“THERE IS NO BETTER CLASSICAL TRAINING PROGRAM IN THE NATION THAT NURTURES AND CHALLENGES ARTISTS.” – Amaia A., Acting Apprentice Alumna
 

The Shakespeare Theatre is passionately dedicated to developing and nurturing early-career theatre artists for the American stage. A rigorous multi-week program, The Acting Apprenticeship works on a conservatory model and provides invaluable exposure to all aspects of professional theatre, both as an art form and as a business. While a variety of classes are offered, the primary focus is on Shakespeare and other classic works.

• CLASSES meet six days a week throughout the summer with a focus on Acting/Scene Study, Movement for the Actor, Voice/Speech, Text Analysis, Play Reading, and Stage Combat. Seminars and workshops with industry professionals are also scheduled throughout the summer.
• REHEARSALS are scheduled throughout the week, and additional time is set aside for independent project work. The final week of the program shifts to a full day rehearsal model to prepare for the Final Project.
• THE SPOTLIGHT SERIES showcases Apprentices in scene-night presentations and a Final Project. The series may include: 
  • Epic Scene Night, an ensemble piece
  • Shakespeare Scene Night
  • Director's Scene Night, independent projects with directing interns
  • Final Project, an abridged, fully produced Shakespeare play.
• SUPERNUMERARY Main Stage and/or Outdoor Stage roles are available to students
• CLASS SIZES are limited to allow for more individualized attention.
• THE FACULTY consists of theatre professionals working at regional theatres and universities across the country.
• CONNECT WITH THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE! Guest artists, staff, and professional company members are very supportive and attend the Spotlight performances each summer. Many of them also serve as guest artists or participate in artist panels to discuss the business of making art. 
• PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE is carved out a few days each summer, providing Apprentices with minimal though valuable exposure to the technical and administrative aspects of professional theatre.
• TUITION/HOUSING: The Apprentice Company is a tuition-based program.  The 2025 tuition and housing rates have not yet been set.  In 2024, tuition ($5000) and housing ($2500) totalled $7500 for the 8-week program.  On-campus housing is not required, we only request that students live within 20-minutes of the theater.  Students who do not require housing are only responsible for the cost of tuition.
• SCHOLARSHIPS are available on a limited basis, and most provide partial aid only.
• ROLLING ENROLLMENT: Enrollment is by audition/interview only. Applications are processed on a first-come/first-served basis, and slots fill up quickly each year. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials early.
• REQUIRED AUDITION MATERIALS: A reel of two contrasting Shakespeare Monologues, one must be in verse. Including your slate/introduction, your reel should not exceed three minutes. Please copy and link your reel in the desired space when applying. 

 Named one of the "TOP 8 SUMMER INTERNSHIPS IN THE COUNTRY" by Backstage.com! 
 

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is deeply dedicated to identifying and nurturing early-career theatre artists for the American stage. As a teaching theatre, we take that responsibility very seriously.  STNJ provides an exceptional training ground for up-and-coming theatre artists not only by offering numerous levels of training and experiential opportunities, but also by virtue of the fact that both the staff and veteran company members embrace the task of providing guidance and mentorship for emerging theatre artists and administrators as an integral part of STNJ’s institutional persona and culture.

THREE-TIER APPROACH TO TRAINING:

• OBSERVATION: See numerous projects over the summer, including the work of renowned theatre artists in all areas of the theatre.
• EDUCATION: Weekly classes, master classes, and workshops in targeted areas of study.
• EXPERIENCE: Under the instruction of and support from STNJ staff members and guest artists, interns gain valuable practical experience working alongside professional veterans in their chosen area of focus.
• STIPENDS AND HOUSING PROVIDED

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Resume, cover letter, and three references.

Internship Opportunities

** Interns may take on specific roles and opportunities in their career area for the Final Project: a heavily cut, fully produced Shakespeare show starring the Apprentice Company at the end of the summer.

Artistic Administration

• This department involves overseeing all aspects of the artistic administration of the organization, such as assessing and selecting the performances that will be shown, recruiting actors and performers, setting production schedules as well managing budgets. An intern may expect to deep-dive into Unions and contracts, help cast the Spotlight Series, and assist in daily administrative functions of the theatre. In addition, Artistic Administration interns will schedule auditions and callbacks and assist in the casting of the Final Project at the end of summer.

Business/General Management

• The Business/Finance and General Management Department devises, oversees, and enforces the organization's budget, timeline, and human resources. This department works alongside the artistic director, the finance director, and the creative team. An intern may expect to draft season budgets and timelines, create meeting schedules and agendas, file paperwork and create reports, or compile research for a financial or artistic proposal. In addition, Business/General Managment interns will oversee the budget and operations for the Final Project at the end of summer.

Education Department

• The Education Department develops, organizes, and coordinates education programming for patrons of all ages. The Education Department also develops curriculums, audience guides, and other audience engagement materials. As an intern in the Education Department, you may be a teaching artist working with high school and middle school students, a dramaturg, a program administrator, or all of the above. In addition, education interns will create educational resources such as a Know-the-Show audience guide for the Final Project at the end of summer.

Development Department

• The Development Department leads the fundraising and community building aspects of the organization; working closely with the Board, General Manager, Artistic Director, and other staff to develop and articulate the strategic direction of the Company, and to implement the resulting strategies and initiatives. The Development Department is responsible for researching, writing, and submitting corporate, foundation, and government grant proposals, planning and executing fundraising events such as an annual gala, and building and maintaining relationships with donors and patrons of all levels. An intern in the Development Department may assist in researching and writing grant proposals, planning an event, or coordinating mail outs to long time patrons and donors. In addition, development interns will strategize, design, and coordinate donor involvement for the Final Project and the farewell party at the end of summer.

Marketing Department 

• The Marketing Department oversees the strategy, planning, and implementation of all marketing, public relations, and sales programs. Working in partnership with the Artistic Director, the Marketing Department creates compelling and sophisticated campaigns through visual, print, and digital mediums that drive revenue and showcase The Shakespeare Theatre as a vital and vibrant major arts institution. The Marketing Department is also key in planning and executing the theatre’s participation in community-based events. An intern may work on social media campaigns, website building, program creation, photography, or other aspects of regional theatre marketing. In addition, marketing interns will create the marketing strategy and programs for the Spotlight Series starring the Apprentice Company.

Box Office and House Management

• The Box Office executes various administrative duties related to ticket sales and fulfillment, membership and partner acquisition and renewal, special events, accounting, reporting, list generation, and audience analysis. This department is also front-line of customer service for the theatre; greeting and aiding guests. An intern may serve as a box office assistant, house management assistant, or help develop new and exciting spaces surrounding our gift shop, concessions window, and gallery hallway. In addition, Box Office/House Management interns will act as house manager for the Final Project at the end of the summer.

Production Administration

• The Production Administration department hires, schedules, and oversees the production crew, estimates labor and material costs, oversees details with touring companies, promotors, and rental clients. The department prepares purchase orders, invoices, and all paperwork necessary for conceiving and building a season. An inten in this department may assist in all areas of production or may focus on the administrative side of theatre production such as shceudling, communication, and budgeting. In addition, the Production Coordination intern will schedule, budget, and plan the technical aspects of the Final Project at the end of summer.

Lighting/Sound Technology with potential opportunities for design

• These positions create lighting and sound plots for individual productions, are key staff for load-in, hang, focus, tech, show calls, maintenance, and strike. An intern can expect to be placed on a show as board operator for either our indoor or outdoor stage. In addition, interns may be invited to design and production meetings for future shows at the theatre. In addition, technical interns will design, build, operate, and strike the lighting and sound elements for the Final Project at the end of summer.

Costume Construction with potential opportunities for design

• The Costume Shop is responsible for all aspects of costuming during a show run such as building, fitting, and maintaining wardrobes for each show. Shop specific intern areas include: draper, stitcher, first-hand, wardrobe, and design. In addition, shop interns may design, build, fit, maintain, and strike the wadrobe for the Final Project at the end of summer.

Scenic Construction with potential opportunities for design

• The Scenic Shop builds, paints, installs, and maintains theatrical stage sets for Mainstage, Outdoor Stage, and touring shows. Interns in the shop may work on carpentry, metalwork, installation, striking, painting, props and more. In addition, scenic and technical interns will design, build, paint, install, and strike the set for the Final Project at the end of summer.

Directing

• Directing Interns will work alongside the one of the two Directors of the two professional productions at STNJ in the summer. In addition, Directing Interns will audition, cast, rehearse, and debut a scene night starring the Apprentice Company and assist the director of the Final Project. 

Stage Management

• Stage Management interns will work alongside one of the two PSMs of the two professional productions at STNJ in the summer. In addition, Directing Interns will act as SM for the Spotlight Series starring the Apprentice Company.

Company Management

• The Company Management Department oversees the hospitality labors for all the staff/facutly/guests/and artists of the organization. An intern in this department will shuttle actors to and from calls, assist in housing maintanence and cleanliness, act as RA for the intern and the apprentice company, help plan and execute social events for the summer company, and other duties as assigned. 

 

Each year, we build a team of superb artists and engaging teachers to train the Acting Apprentices. Here are a few faculty members who have worked with us over the years: 

Vivian Majkowski

Donnie Mather

Bruce Cromer

Kevin Isola

Corey Tazmania

Jefferey M. Bender

Fiona Robberson

Doug West

Brian B. Crowe

AC Horton