2026-2027 Apprentice Class

Compensation

$34,840.00

Apply to join the 2026-2027 Apprentice Class at Imagination Stage!

Imagination Stage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts education and youth development organization that empowers young people to discover their voice and identity through performing arts education and professional theatre. We envision a future where theatre experiences are a fundamental aspect of children’s lives, nourishing their creative spirit, inspiring them to embrace the complexity and diversity of their world, and helping them overcome their challenges with hope, courage and, above all, creativity.

Imagination Stage was founded as BAPA (Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts) in 1979 in response to the urgent need for arts education for young people. The company was renamed Imagination Stage in 2001, and is incorporated in both Maryland and the District of Columbia. Imagination Stage has grown from a handful of children in a single classroom to a full-spectrum performing arts organization, with theatre productions by professional actors and artists. Unlike most children’s theatre companies, Imagination Stage commissions new works for children every year. These productions have been recognized with awards and productions by other companies around the world.

Imagination Stage’s major program areas include: 

• Education: camps and classes programs on-site; Classes on Request in Schools (CORS); arts integration on-site, in schools, and digitally; Youth Conservatory for pre-professional acting students
• In the Community: Professional Development for Educators; Arts Enrichment; Access Education
• Professional Productions: 3-5 mainstage productions annually for young audiences; Annual series of productions for very young audiences in the black box theater; Learning Through Theatre (LTT) Field Trips
• Theater for Change: Currently touring 10 Seconds (grades 8-12), SPIES digital productions (grades K-5); ¡Óyeme! workshops and performances for immigrant youth (grades 8-12); The Youth and Police Partnership; Voices Beyond Bars

WHO
Early career professionals interested in learning about arts and education administration or theatre production should apply by March 27, 2026!

WHAT

• Apprentices will choose to focus in a particular department – Education or Stage and Production Management. You will work closely with the most talented and passionate teams in Theatre. Apprentices will enjoy Professional Development opportunities such as master classes with professionals in the field, technical training, field trips to other theaters, and all-staff development sessions, and other customizable training opportunities.
• Apprentices work 40 hours per week and are paid a salary of $34,840.00. Please note that regular evenings and weekends are scheduled, but hours are adjusted to maintain the standard 40-hour work week.
• Benefits: Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and personal days; HMO individual insurance; commuter benefit for Metro or parking; Free and reduced priced tickets, classes, and summer camps; Relocation assistance.

WHEN
12-month contract for the following focus areas, starting September 1, 2026:
Education
The Education Apprentice will support the overall administration and maintenance of the Education department and its programming, including but not limited to summer camp and class managing, stage managing one student production, contributing to the creation of student study guides, assisting in the implementation of Sensory-Friendly performances, and spending time as a classroom assistant, inclusion facilitator, and lead teacher when appropriate. This apprentice will also assist in handling faculty communication, maintaining and updating class rosters and student information, updating classroom reservation system, and managing inventory of art supplies and early childhood materials.

This role includes one weekend day per week (Saturday or Sunday) during the fall and winter/spring class semesters.

Production
The Stage and Production Management Apprentice (SM/PM Apprentice) will gain hands-on experience as an integral part of the Imagination Stage Production Team and will participate in executing our wide range of programming. The apprentice will primarily be scheduled in their area of concentration, but they will also be given opportunities to explore areas outside of their concentration based on other interests and the needs of the department.

The SM/PM Apprentice will support guest stage managers during rehearsals and tech, will be assigned to stage manage several student shows throughout the year (during which time they will work one weekend day), and may run backstage tracks for Imagination Stage’s professional shows. The SM/PM Apprentice will also support Production Management in the day-to-day operations of the Production Office and in season planning work and will lead or assistant PM various student showcases and student productions as scheduled.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The Stage and Production Management Apprentice will have to:

• Move furniture such as tables and chairs for event set up and tear down, move production materials such as set pieces, lights, props, road cases, and other touring materials.
• Navigate narrow spaces such as storage closets and hallways and climb ladders.
• Spend a large portion of the day using a computer and related accessories, including virtual meeting attendance.
• Work in dimly lit and/or loud environments.
• Sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.
• Have a valid driver’s license.

WHERE
Most members of the Apprentice class will work at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD.
The production apprentice may spend a few days of their apprenticeship at our Scene Shop in Beltsville, MD.
Occasional work in other locations with IStage programming may be required.

WHY

• To develop your leadership potential in the nonprofit arts space
• To gain real world experience in their craft
• To learn about career paths in arts and education administration and work with professionals in their area of study
• To work with passionate people in youth theatre and youth theatre education!

HOW
Apply now! Applications due March 27,2026. Send a letter of interest and a resume to jobs@imaginationstage.org.

In your letter of interest, please include which focus area you are most interested in.

Imagination Stage is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment. Imagination Stage will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. To request, please contact Nia Savoy-Dock at nsavoydock@imaginationstage.org.

Imagination Stage celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values members of our whole community. Imagination Stage is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.