Technical Apprenticeships

These apprenticeships are designed to give students (typically college freshman or graduating high school seniors) opportunities:

-  To work and learn alongside theatre professionals; 

-  To contribute to the Hangar’s shows, and decide if this field is really for them;

-  To network and make great contacts for the future;

-  To receive feedback about their work throughout the season;* To return to the Hangar in other seasons as interns or staff members.

Apprenticeships involve either half-day work when running shows or full day work when not assigned to running a show. Apprenticeships run the entire summer (early/mid June – mid/late August).  Apprentices are responsible for their own daily living expenses.  In some instances college credit may be arranged with your institution. The Hangar will work with the apprentice to meet his or her school’s credit requirements; however, the apprentice is ultimately responsible for those arrangements.  Apprentices must be at least 18 years of age.  To apply for an apprenticeship please send a cover letter, resume (if you do not have a resume you can write a short essay about your strengths and what your goals are in theatre), and references to Adam Zonder. 

Scene Shop Apprenticeship

The apprentice learns scenery construction techniques by assisting with the building, striking, and load-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 assigned.  An opportunity to assistant design a Lab Company production is possible. 

Electrics Apprenticeship

Two 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 as assigned.  An opportunity to assistant design a Lab Company production is possible. 

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 assigned.  Sound Apprentices also assist with Mainstage Electrics changeovers.  An opportunity to assistant design a Lab Company production is possible. 

Costume Apprenticeship

The apprentice learns costume construction techniques by assisting with the building, altering, painting/dying 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; running Mainstage, KIDDStuff or Wedge productions as assigned.  An opportunity to assistant design a Lab Company production is possible. 

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; running Mainstage or KIDDStuff productions as assigned.  An opportunity to assistant design a Lab Company production is possible. 

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; repairing and maintaining shop tools; preparing and executing strikes and load-ins; maintaining cleanliness and organization in all props areas; running Mainstage or KIDDStuff productions as assigned.  An opportunity to assistant design a Lab Company production is possible. 

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 at adamzonder@gmail.com.