Production Apprenticeship

Since 1974, Illusion Theater & School has been a cornerstone of creativity, courage, and connection, using the transformative power of theater to inspire change.

We're seeking a Production Apprentice for an 11-month contract, offering a unique opportunity for an emerging theater professional to gain hands-on experience producing new works for live theater.

Working directly under Illusion's Associate Producer, Tree O'Halloran (40 years of experience), you'll develop adaptability, resourcefulness, and a broad skill set essential for producing new work in diverse technical theater environments outside of traditional large-scale operations.

Compensation: $400/week for 20 hours/week

Apprenticeship Dates: September 1, 2025 – August 1, 2026,

What You'll Learn & Do: This apprenticeship provides a comprehensive exposure to theater production, focusing on new work and practical skills in a small professional theater setting.

Key Learning Areas:

• Production Planning & Scheduling: Learn the intricacies of bringing a new play to life on time and on budget, including comprehensive planning, coordination, and communication.
• Multiple Technical Skills: Develop proficiency in lighting, sound, basic set construction, and props— skills essential for smaller theater operations.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Cultivate innovative and cost-effective solutions for productions with smaller budgets.

Key Responsibilities: Under direct guidance, you'll assist up to 20 hours per week, with hours tailored to production needs. Your responsibilities include:

• Attending weekly staff and show-specific production meetings, gaining insight into organizational and technical scheduling.
• Assisting with all load-ins and strikes, gaining practical, hands-on experience across multiple technical areas.
• Supporting the creation and maintenance of Production and Technical schedules.
• Working as an operator or stagehand for at least two productions, taking direct responsibility for a show's success.
• Being assigned a unique assistant position (lighting, sound, costumes, props) for each season production, broadening your technical expertise.

Between show builds and performance runs, you will also:

• Assist with inventory of Illusion’s costume stock, props, and sound/lighting equipment.
• Support yearly maintenance and special projects and events.
• Assist and observe the season planning process and scheduling.
• Act as Production Coordinator for the Education Department’s annual KEEPIN’ IT REAL education theater tour.

Apprenticeship Experience & Benefits: You'll work on at least five diverse theatrical productions, gaining invaluable experience:

• The world premiere of NOBODY, NO TIME by Carlyle Brown (Illusion’s Mellon Playwright-in-Residence) in September 2025.
• MISS RICHFIELD 1981: Holiday Show by Russ King in December 2025.
• Regional Premiere of a new musical production in February 2026.
• A remount of our 2025 sold out production of SCARECROW ON FIRE in April/May 2026.
• ILLUSION OUTSIDE, our summer outdoor series beginning in July of 2026.

This apprenticeship will enable you to:

• Build a competitive resume for multiple technical theater areas.
• Gain a clear understanding of the entire production process, from script development to performance.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the new works process (community-based and playwright-driven).
• Gain experience in creating and presenting educational theater programs.
• Build practical experience working with professional designers, actors, stage managers, and directors.
• Develop a professional network in the Twin Cities.