Theatrical Outfit is committed to developing the next generation of artists and audiences. The Tom Key Arts Leadership Program is a year-long apprentice company that bridges the gap between the academic and professional worlds, by providing hands-on experiences to recent college graduates who have a passion to make a career in the theatre. Named for the theatre’s former artistic director, it is our wish that the apprentice program reflect the artistic excellence and commitment to civic engagement that Tom Key exemplified during his tenure as our artistic leader.

In the 2023-2024 season, Theatrical Outfit will embark on the fourth year of our apprentice program. Apprentices will be in residence at TO from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, working 20 – 30 hours per week. They will be paid a stipend of $10,000 for the year, paid bi-weekly. We want to ensure that young artists learn to gain and maintain a balance between work and life. We put these principles into practice by maintaining a balanced and well communicated schedule with breaks built in and fair working hours each week. Housing is not provided.

The Tom Key Arts Leadership program is specifically geared towards directors, designers, technicians and stage managers, but offers a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates every aspect of professional theatre production. Through the course of the year, apprentices will be given specific responsibilities in their primary area of artistic interest, as well as cross-training in front-of-house operation(as ushers or staffing box office and concessions), marketing, and other opportunities in theatre administration. The apprentice company’s tenure will culminate in a capstone project/production that embodies Theatrical Outfit’s mission of “starting the conversations that matter.” Additionally, TO will provide a series of master classes and workshops for the apprentice company, taught by high-caliber professional theatre artists, to further invest in the development of their skills.

APPLICATIONS

Applications will be accepted January-April for the 2024 – 2025 Season.

Deadline for submission will be April 2024.

On the application, all applicants are required to provide a resume, cover letter, headshot, 3 references, and one letter of recommendation.

For more information, email apprentices@theatricaloutfit.org.

TESTIMONIALS

“I will always be thankful for this apprentice program because, despite it having been 2020 and theaters being shut down, Theatrical Outfit still brought me and other young theatre artists on to work along side and learn from their staff and other professionals in the field. As an Apprentice, I never felt as though I was lesser, or that my opinion and ideas did not matter. Thanks to Theatrical Outfit, I have not only been able to create lifetime friendships and connections with other artists and theaters throughout Atlanta, but I have also been able to foster and grow my skills. I truly feel so blessed to have been a part of this program and for the knowledge that I will always their support.” – Caroline Cook

“Joining Theatrical Outfit as a Production Apprentice truly gave me the confidence and sharpened skills to successfully step into the professional Atlanta theater scene post-apprenticeship. Not only did I learn invaluable lessons and get hands on experience in multiple disciplines, I was able to work alongside theater professionals who guided me and gave me tips and insight that I will use forever. Theatrical Outfit facilitates the connection between Apprentices and working professionals which creates the space for growth, education and networking. This apprenticeship was truly the perfect opportunity to transition from being a college graduate to becoming a successful theater professional.” – Kat Dezell

“During my time as an Artistic Apprentice at Theatrical Outfit, I learned a lot about myself as a theatermaker. This apprenticeship gives you a space to learn amongst the most talented and caring professionals in the business. Our leaders provided us with a platform to practice our strengths and continue developing our perspectives and identities as creators. I am very grateful for my experience as an apprentice as I have learned more about what theater means to me and what I can do for my community through live storytelling.” – Nestor Lomeli

“Graduating a year after the pandemic, I had no idea how I was going to start my professional career. A professor told me to apply for TO’s apprenticeship and it became my launch pad. They welcomed me into the Atlanta theatre family with open arms. I was able to grow not only my stage management skills, but a network of resources. Being able to work alongside so many seasoned professionals early in my career was truly such a gift. T.O. took my skills and gave me the confidence and the resources to become a successful working professional.” – Gabby Peralta

2023 – 2024 SEASON APPRENTICE COMPANY

Amanda Przygonska

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Sarah C Stein

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