Apprentice Program Overview

• Hands-on Experience: Work with industry professional in your chosen field
• Skill Development: Learn time management, teamwork, attention to detail, and more
• Networking: Build connections that support your future
• Certificate: Upon completion, receive a non-credit certificate from the Extension Division

• One-on-one meetings to help set goals and help plan a career path.
• Programming such as resume and cover letter building, professional headshots, and LinkedIn workshops to further support the apprentice as they prepare their job search.
• Workshops with both alumni and non-alumni professionals discussing their career journey.
• Apprenticeships are paid positions and will receive compensation paid bi-weekly at $16.72 per hour. Overtime is paid in the forty-first hour of work in a given week at a rate of one and one-half times the hourly rate.

• Apprenticeship commitments begin August/September and ends May/June.
• Weekly schedules will vary with apprentice assignments including evenings and weekends.
• An outside job cannot be relied upon as an income supplement when working as a full-time apprentice.
• Housing should be secured prior to beginning this apprenticeship.

During the apprentice’s time at Juilliard, they receive solid, career-focused experience with a resume full of proven skills, abilities, and accomplishments. From daily administrative activities to production operations, they will develop and expand on their skillsets in a safe environment in which they may also pursue their own interests and career goals.
 

Creative Enterprise
This is a full-time position. The apprentice will support and produce interdisciplinary programs, events, and initiatives (indoor, outdoor, and virtual) in collaboration with colleagues throughout the institution. Assignments may include liaising with artists, coordinating materials (i.e. contact sheets, face sheets, timelines, surveys, etc.), providing production assistance, and other administrative duties. 

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
The full-time apprentice will work closely with the Director of EDIB to play a key role in program development and administrative support. Work areas may include: assisting the development of EDIB learning opportunities, coordination of the EDIB Council, data and analysis, and office management. The apprentice may lead select initiatives.

Administration
This is a full-time position. The apprentice will assist the Administrative Director and members of the Drama Division Staff in the daily administrative and production operations associated with the division’s professional actor training program and the Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program. 

Orchestra Management
This is a full-time position. The apprentice will assist in managing all aspects of the day-to-day operations of Juilliard’s orchestral and contemporary music ensembles, orchestral repertory classes, and interdisciplinary projects. The apprentice will have exposure to key elements of orchestral administration, including personnel management, orchestra auditions, concert production, artist services, orchestra library, and program assessment. 

Administration
This is a part-time position. The apprentice will be immersed in all aspects of the Historical Performance program, including scheduling, artist services, space allocation, production, ensemble management and operations, and day-to-day office functions. 

Administration
This is a full-time position. The apprentice will work closely with members of Jazz Studies in the day-to day operations of the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra, Juilliard Jazz Small Ensembles, and classes. The Apprentice will have exposure to key elements of department operations and management including the ensemble music library, equipment, personnel, scheduling, entrance auditions, Showcase juries, and concert production. 

Administration
This is a full-time position. The apprentice will assist the Vocal Arts Staff in the daily administrative operations and performance activities associated with the Vocal Arts Department. This position organizes and produces performance opportunities and residencies, including but not limited to recital and concert planning, auditions, scheduling coachings and rehearsals, community-building projects, ticketing operations, and more. 

Pre-College, Administration
This is a full-time position. The apprentice assists with various aspects of the day-to-day operations of the Pre-College. The apprentice has exposure to key elements of performance and academic activities, including ensemble management, admissions, juries, and concert production. This position works with students ages 8-18. Duties in the Music Advancement Program may be assigned as needed.

Music Advancement Program, Administration
This is a full-time position. The apprentice assists with various aspects of the day-to-day operations of the Music Advancement Program. The apprentice has exposure to key elements of performance and academic activities, including ensemble management, admissions, juries, and concert production, and provides general office support. This position works with students ages 8-18. Duties in the Pre-College may be assigned as needed.

Community Engagement, Administration
This is a full-time position. The apprentice will assist the Office of Community Engagement Staff in the daily administrative and operations associated with the office, supporting Juilliard students who are developing their community engagement practice. The apprentice assists in the administration and coordination of co-curricular programming and Community Engagement Fellowships scheduling, communication, marketing, and record keeping.

Career Services and Entrepreneurship, Administration
This is a full-time position. The apprentice will assist the Marks Center staff with all programs and services that address the needs of students and alumni related to career development and entrepreneurship. The apprentice assists in the record keeping, communication, marketing, scheduling, and customer service of the Marks Center and flagship Hire Juilliard Performers Program.

Administration

This is a full-time position. The apprentice will work closely with the Special Events Staff to provide a key role in event development and logistical support. This may include event ideation, venue research, virtual event platform facilitation, coordinating/collaborating with internal partners, designing and managing invitations, RSVPs, event timelines, catering, and other administrative duties as assigned. The apprentice may have the opportunity to serve as the primary project manager for select events.

Dance | Drama | Vocal Arts | Events
This is a full-time position. The apprentice will assist with the stage management responsibilities of events and productions throughout the School. The apprentice will serve as a Production Stage Manager, Calling Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager. They will also have the opportunity to work with Production Shops, Special Events, and the Concert Office.

Wardrobe
This is a full-time position. The Apprentice will work with professional Wardrobe and Costume Shop staff for multidisciplinary theatrical productions. Responsibilities include wardrobe run crew track development, laundry schedule planning, run crew, costume stock maintenance, stitching, and may have the opportunity to serve as the lead dresser for select events.

Costume Design Assistant
This is a full-time position. Apprentices are trained as Assistant Costume Designers. They work directly with professional Costume Designers and Costume Shop Staff on numerous productions. Duties include: swatching, pulling, sourcing, shopping, rental coordination, paperwork and tracking, calendar management, coordinating and attending fittings, rehearsal and tech support, and budget management.
 

Electrician
This is a full-time position. The apprentice will act as an assistant head electrician during the season, and may have the opportunity to fill the role of head electrician. The apprentice will participate in prepping, hanging, focusing for productions, and general maintenance of the Electric Shop’s inventory and spaces. Assignments may also include light board and spotlight operator.
 

Props Artisan
This is a full-time position. The Prop Apprentices are an integral component of a dynamic and collegial Prop team committed to maximizing artistic possibilities within time and budget constraints. Working with props will encompass many facets of prop design, procurement, and construction. The apprentice will complete carpentry, soft goods, sculpture, assemblage, and graphics projects as well as interpret designs through research and shopping in and around New York City and beyond.

Scenic Painting
This is a full-time position. The apprentice will work on all productions under the supervision of the Charge and Assistant Charge Artist. The apprentice will develop painting techniques and sample processes, and build a portfolio of hard scenery, textures, soft goods, faux finishes, and some sculpting.

Technical Direction
This is a full-time position. This apprenticeship is for those who are looking to pursue a management role in the technical implementation of theatrical productions. The apprentice will focus on computer aided drafting (CAD), labor and material estimation, analysis of structural and aesthetic requirements for construction, rigging, shop management, installation, and strike.

Hair & Makeup Technician
This is a full-time position. This apprenticeship is for individuals serious about pursuing a professional career in theatrical wigs, hair, and makeup. Apprentice duties center on wig construction, styling, and running shows. The apprentice will participate in every step of the build process, from the initial head measurement through maintenance of the wig during a run.

Application Materials:

Submit the following materials:
 

• Resume

• Cover letter

In your cover letter, elaborate on the specific role you are interested in and how it aligns with your career goals. Feel free to include any supporting materials such as stage management paperwork or a design portfolio. If you have a website, please include this information on your resume.

Interview Materials:

• During the interview process, you will be asked to provide three reference letters.

Please note that the office cannot accommodate tours during our recruitment season. If you haven't been selected for an interview, you can still gain insight by watching our recorded virtual tour.

Please refrain from withdrawing your application post-submission, as reapplication will not be possible. For any additional inquiries, please reach out to us at [email protected].

The Juilliard School does not sponsor visas for the Apprentice program, nor do we consider applicants with J-1 sponsorship (J-1 intern, trainee, short-term scholar etc.) from third-party cultural exchange providers. At this time, the Juilliard School Professional Apprentice Program will only consider international applicants who work in the U.S. with an Employment Authorization Card. Examples of such visa categories include international applicants who have received an Employment Authorization Card as an F-1 student on O.P.T., a J-2 spouse, or an Adjustment of Status applicant. Please note that if you are applying through O.P.T., you can only work in the fields directly related to your degree program. We recommend that you speak with your international student advisor for guidance on whether or not the Professional Apprentice Program is appropriate for practical training in your field of study.

Should you have any questions about your eligibility based on visa status, please contact the Juilliard Office of International Advisement at (212) 799-5000, ext. 358, or [email protected].

The Juilliard Professional Apprentice Program has been an integral part of the Juilliard School for over 40 years. Participants have come from 45 states and the District of Columbia. Internationally, they have come from 26 countries. There are over 900 alumni of the program.

In 1977, The Internship in Production for the Performing Arts was created as a way to enlarge the Production Staff while providing young people with professional experience and a platform from which to launch their careers. The program was retitled The Juilliard School Stage Department Intern Fellowships in 1979, with fellowships offered in Scenic, Lighting and Costume Design. Other internships included: Properties, Stage Management, Production Management, Publicity, Graphics and Photography. By 1982, the Program was no longer design-oriented but instead focused on all aspects of technical theater. Its name changed again to The Juilliard School Professional Production Internships. Two Arts Administration Internships were introduced in 1991 and the name changed to The Juilliard School Professional Internship Program.

The program has grown enormously over the last few years.  Transformed into the Juilliard Professional Apprentice Program in 2016, the program offers administration, assistant design, orchestra management, stage management and technical theater apprenticeships for individuals who demonstrate a strong desire and potential for their chosen career path.

The Professional Apprentice Program has more than 800 alumni. Today there are alumni all over the world actively involved in the arts, setting a standard of excellence and sharing their knowledge and passion. Many have continued their careers in New York City, working at the Metropolitan Opera, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, American Ballet Theater, Cambridge in America, and numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Many have also come back to work for Juilliard as administrators or as theater technicians and designers.

There are alumni who have decided to change their career path. Among them, you will find lawyers, doctors, architects, urban planners, business owners, preservationists, assistant film directors, playwrights, conductors, facilities managers, technical theater consultants, and teachers.

There is a strong alumni support system to those just entering their chosen careers and past participants of the program. Many of our alumni have stayed connected to the Program, and of those residing nearby, participate in our workshops and offer guidance and support to apprentices who are just beginning their careers. In some cases, they have even provided connections or job opportunities.

How are apprentices chosen for the program?
Applicants are selected on the basis of a resume, cover letter and interview. More often than not, there will be more than one interview. The first interview will be with the hiring manager, while the second interview will be with the rest of the office or shop you are interviewing with.  The Program Director will be in touch with you every step of the way.

Can applicants apply for more than one apprentice track?
Yes. Please state clearly in your cover letter which apprenticeships you are interested in.

When will you require reference letters?
We will ask for references during the interview process.

Is travel reimbursement available?
Not at this time.

Is there housing available?
Not at this time. It is recommended that the apprentice obtain housing before their contract begins.

Are there any summer apprenticeships available?
No. The Program does not offer any summer apprenticeships at this time.

What is the preferred length for a resume?
Our hiring teams prefer a 1-page resume.

Can I decide whether or not I would like to work part-time or full-time for my apprenticeship?
We do not offer a choice to the candidate in whether or not a role is part-time or full-time. This is decided by the participating office or shop and is dependent on the needs for a given year. Please take a look at each role description to find out if that role is either part-time or full-time.

Are there volunteer opportunities available?
No, the Program does not offer volunteer positions.