The world of commercial theatre has been known to be disorienting, daunting, and hard to break into . . . until now. If you are a college student or early career professional with an interest in commercial theatre—whether that be theatre administration, theatre public relations, or even being beneath the bright lights yourself as a performer—be sure to mark October 18th on your calendar.
You have from now until then to apply for a VIP pass into the theatre industry: the BAA-BTC regional apprenticeship program.
This nationwide apprenticeship will take you behind-the-scenes, teaching you everything you need to know about the world of commercial theatre. It will take place over 14 weeks in the spring of 2025 in one of BAA’s offices, located in New York City, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Louisville, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and of course, our very own Ottawa.
Broadway Across America (BAA) presents this opportunity alongside the John Gore Organization and Black Theatre Coalition (BTC).
This intensive, educational, and paid program will treat its apprentices to in-depth teachings led by touring industry insiders. The apprenticeship aims to make commercial theatre careers more accessible to underrepresented groups and provide aspiring theatre professionals with mentorship from those within the industry. Apprentices will leave the program with a firm grasp of the inner workings of the Broadway world, having been educated on subjects such as presenting, ticketing, marketing, and theatre operations.
BTC, a partner of BAA, strives to increase involvement for those who have been historically underrepresented in American theatre. T. Oliver Reid and Warren Adams, co-founders of BTC, said that “this program provides crucial, hands-on experience for those usually left out of the conversation and helps ensure that the future of American theatre reflects the diversity of its artists and audiences.”
The end of the program will include a trip to New York City, where apprentices will have access to the world’s largest network of commercial theatre experts. Being a BAA-BTC apprentice will give you a backstage pass to the hidden world of theatre artists and Broadway touring professionals, affording you the opportunity to ask them your career questions and join their vast web of contacts. And, of course, you’ll get to see tons of Broadway shows, too!
“Everyone at Broadway Across America and the John Gore Organization is very happy to be launching applications for the fourth year of this program,” said John Gore Organization President Lauren Reid. “We have seen many brilliant early career professionals enter our industry after completing the apprenticeship, and we can’t wait to welcome a new cohort of Apprentices to the program. We are proud to partner with BTC to create more pathways for the future workforce of the theatre community.”
BAA-BTC Regional Apprenticeship alumni have gone on to work at Tony Awards Productions, Foresight Theatrical, Daryl Roth Productions, Disney Yellow Shoes, Broadway Across America, and more.
A theatre-related degree is not necessary to be accepted as a BAA-BTC apprentice: students pursuing arts administration, business administration, marketing, communications, finance, accounting, human resources, pre-law, arts operations, and other commercial arts-related studies are welcome to apply.
Interested applicants can find the application form and more information at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/apprenticeship. Applications are being accepted through October 18th.
Photo: iStock
