Apprenticeships are typically available in the following areas each season:

+ Costume Design
+ Directing
+ Dramaturgy*
+ Lighting Design
+ Props Design
+ Scenic Design
+ Sound Design
+ Stage Management*
+ Theatre & Production Management

To be eligible for any By Design Apprenticeship, applicants must:

+ Be at least 16 by the start of the program.

+ Be able to commit to the full program.

+ Reside in and/or be able to commute to, Chicago.

+ Have a strong desire to work in one of the departments offered for the Apprenticeship and express this interest in the application.

Apprentices who successfully complete their required responsibilities receive a $2,000 work stipend.

Additional benefits include professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and complimentary tickets to Definition Theatre productions.

The Costume Design Apprentice will collaborate with the Costume Designer to receive a practical overview of the design, sourcing, creation, and maintenance of costumes in theatre. Tasks may include but are not limited to: organization of research and shop paperwork, pulling and shopping costume pieces and accessories, participation in costume fittings, tracking and organization of costumes, throughout the production process.

Directing Apprentices will work alongside the directing team (director, assistant director) from the ideation phase through to opening night to learn the mechanics of blocking, exploring character, intention, and more. Throughout the process, they will also have the opportunity to discuss creative ideas, contribute to the conceptual fabric of productions, and take on script supervision duties.

Dramaturgy Apprentices will work with our dramaturgy team to introduce the director and creative team to the historical and cultural context of the play. Throughout the process, they will have the opportunity to learn the basics of both production and new play dramaturgy, which includes: research, analysis, consultation and play development.

Lighting Apprentices will collaborate with both the Master Electrician(s) and Lighting Designer(s) to understand the basics of hanging/focusing instruments, power distribution, equipment maintenance and design execution.

Properties (Prop) Design Apprentices will collaborate with the Properties Designer on tasks such as: crafting or adapting properties using several different types of materials and techniques; searching for and purchasing properties appropriate for productions; furniture and properties repair; sewing; carpentry; painting; maintenance of hand prop and furniture storage; and research.

Sound Design Apprentices will work with the Sound Designer(s) and Audio Engineer from pre-production through strike. They will learn to assist with repair and maintenance of audio inventory, basic programming of playback systems, and sharpen troubleshooting skills. Apprentices may also assist with recording sessions, dubbing, sound editing, and support for company functions.

Scenic (Set) Design Apprentices will collaborate with the Scenic Designer and Technical Director to understand the art of creating and building the physical environment for a stage production. They will be included in tasks such as: interpreting the script, cross-departmental collaboration, developing a visual language, creating models and drawings and overseeing construction.

Stage Management Apprentices will work with our professional stage management team (stage manager, assistant stage manager, and run crew) from pre-production through final performance. In the process, they will have the opportunity to learn how to: maintain paperwork, take line notes, be on book, preset/run shows, and rehearse understudies, among other duties.

Theatre & Production Management Apprentices will work closely with Definition Theatre’s Executive Director, Executive Assistant and Business Manager to understand and support work across producing, organizational strategy, building maintenance, and capital campaign development in order to gain a holistic understanding of how an arts organization operates.

Ryan Warren
Props Design

Kehinde Ayedun
Costume Design

Artistic Engagement – Annabelle Quiles

Costume Design –  Lupe Ramos

Directing – Lucy Whitehead

Dramaturgy – Jazmine Willis

Lighting Design – Bria Hall

Props Design – Archer Johnson

Scenic Design – Jayvean (JT) Thompson

Sound Design – Sophia De La Torre

Stage Management – Ilyana Becker

Costume Design — Kehinde Ayedun
Props Design — Ryan Warren