By Design Apprenticeship

About

Definition’s By Design Apprenticeship is a pre-professional program designed for high school and college students to explore their creative passions and gain an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how a professional theater operates. Supervised and supported by Definition’s Civic Engagement Director, the By Design Apprenticeship is targeted to aspiring theatre professionals who do not have major access to the arts in hopes of cultivating the next generation of theater innovators.

This apprenticeship supports aspiring theater professionals—especially those with limited access to the arts—by cultivating the next generation of theater innovators.

Over a full season, apprentices participate in hands-on workshops to learn about the company and then collaborate with a production team or staff members on 2026 productions, helping bring a show to life from start to finish.

For any questions or general inquiries contact willow@definitiontheatre.org.

Apply for the 2026 Season

2026 Apprenticeship

  • Application Deadline: November 1, 2025

  • 2026 Apprenticeship: January-June 2026

    Individual schedules and commitments vary per apprenticeship discipline.

  • Graduation: July 2026

Program Details

  • Apprenticeship Disciplines

    Apprenticeships are typically available in the following areas each season:

    + Scenic Design
    + Sound Design
    + Costume Design
    + Props Design
    + Lighting Design
    + Stage Management
    + Dramaturgy

  • Apprentice Eligibility

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

    + Be at least 14 by the start of the program.

    + Be able to commit to the full program.

    + Reside in, or be able to relocate to, Chicago.

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

  • Compensation & Perks

    Apprentices who successfully complete their required responsibilities receive $2,000 work stipend. Most apprentices work on two productions per season and our annual Amplify New Play Festival.

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

Program Testimonials

  • "Doing props was so much fun! That was one department I never knew anything about, and I had a great time learning about prop maintenance and specificity."

    Ryan Warren
    Props Design

  • "It was so helpful to collaborate with Janelle and Kortyna, so I could learn how to sew, take actor measurements, and make alterations. I love fashion, and was curious what else was out there beyond what's on the runway."

    Kehinde Ayedun
    Costume Design