Our Apprentice Program allows students interested in behind-the-scenes skills to learn from professional designers, and skilled technicians.
While most schools offer opportunities for performers, Wolf PAC works to provide opportunities to those that are interested in learning more about the behind the scenes aspects of production. With the small size of our Apprentice Program, we offer each participant a hands-on experience where they get the ability to explore their interests alongside industry professionals.
The Apprentice Program offers students of all experience levels a well-rounded theatre education experience both on and off the stage!
Our Apprentice Philosophy
Props Apprentice
The Props Apprentice (PA) will work alongside a professional props designer for our 3rd -6th grade musicals to get a full experience in helping design and execute the props component of a musical from beginning to end. Once in the technical phase of the rehearsal process, the PA will be backstage, overseeing all props needed for the performances. They will also have the opportunity to visit a local professional theatre to get an insight on how props are designed and created on a professional level as well.
This position is ideal for anyone who has a passion for art, painting, and crafts and is curious about how these design elements are created and used in a theatre setting.
Tuition: $275 There is a tuition for this program to account for the time and mentorship our professional technicians offer.
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To assist props designer with vision, execution, and tracking of props
To collaborate with the props designer on designing, pulling, and curating props
To manage the backstage area and props table during dress rehearsals and performances
To enhance independence and leadership skills
To hone and expand artistic skills through the creation and building of props
To learn more about and be comfortable backstage in a new environment
Costume Apprentice
The Costume Apprentice (CA) will be paired with one of our costume designers to support any and all of our productions this season at Wolf PAC. They will have a unique experience that will allow them to be involved in the process from initial vision to tech to execution of the project! In addition to working on the Wolf PAC productions, they will gain experience in sewing, building costumes from scratch, and altering clothing. They will also have the opportunity to visit a local professional theatre to get an insight on how costumes are designed and created on a professional level as well.
This position is ideal for someone who is interested in costuming and costume design and wants to learn more about the skill from various designers.
Tuition: $275 There is a tuition for this program to account for the time and mentorship our professional technicians offer.
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To assist our designers from start of the rehearsal process through performances
To enhance independence and leadership skills
To learn more about the behind-the-scenes process from concept to performance
To build skills as needed for costume design (sewing, stitching, sketching, etc.)
To help prep backstage for dress rehearsals
To assist backstage during performances for quick changes and other costume needs
Lighting and Sound Apprentice
The Lighting and Sound Apprentice (LSA) will have the opportunity to work closely with Wolf PAC’s lighting and sound designers. They will be given the opportunity to run either Lights or Sound for one of the Wolf PAC productions in the season. They will also have the opportunity to visit a local professional theatre to get an insight on how lights and sound are designed and created on a professional level as well.
This position is ideal for anyone interested in the technical elements of a performance and eager to learn the tools needed to run a light or sound board.
Tuition: $275 There is a tuition for this program to account for the time and mentorship our professional technicians offer.
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To learn how to run and operate equipment needed
To enhance independence and leadership skills
To learn about the behind-the-scenes process from concept to performance
To understand more about the tech, dress rehearsal, and performance experience from a technical perspective
To work one-on-one with a designer and learn how lighting or sound fits into the production’s vision
Scenic Apprentice
The Scenic Apprentice (SA) will work closely with the scenic department (set designer, scenic carpenter, scenic painter) on the shows at Wolf PAC. They’ll learn the skills of designing, building, and painting a set and get hands-on experience building the set pieces that will then be used in the Wolf PAC productions. Once we reach the technical rehearsals and performances, they’ll learn how the backstage operates and be given the opportunity to act as the stage crew for the performances for a Wolf PAC production. They will also have the opportunity to visit a local professional theatre to get an insight on how scenery is designed and created on a professional level as well.
This position is ideal for anyone interested in the technical skills needed to build and paint scenery. This position is for those in 9th-12th grade.
Tuition: $275 There is a tuition for this program to account for the time and mentorship our professional technicians offer.
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To learn how to construct and paint scenery
To enhance independence and leadership skills
To learn about the behind-the-scenes process from concept to performance
To understand more about the tech, dress rehearsal, and performance experience from a technical perspective
To work one-on-one with a professional scenic designer and learn how sets go from an idea to reality
Apprentice Program FAQs
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The Apprentice Program is open to students in grades 7-12. The Scenic Apprentice position is available to those in grades 9-12.
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Yes! Many of our Apprentices are also actively involved in other programs at Wolf PAC.
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There are several positions available depending on the interest of the student. We have apprenticeships in Props, Scenery, Costumes, Lighting and Sound.
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The Apprentice Program gives students a hands-on opportunity to explore the backstage aspects of production. They receive one-on-one guidance from our professional designers and teaching artists, many of whom work regularly at the local professional theaters in the greater Philadelphia area. Students in our Apprentice Program also have the opportunity to experience technical theater in the professional world with an off-site visit to a chosen local theatre.
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The Apprentice Program is, first and foremost, an educational experience. The students that come through the program gain the skills needed to execute the positions they are learning about (directing, costuming, etc.). Working alongside the professional team of designers and directors, the students gain connections that they can take with them beyond their time at Wolf PAC.
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The Apprentice Program is run by Wolf PAC’s Production Manager, Damien Figueras. He brings his experience as a multiple Barrymore-nominated theatre maker to Wolf PAC’s programs in order to give them the knowledge and skills used in the professional theatre industry.
Damien Figueras, Production Manager
damien.figueras@wolfperformingartscenter.org
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