Summer Professional Training Program

“THERE IS NO BETTER CLASSICAL TRAINING PROGRAM IN THE NATION THAT NURTURES AND CHALLENGES ARTISTS.” – Amaia A., Acting Apprentice Alumna
 

The Shakespeare Theatre is passionately dedicated to developing and nurturing early-career theatre artists for the American stage. A rigorous 7-week program, The Acting Apprenticeship works on a conservatory model and provides invaluable exposure to all aspects of professional theatre, both as an art form and as a business. While a variety of classes are offered, the primary focus is on Shakespeare and other classic works.

• CLASSES meet six days a week throughout the summer with a focus on Acting/Scene Study, Movement for the Actor, Voice/Speech, Text Analysis, Play Reading, and Stage Combat. Seminars and workshops with industry professionals are also scheduled throughout the summer.

Click here for an example of the Professional Training schedule.

• REHEARSALS are scheduled throughout the week, and additional time is set aside for independent project work. The final two weeks of the program shift to a full day rehearsal model to prepare for the Final Project.
• THE SPOTLIGHT SERIES showcases Apprentices in three scene-night presentations (Epic Scene Night, Shakespeare Scene Night, and independent projects with directing interns) and the Final Project, an abridged, fully produced Shakespeare play.
• CLASS SIZES are limited to allow for more individualized attention.
• THE FACULTY consists of theatre professionals working at regional theatres and universities across the country.
• CONNECT WITH THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE! Guest artists, staff, and professional company members are very supportive and attend the Spotlight performances each summer. Many of them also serve as guest artists or participate in artist panels to discuss the business of making art. Apprentices also connect with artists and patrons during weekly front-of-house responsibilities.
• PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE is carved out a few days each summer, providing Apprentices with minimal though valuable exposure to the technical and administrative aspects of professional theatre.
• TUITION/HOUSING combined is $7,000 for this intense 7-week experience, averaging just over $20/class and rehearsal hour. If students live within 30 minutes of the Theatre, they can commute. Those needing housing can register for convenient single-occupancy campus accommodations. Those not requiring housing pay only $5,000 for tuition.
• SCHOLARSHIPS are available on a limited basis, and most provide partial aid only.
• ROLLING ENROLLMENT: Enrollment is by audition/interview only. Applications are processed on a first-come/first-served basis, and slots fill up quickly each year. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials early.
• REQUIRED AUDITION MATERIALS: A reel of two contrasting Shakespeare Monologues, one must be in verse. Also including your slate/introduction, it should not exceed more than three minutes. Please copy and link your reel in the desired space when applying. 

 Named one of the "TOP 8 SUMMER INTERNSHIPS IN THE COUNTRY" by Backstage.com! 
 

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is deeply dedicated to identifying and nurturing early-career theatre artists for the American stage. As a teaching theatre, we take that responsibility very seriously.  STNJ provides an exceptional training ground for up-and-coming theatre artists not only by offering numerous levels of training and experiential opportunities, but also by virtue of the fact that both the staff and veteran company members embrace the task of providing guidance and mentorship for emerging theatre artists and administrators as an integral part of STNJ’s institutional persona and culture.

THREE-TIER APPROACH TO TRAINING:

• OBSERVATION: See numerous projects over the summer, including the work of renowned theatre artists in all areas of the theatre.
• EDUCATION: Weekly classes, master classes, and workshops in targeted areas of study.
• EXPERIENCE: Under the instruction of and support from STNJ staff members and guest artists, interns gain valuable practical experience working alongside professional veterans in their chosen area of focus.
• STIPENDS AND HOUSING PROVIDED

REDUIRED MATERIALS: Resume, cover letter and three references.

Internship Opportunities

 

Artistic/Casting

• This department involves overseeing all aspects of the artistic production of the organization, such as assessing and selecting the performances that will be shown, recruiting actors and performers, setting production schedules as well managing budgets

General Management

• The GM Department devises, oversees, and enforces the production's budget, timeline, and human resources. This department works alongside the artistic director, the finance director, and the creative team.

Education Department

• The Education Department responsibilities include, overall development, organization, operation and coordination of all education programming, supervising and hiring teaching artists and interns. The education department also develops curriculum connections, audience guides, and other audience engagement materials. As an intern in the education department, you may be a teaching artist working with high school and middle school students, a dramaturg, a program administrator, or all of the above.

Development Department

• The Development Department leads the fundraising and community building aspects of the organization; working closely with the Board, General Manager, Artistic Director, and other staff to develop and articulate the strategic direction of the Company, and to implement the resulting strategies and initiatives. The Development Department is responsible for researching, writing, and submitting corporate, foundation, and government grant proposals, planning and executing fundraising events such as an annual gala, and building and maintaining relationships with donors and patrons of all levels.

Marketing Department 

• The Marketing Department oversees the strategy, planning, and implementation of all marketing, public relations, and sales programs. Working in partnership with the Artistic Director, the Marketing Department creates compelling and sophisticated campaigns through visual, print, and digital mediums that drive revenue and showcase The Shakespeare Theatre as a vital and vibrant major arts institution. The Marketing Department is also key in planning and executing the theatre’s participation in community-based events.

Box Office and House Management

• The Box Office executes various administrative duties related to ticket sales and fulfillment, membership and partner acquisition and renewal, special events, accounting, reporting, list generation, and audience analysis. This department is also front-line of customer service for the theatre; greeting and aiding guests. 

Production Coordination

• The Production Management department hires, schedules, and oversees the Stage crew, estimates labor and material costs, technical coordination, advance details with touring companies, promotors, and rental clients. The department prepares purchase orders, invoices, and all paperwork necessary for conceiving and building a season.

Lighting, Sound Desing and Operation

• These positions create lighting and sound plots for individual productions, are key staff for load-in, hang, focus, tech, show calls, maintenance, and strike.

Costume Shop

Includes these jobs; 

• Draper, stitcher, first-hand, wardrobe, design
• The Costume Shop is responsible for all aspects of costuming during a show run, including: Establishes costume guidelines for performers in the theater. Pack and prepare costumes for transport to and from performance venues. Supervise and manage dresser staff.

Technical Design and Build

Includes these jobs;

• Painter, carpenters, designers, etc.

• Builds and installs theatrical stage sets for Mainstage and touring shows. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Works with the master carpenter, technical director and other scene shop personnel to support the director and set designers vision for each show. Reads and interprets shop drawings.

Directing

• Assistant to the director for the summer season shows.

Stage Management

• Works with stage managers, prop placement, moving parts with sets, etc.

 

 

 

STNJ is a fully vaccinated site.  All staff, volunteers, artists, and students must show proof of vaccination to participate in STNJ programs.