ARTISTIC & ADMINISTRATIVE and ARTS EDUCATION APPRENTICESHIPS

Are you an aspiring playwright, director, dramaturg, theater arts administrator, arts educator, or theater artist of any discipline? No matter your particular interest, every apprentice will receive hands-on experience in either theater arts administration and the process of new play development, or artistic education and administration through the Playwrights’ Center’s apprenticeships program. 

What past apprentices say about the program

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The PWC Artistic & Administrative Apprenticeship has without a doubt shaped my trajectory in the arts. I made invaluable connections with playwrights, artists, and the PWC community that have fueled and nourished me to this day. This apprenticeship really was a unique opportunity for me to learn how to facilitate spaces for creative development, and hone a plethora of skills that come with that. Even more, PWC modeled to me what a community-centered and social impact-driven organization looks like, and set me on a path to engage with other organizations and artists with the same dedication and drive. The PWC staff (family, really) is a remarkable group, and I recommend the apprenticeship to anyone looking to get a start in artistic administration."

— Kaitlyn Boyer

I entered my internship at the Playwrights’ Center with a vague desire to work with theatre texts and left knowing my future career. It was at the Center when I realized “this is what I want to do with the rest of my life.” The greatest part of my time there was meeting the amazing artists and staff, creating connections that I still maintain. My time at the Center opened new doors in my career and my community.

— Abbie Butterfield

What playwrights say about the program

Our apprentice was assigned as “stage manager” but the thoughtfulness and completeness of her notes made me feel like she was a co-writer. She expanded my possibilities in the workshop by being such a reliable and smart collaborator in the room; it was wonderful to be accompanied by someone paying this kind of attention to every level of what was happening..

— Janaki Ranpura, Playwrights’ Center Affiliated Writer

About the Artistic and Administrative apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is a paid staff position that provides the opportunity to support the administrative and artistic aspects of the Playwrights' Center. Over the course of the year, each apprentice will serve as an administrative assistant to the membership and artistic departments as well as work as a stage manager in approximately 15-25 new play development workshops.

Benefits of the program include:

  • A chance to gain working knowledge of how a nonprofit service organization runs through work with many departments
  • Access to special events
  • Observe trends around new play production and development around the world
  • Observe a wide range of new play development and playwriting processes
  • A chance to meet and work with a variety of professional theater artists, including playwrights, directors, dramaturgs, designers, and actors both from the Twin Cities and around the country
  • A complimentary Playwrights' Center membership
  • NICE Healthcare for you and anyone who lives with you

About the Arts Education apprenticeship

The Arts Education apprenticeship at the Playwrights’ Center is a paid staff position that supports the educational programs of the Playwrights’ Center. Over the course of a year, the apprentice will serve as a teaching assistant to the membership and education department, assist with facilitation of regular monthly educational opportunities, copyedit articles, transcribe podcast and video content for the website, and gain an introductory understanding of developing and implementing learning resources for playwrights.

Benefits of the program include:

  • A chance to gain working knowledge of how a nonprofit service organization runs through work with many departments
  • Access to classes, seminars, and special events
  • Observe trends around new playwriting
  • Observe a wide range of playwriting instruction and processes
  • A chance to learn from a variety of professional theater artists
  • A complimentary Playwrights' Center membership
  • NICE Healthcare for you and anyone who lives with you

Application window

  • JANUARY 18 - MARCH 8, 2024
  • The apprenticeships begin in August 2024 and conclude in August 2025

Application procedure

To apply for an apprenticeship, you will need to provide the following:

  • Artistic and Administrative Application form—LINK HERE
  • Arts Education Application form - LINK HERE
  • Current résumé - upload when requested in application form
  • Cover letter explaining your short-term and long-term career goals, what skills you will bring to the Playwrights’ Center, and why you are interested in a year-long apprenticeship at the Playwrights’ Center. We would like to hear about both your interest in participating in the play development workshops or educational opportunities and also your interest in the administrative work. - upload when requested in application form

All application materials should be included in the online form. If you have any difficulties with the form, please email hr@pwcenter.org

NOTE: The Playwrights' Center is unable to provide housing to apprentices. At this time, the expectation is that apprentices plan to live within driving distance of the Playwrights' Center for the 2024-25 season. The apprenticeship is paid on an hourly basis (averaging around 20 hours per week, and at $16/hour). Schedules allow for other part-time work.

*Due to AEA Covid-19 safety protocols, anyone working in rehearsal rooms with performers are required to show proof of vaccination to complete employment requirements for this position. More details on PWC's Covid-19 policies can be found HERE.

Read more about the year-long apprenticeships below.