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 2025-2026 Season, Theatrical Outfit will embark on the 6th year of our apprentice program. Apprentices will be in residence at TO for the entirety of the 2025-2026 Season (exact dates to be determined though typically it spans from July to June). 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 will be accepted March – May for the 2025 – 2026 Season.

Deadline for submission will be May 9, 2025.

Interviews will be scheduled the weeks of May 12th and 19th with decisions going out around May 23rd, 2025.

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 [email protected].

“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