Production Apprenticeship – Electrics, Costumes/Wardrobe

PORTLAND STAGE COMPANY seeks production apprentices for its 2026-2027 season.

As a leading arts institution in our state, Portland Stage is a hub of creative activity. Our community takes pride in the theater and actively engages in its wide range of first-rate productions and transformative programs. Our nationally known, innovative education programs are built with the same rigor as our professional productions. Our productions attract outstanding artists as well as a diverse audience, while our artistic programs incubate new work and inspire new artists. All Portland Stage employees, apprentices and guest artists agree to create a work environment that respects diverse ideas, races, genders, sexualities, abilities, culture, and religions, contribute to working in an anti-racist theater, and value Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA).

Production Apprenticeships:

• Electrics
• Costumes/Wardrobe

Production Apprentices work alongside professional production staff in their assigned departments, assisting with all aspects of construction, maintenance, and run crew. Specific duties will vary according to the particular needs of each production. Production Apprentices may also assist designers on a production, depending on interest, ability, and availability. All apprentices spend time in other departments to expand their knowledge in all areas of technical theater. Production apprentices will be on run crew for many shows during the season.

The Portland Stage Apprenticeship Program is committed to training future generations of theater professionals. Applicants should be highly motivated individuals who have acquired basic training in the theater arts and are looking to explore their field further through meaningful hands-on experience. Portland Stage apprentices can expect to be challenged by a creative process that relies on both ingenuity and collaboration.

Apprentices at Portland Stage work with leading designers, directors, administrators, and our professional production team throughout the season. They leave with a greater knowledge of the theatrical process and the satisfaction of being part of a dedicated theater company where exceptional quality is the end goal.

What you can expect:

• The hours are full time (40 hours a week) and the schedule will likely fluctuate from week to week.
• Furnished housing, utilities (electricity, heat, internet) and a $109 weekly stipend will be provided.
• There will be physical tasks that require repeated lifting of at least 40 lbs and bending, as well as being on ladders, lifts, or catwalks. Please note that some areas of the theater facility are not handicap-accessible.
• Production apprentices will be on run crew for most productions. Some run crew positions might require that you appear onstage in a costume.
• There are additional Swing Run Crew positions for each production that will function essentially as an understudy for the production run crew and may sub in to run shows as needed to provide time off for other run crew members.
• College credit can be arranged.
• The commitment is as soon as possible through Friday, May 28.
• See Apprenticeship FAQ on website for additional details. To apply, fill out this application form.
• Deadline: Applications will be considered upon receipt, the application process has a rolling deadline and applicants will be reviewed until they are filled

To apply, fill out this application form.

Please reach out to Julianne Shea at apprenticesearch@portlandstage.org with any questions.