Production Apprentice

TEN THOUSAND THINGS PRODUCTION APPRENTICESHIP, 2025-2026 SEASON

Who We Are:

For over 30 years, Ten Thousand Things (TTT) Theater has awakened the creative spirit of audiences and artists by bringing essential and exceptional theater to people from all backgrounds and life experiences. TTT tours three productions per year in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota, bringing roughly half our performances for free to community partner sites, such as correctional facilities, elder care facilities, centers serving individuals with disabilities, and English-language learning centers. The other half we perform for the paying general public. Our shows are realized with all the lights on, in the round, with live music, minimal scenery, costumes, and props.

TTT Core Values:
• Theater is better when everyone is in the audience. Performing for audiences of all life experiences and backgrounds expands imagination and challenges us to create work that is honest, relevant, and representative.
• Artistic excellence drives our work. We combine rigor, skilled artists, and bold, universal stories to create the best work possible.
• Artists are our greatest asset. We value the tremendous talent and commitment of our artists and place them at the center of the work.
• Everyone belongs. We actively work to eliminate barriers to participation and cultivate equitable practices. Whether an audience member, artist, staff member, or volunteer, each person’s unique perspective is essential to the work.
• We choose joy. Challenging work is best met by an environment that allows for laughter, safety, play, and creativity.

Position:

We are seeking a Production Apprentice for a 10-month, part-time position (20 hours per week). Work is hybrid, with in-person presence required for some meetings, rehearsals, and performances.

Compensation:

$19.00/hour salary, plus $200/month toward health expenses, generous PTO and vacation policy, and employer-matched retirement plan.

Apprenticeship Dates:

This is a 10-month position. Dates are somewhat flexible, with ideal of August 18, 2025 –June 18, 2026.

Description:

This apprenticeship provides a well-rounded yet professional experience with hands-on learning opportunities across several areas, including stage management, production management, design, building, and operations. Our apprentice will work directly under the supervision of TTT’s Artistic Director, Caitlin Lowans; build relationships across TTT’s small staff; and experience mentorship opportunities with TTT’s Managing Director, Stephanie Thompson, as well as guest stage managers and designers.

Key Learning Areas:

Theater Production Across a Season Lifecycle: Contribute to the many processes involved with mounting a theater season from start to finish. Key associated responsibilities in this apprenticeship include:
• Participating in conversations about season selection
• Auditions
• Attending production meetings (typically Friday 4 pm)
• Attending select rehearsals (typically M–F 10 am-4 pm)
• Assisting designers with research, images, or executing builds
• Leading or assisting in troubleshooting issues as they arise, such as repairing sets, props, or costumes
• Coordinating and communicating needs between the Director, Stage Manager, and Production and Community Manager

Community Relations: Relationship building and coordination with community partner facilities are at the center of TTT’s production model. Key associated responsibilities in this apprenticeship include:
• Working with individual community partners to understand the specific possibilities and limitations of their performance spaces (e.g., correctional facilities, shelters, schools)
• Assisting with follow-up communication with community partners to collect responses to our programming

Theater Touring in Diverse Settings: All of TTT’s productions are toured. A typical week in productions might include consecutive days traveling to varied community partner sites, followed by weekend performances for the paying public at a local rented theater space. Key associated responsibilities in this apprenticeship include:
• Organizing the tour pack to find the most efficient way to load and unload sets, props, and costumes in and out of the touring van
• Assisting the Production and Community Manager in assessing and notating the load-in, safety, security, and other unique needs at each of our community partner locations

Union Compliance: TTT works with Actors Equity and United Scenic Artists contracts. Key associated responsibilities in this apprenticeship include:
• Assisting with navigating union negotiations contracts within a community-centered touring model.

Wide-Ranging Relationship Building: This apprenticeship offers numerous opportunities to connect with artists and theater staff, including beyond the scope of production tasks. Key associated responsibilities in this apprenticeship include:
• Participating in rehearsal and community performance processes
• Participating in weekly TTT staff meetings
• Participating in weekly production meetings (during rehearsal process)
• Participating in weekly check-ins with either the Artistic Director or Managing Director
• Meeting with TTT production artists as professional interests dictate
• Observing board committee meetings as available and as interest dictates.

Sample Apprentice Goals:
• Build a well-rounded and competitive resume in theater production
• Learn about and gain practical skills across the full production process embedded within a full season of productions
• Build relationships with a diversity of Twin Cities community organizations
• Build relationships with top Twin Cities theater professionals, including designers, stage managers, builders, musicians, and actors

Desired Qualifications and Attributes:
• Residing in the Twin Cities Metro and able to travel to a variety of locations in the metro area.
• Have a strong desire to learn about multiple areas of theater production
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging
• Cultural competency and the ability to work with stakeholders across differences
• Clear communication and organizational skills

Required Qualifications:
• Ability to pass background checks to enter schools and correctional facilities

TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]. Priority given to applications received by August 1, 2025.

Ten Thousand Things is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a culture of belonging. We work continually to evolve creatively and cultivate equitable practices, including in our hiring processes. We will consider all qualified applications without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, or disability.

We’d like to acknowledge that Ten Thousand Things Theater, based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, is located on the traditional land of the Dakota People; and we honor the Anishinaabe People of this land as well. We are guided by the original stewards of this land.

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