What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job within a company where you gain experiences and skills. Alongside on-the-job training, you’ll spend at least six hours of your working week completing online or classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider.
In performing arts, there are several types of apprenticeships including those in backstage and technical to business operations.
Here are some entry-level apprenticeships available in theatre and performing arts:
The purpose of the creative industries production technician role is to prepare, build, set up, and operate functioning systems for creative productions; including screen, theatre, live performance and events.
This apprenticeship could progress to roles including:
- Venue Technician
- Lighting Designer
- Sound Designer
- Production Manager
The broad purpose of a scenic artist is to discuss the scenic art requirements with the designer and then translate their vision into the reality of what the audience sees.
This apprenticeship could progress to roles including:
- Set Designer
- Scenic Artist
- Prop Maker
A Scenic Carpenter or scenic metal fabricator in the performing arts is responsible for creating all aspects of stage scenery, using timber or metal and other materials.
This apprenticeship could progress to roles including:
- Carpenter
- Set Designer
- Set Builder
- Production Manager
- Head of Automation
This role supports the props master to supply, build and maintain dressing and hand props for film, television and theatre productions.
This apprenticeship could progress to roles including:
- Prop Maker
- Stage Manager
- Set Designer