades-long history of mentoring and educating theater professionals with the Glimmerglass Festival Apprenticeship Program. With staff undergoing anti-bias training and education in creating more accessible, equitable and inclusive work environments, the company offers hourly paid summer Apprenticeships in Administration, Artistic Administration and Theater Production. Our Apprenticeship Program provides a unique combination of practical, work, and educational programs, each designed to further professional growth.

Our Apprentices join the program after gaining interest through practical experience or their academic studies. Our Apprenticeship Program is geared toward participants, ages 18 and over, who would like to continue to learn and grow in their chosen field. Apprentices work directly with noted professionals under the guidance of supervisors and staff from many of the top theaters, opera companies, and institutions in the nation. Apprentices are engaged for a period of 7 – 18 weeks, with some positions beginning as early as April.

 

Program Mission

To provide experience and knowledge to early career professionals and students who seek to further their professional growth through practical training, personal 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 every year to maximize accessibility and visibility for participation in the program while also reviewing the applicant’s hiring process to ensure that each candidate is evaluated equitably and (should they be hired) compensated fairly.

 

Program Methodology and Curriculum

The Glimmerglass Festival Apprenticeship Program provides a unique combination of practical experience and educational programs, 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.

 

Training/Seminars

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

Emergency Procedures
Back Safety
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Standard and Oversized Vehicle Trainings
Lifts and Ladders
Spray Booth Training; Lockout/Tagout
Secondary Container
Tool Checkout
Rigging Walkthrough
CPR/First Aid
Active Shooter Awareness
Fire Extinguisher Training
Respirator Fit Testing

2022 Glimmerglass Apprentice Seminar Series

Introduction to CNC Routing
Hacking the Nervous System
Getting & Giving Useful Feedback
Design Seminar for Carmen
Design to Production Forum
Design Seminar for The Sound of Music
Design Seminar for Tenor Overboard
Hazardous Materials in the Performing Arts
Thistle Hill Weavers Tour
Color Theory in Practice
Design Seminar for Taking Up Serpents/Holy Ground
Opera America Making Connections & Finance as a Theatre Professional
Creating a Design Mood/Research Board
Hand Sewing Skills
Costume Design with Van Broughton Ramsey
Leadership in the Performing Arts
Wightman’s Lumber Mill Tour
Welding Theory
Welding Practice
JR Clancy & Wenger Tour
Resume/Portfolio Workshop with OA
Lighting Design with Kevin Adams

 

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 is comprised of an online application, where candidates choose up to three Apprenticeships in order of preference and submit required materials such as portfolios, writing samples, and references. Applications are reviewed directly by the Apprentice mentors/supervisors for interview.

Apprenticeships are competitive, and are awarded based on the candidate’s:
Demonstrated interest and/or applicable experience
Academic 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 term 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.

 

Apprentices are compensated at a rate of $14.20/hr, are eligible for overtime, and are provided housing.

The Apprenticeship Program is highly competitive; some positions are filled as early as the end of January. Early applications are 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.

Updated: January 3, 2023

Apprentices are compensated at a rate of $14.20/hr, are eligible for overtime, and are provided housing.

The Apprenticeship Program is highly competitive; some positions are filled as early as the end of January. Early applications are 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.

 

ADMINISTRATION

Communications 2 positions. Work directly with the Director of Communications on Content Marketing and Public Relations. They assist with the preparation and development of press materials, work with members of the media and general public, and support the Audience Services/Press Desk at all performances. Brainstorm and draft social media content with the company voice, draft e-commerce copy and assist in the gift shop. Excellent writing and proofreading skills, strong research skills, and a congenial public manner appreciated. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Google Suite, and POS systems is helpful but not required. Moves equipment up to 25lbs. Driver’s license with clean driving record preferred. May 23 – August 28.

Company Management: 3 positions. Assist department responsible for the housing, transportation, and other practical concerns of singers, directors, designers and general personnel, including on-campus transportation of patrons. Operates as part of a 9-person team, but will have many tasks that require independence. Will need to respond positively and tactfully to a variety of logistical arrangements. Problem solving skills, flexibility, and quick decision making is desired. Driver’s license with a clean driving record required.  Early May – Late August. 

Front of House  1 positions. Assist House Manager with management of theater and secondary venues to ensure audience comfort and safety. Assist with soliciting, scheduling and training volunteer ushers. Provide support to Box Office, Patron Services, Group Sales, and Events as needed. A successful candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Late May – late August.

Information Technologies  1 position. Assist with the install, update and support of Windows/Apple software and hardware; function as Help Desk support, respond to end-user requests via phone, in person and electronically; track changes and support calls; map network drives and printers, monitor systems and network status; run preventative maintenance.  Knowledge of MS Office 2010, as well as Windows and Mac OS are desirable. There is occasional local travel between remote offices and properties; driver’s license with a clean driving record required. Late May – late August.

 

ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION 

All Artistic Administration Apprentice positions have been filled for our 2023 Festival Season. If you are interested in these or other Apprenticeships, please consider applying next Season! All Apprenticeships for our 2024 Festival Season will be posted and applications will be accepted in January 2024. We hope to see your application next year!

 

Updated: March 31, 2023

PRODUCTION

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 all fitting photos, purchasing and distribution of Costume Shop/Craft Shop supplies, as well as assisting in the execution of Orientations, Seminars, and Crew Meals. A working knowledge of computers and word/excel, some understanding of costume shop terminology, and experience in administrative organization are desired. Requires organizational, communication and interpersonal skills; Valid driver’s license with clean record required. April 24 – August 27.

Scenic Carpentry 2 positions. Assist carpentry with construction and modifications to scenery; initial install of scenery; load-ins and some changeovers. No run crew. Requires the ability to read drawings, good stage carpentry skills in both wood and metal, and basic knowledge of single purchase counterweight systems. MIG welding experience required. May 1 – August 27. 

Stage Operations 5 positions. Assist with the install of repertory scenery; run deck, rail and properties; 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 is ideal. The position is an excellent introduction to most aspects of production. This is a large crew and a team-oriented attitude is essential. May 8 – August 27.

Updated: March 29, 2023

APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATION INFORMATION/INSTRUCTIONS:

Apologies for the inconvenience – the Apprenticeship application form is once again accepting applications (1/27/23)

Date ranges are included for each Apprenticeship. Start dates are more flexible than end dates.  Applications that have start and end dates significantly outside of the dates needed will not be considered. 

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume (multiple single page resumes recommended when applying for multiple Apprenticeship positions), and references as a PDF file, combined as ONE document named the position you are applying for.  The PDF file, in combination with your portfolio (as applicable), should be no larger than 10MB.

When applying for the Costumes, Crafts, Design, Hair & Makeup, Props, Photography, Scenic, or Technical Direction Apprenticeships, please send examples of work.  An online portfolio is preferred.  Online submissions are limited to 10MB.

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

Cover letter

– Indicate earliest date available and latest departure date.  Glimmerglass start dates are often more flexible than end dates.  Applications that have start and end dates significantly outside of the dates provided below will not be considered. 

Resume

– Include mailing address, telephone number, e-mail address, education (post high school, if applicable), work and internship experience (with dates). Multiple single page resumes recommended when applying for multiple Apprenticeship positions.

References

– 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

–Some positions (Carpentry, Costumes, Costume Crafts, Design, Hair & Makeup, Paints, Props, and Photography) 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. Online portfolio is preferred.

 

To apply, please prepare your one page Resume with three references, one page Cover Letter, and possible portfolio in a single PDF file and complete the Glimmerglass Employment Application Form by clicking the button below. 

Glimmerglass Employment Application Form

When you link to our Employment Application form, you will be prompted by Google to sign in. You will be able to use a non-Google email to complete the sign-in process.

 

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 COVID-19 health and safety policies and procedures, including mask wearing and testing. The Glimmerglass Festival will continue our vaccination requirements in areas where performers and staff are most at risk. These include anyone whose primary job duties require them to work in the rehearsal hall, stage/theater, wardrobe house, production shops, or in the pavilion. This includes performers, production staff, and some administration. 

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.

Updated: January 3, 2023