The Technical Apprentice program is an immersive, introduction to the world of professional theatre.  The program challenges you to look at theatre in new and meaningful ways. Students in the apprentice program will spend the summer living, breathing, and creating theatre while working alongside production interns and professional staff on the Hangar’s shows.  In addition to the hands-on training, apprentices will receive feedback about their work and Masterclasses throughout the summer from members of the professional staff as well as other guests.  Apprentices have returned in subsequent summers as interns and/or technical staff members.  Apprenticeships run early June through early/mid August.  Apprenticeships are tuition free but apprentices are responsible for their own daily living expenses and will be charged a fee for housing.  In some instances college credit may be arranged.  While the Hangar will work with the apprentice to meet their school’s credit requirement, the apprentice is ultimately responsible for the arrangements.  Apprentices must be at least 18 years old.  Apprenticeships are available in scenery, technical direction, props, paint, costumes, wardrobe, sound, electrics, design, production management, and stage management.  For questions or to apply, email a cover letter, resume and list of references to Adam Zonder, Production Manager. adam@hangartheatre.org. 

Costume Shop Apprenticeship

The apprentice learns costume construction techniques by assisting with the building, altering, painting/dyeing of costumes for all Mainstage, KIDDStuff and Wedge productions; actor fittings; restocking of costumes; shopping; maintaining cleanliness and organization of all costume and wardrobe areas.  The Apprentice may assist in the running of Mainstage, KIDDStuff or Wedge productions as needed.  

Design Apprenticeship

Four apprentices will learn design techniques by assisting the Design Fellows with the designs for the KIDDStuff and Wedge productions.  There will be one apprentice in each of the four major design areas (costumes, lights, sound, and scenery).  Apprentices will also assist in the load-in/hang/focus as appropriate for their particular area for the Mainstage, KIDDStuff, and Wedge productions.  Apprentices will also attend production meetings as well as design meetings.

Electrics Apprenticeship

Three apprentices learn theatre electrics techniques by assisting with the hanging and focusing of each Mainstage, KIDDStuff and Wedge production; dimmer checks before performances; troubleshooting problems; repairing and maintaining equipment as needed; constructing and wiring of practicals; prep work for changeovers; maintaining cleanliness in all electrics areas; running the lighting console for Wedge Productions; running followspots for Mainstage and/or KIDDStuff Productions, or running Mainstage or KIDDStuff productions in a different department as needed.  

Paint Apprenticeship

The apprentice learns scenic painting techniques by assisting with the painting of the Mainstage productions; including the mixing of colors and determination of techniques; maintaining cleanliness and organization in all paint areas. 

Production Management Apprenticeship

The apprentice will learn production management techniques including budgeting (tracking and reconciliation) and scheduling by working closely with the Production Management team. Apprentices will also attend production meetings as well as design meetings as available.

Props Apprenticeship 

The apprentice learns stage prop techniques by assisting with the research, construction, purchasing, painting and borrowing of props for all Mainstage, KIDDStuff and Wedge productions; preparing and executing strikes and load-ins; maintaining cleanliness and organization in all props areas; running Mainstage or KIDDStuff productions as needed.  

Scene Shop Apprenticeship

The apprentice learns scenery construction techniques by assisting with the building, striking, and loading-in of scenery for each Mainstage, KIDDStuff and Wedge production; maintaining cleanliness in all scenery areas; and the running of Mainstage or KIDDStuff productions as needed. 

Sound Apprenticeship

The apprentice learns theatre sound techniques by assisting with the hanging and patching of equipment for all Mainstage, KIDDStuff and Wedge productions; sound checks before performances; troubleshooting problems; repairing and maintaining equipment as needed; prep work for changeovers; maintaining cleanliness in all sound areas; mixing sound playback for Wedge productions; functioning backstage as Mic Technicians during Mainstage or KIDDStuff musicals; or running Mainstage or KIDDStuff productions as needed.  Sound Apprentices also assist with Mainstage Electrics changeovers.  

Stage Management Apprenticeship

Three apprentices will learn stage management techniques by serving as assistant stage managers for Wedge productions, Production Assistants for KIDDStuff productions, and Run Crew for Mainstage productions.  Apprentices will also attend production meetings as well as design meetings as available.

Technical Direction Apprenticeship 

The apprentice learns scenery construction and planning techniques by assisting the Technical Director with the building, striking, and loading-in of scenery for each Mainstage, KIDDStuff and Wedge production; maintaining cleanliness in all scenery areas; budgeting; researching and identifying materials and items required for the productions; and the running of Mainstage or KIDDStuff productions as needed.  Apprentice will attend production meetings and design meetings as available.

Wardrobe Apprenticeship

The apprentice learns wardrobe techniques by assisting with the running of costumes for Mainstage, KIDDStuff, and Wedge productions as needed.  This will include the dressing of actors, presetting costumes, executing quick changes, maintaining cleanliness and organization of dressing rooms and wardrobe areas.  The apprentice will also work in the costume shop when not running shows.

Production Apprenticeships

The Hangar Theatre offers Production Apprenticeships for local Middle/High School Students (grades 7-11, ages 12-17) giving them the opportunity to: 

- gain some professional experience in technical theatre; 

- meet and interact with top notch artists, actors, designers, and stage managers; 

- help with the strikes of Mainstage and KIDDStuff productions; 

- be a part of Hangar Special Events, like opening night parties and company picnics; 

- receive two comp tickets to any Hangar shows worked on; 

- receive a discount on Next Generation School of Theatre tuition.  

Production Apprentices may run Mainstage or KIDDStuff Productions.  This could involve operating a followspot, assisting with costume quick changes, scene changes, or sound microphone adjustments.  Former Production Apprentices become eligible for full-time Technical Apprenticeships or Production Internship positions with the Hangar upon graduation from high school.  No experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and become part of the team. Proper training is provided.  

Production Apprenticeships are open to anyone 12-17 years of age who reside in the Ithaca area.  
Production Apprenticeships are available for specific shows throughout the summer.  
If interested or if there are any questions, email Adam Zonder for an application.