Summer Professional Training Program

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is a true Teaching Theatre – a role in which we take great pride.  For the past three decades, STNJ has provided an exceptional training ground for early career theatre artists by creating an environment that is nurturing, inspiring, and disciplined; challenging students to push themselves and their craft to the next level.

Acting Apprenticeship, May 27 - June 30, 2025

“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 artists for the American Theatre.The Acting Apprenticeship combines fives weeks of intense, conversatory-style training with 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 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. The final week of the program shifts to a predominantly rehearsal-based model to prepare for the Final Project.

• TWO SHOWCASE PERFORMANCES  give Apprentices the opportunity to integrate their classwork with their own artistic practice.  These showcase performances include:

  • The Epic Scene Night - an ensemble-based scene presentation

  • The Final Project - an abridged presentation of a Shakespeare play, working withThe Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Artistic Director, Brian B. Crowe. 

• CLASS SIZES are limited to allow for more individualized attention.

• THE FACULTY consists of working theatre artists performing/teaching at regional theatres and universities across the country.

• CONNECT WITH THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE! Guest artists, staff, and professional company members serve as guest faculty or participate in artist panels to discuss the business of making art. 

• 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. 

• APPRENTICESHIP FEES: The Apprentice Company is a tuition-based program. On-campus housing is not required; however, we recommend that students live (or arrange accommodations) a convenient distance from the Theatre. Students who do not require housing are only responsible for the cost of tuition. 

2025 SUMMER TUITION - $4,000

2025 ON-CAMPUS HOUSING - $1,400

Please note that Board is NOT included in on-campus housing costs. Scholarships are available on a limited basis, and most provide partial aid only.

Acting Apprenticeship Application HERE! 

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Internship, June 30 - August 11, 2025

"Top 8 Summer Internships in the Country!

Backstage.com

THREE-TIER APPROACH TO TRAINING:

• OBSERVATION: Interns will assist with the 2025 STNJ summer Main Stage production, and immerse themselves in 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 a variety of departments. 

In an updated model, the 2025 Internship Program will connect early-career theatre artists with observation, education, and practice opportunities through experiential learning. Through these three pillars, participants will both further their skills in their area(s) of interest and develop a comprehensive, holistic understanding of a career in theatre. 

Those admitted into the select 2025 cohort will partner broadly with specific departments in the Theatre to aid in the operations of the Main Stage productions.  Interns will collaborate with professional artists both in and outside of their home departments, and will often participate in learning experiences as a full cohort. 

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

Internship Opportunities:

Artistic Administration

• This department oversees all aspects of the artistic administration of the organization, including script analysis, recruiting actors and performers, and setting production schedules, as well managing budgets. An intern can also expect to gain experience with unions and contracts while assisting  with the daily administrative functions of the Theatre. This focus area may also involve drafting season budgets and timelines, collaborating on season programming and special events, liaising with other departments, and exploring grants and other fundraising opportunities. 

Education Department: 6-Week Model (6/30-8/11) or 10-Week Model (6/2-8/11)

• 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. Interns in the Education Department will serve as teaching artists working with high school and middle school students enrolled in the 2025 Summer Shakespeare Corps intensives. Education interns available for the 10-Week Model will also assist with in-school residencies, dramaturgical projects, and program administration. 

Stage Management/General Production

• The Production Department hires, schedules, and oversees the production crews, 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 building a season. An intern in this department will assist in all areas of production, including the administrative side of theatre production such as scheduling, communication, and budgeting. This intern may also assist the Production Stage Manager for the summer Main Stage production. 

Lighting and Sound Technology 

• This  intern will dive into lighting and sound plots for individual productions; assist with load-in, hang, focus, and tech; and work on show calls, maintenance, and strike. This intern can expect to be placed on a show as board operator. In addition, the intern may be invited to design and production meetings for future shows at the Theatre and help prepare electric elements for these productions. 

Costume Construction and Wardrobe

• The Costume Shop is responsible for all aspects of costuming during a show run such as building, fitting, and maintaining wardrobes for each show. This intern will explore and collaborate with a number of roles within the shop, including draper, stitcher, first-hand, wardrobe, and design. The Costume Construction/Wardrobe intern can expect to be placed on the wardrobe team for the summer Main Stage, and may assist with costume tech for both this summer Main Stage and future shows. 

Applications for the Internship Program are no longer being accepted.

For more information, please contact Training@ShakespeareNJ.org or call (973) 845-6742.