2026 By Design Student Apprenticeship

  • Contract / Stipend
  • Internship / Apprenticeship
  • Hyde Park, Chicago
  • November 1, 2025

Website Definition Theatre

#stayinit

About
Definition’s By Design Apprenticeship is a pre-professional program designed for high school and college students to explore their creative passions and gain an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how a professional theater operates. Supervised and supported by Definition’s Civic Engagement Director, the By Design Apprenticeship is targeted to aspiring theatre professionals who do not have major access to the arts in hopes of cultivating the next generation of theater innovators.

Over a full season, apprentices participate in hands-on workshops to learn about the company and then collaborate with a production team or staff members on 2026 productions, helping bring a show to life from start to finish. This apprenticeship supports aspiring theater professionals—especially those with limited access to the arts—by cultivating the next generation of theater innovators.

For any questions or general inquiries contact willow@definitiontheatre.org.

Apprenticeship Disciplines

  • Scenic Design
  • Sound Design
  • Costume Design
  • Props Design
  • Lighting Design
  • Stage Management
  • Dramaturgy

Apprentice Eligibility
To be eligible for any By Design Apprenticeship, applicants must:

  • Be at least 14 by the start of the program.
  • Be able to commit to the full program.
  • Reside in, or be able to relocate to, Chicago.
  • Have a strong desire to work in one of the departments offered for the Apprenticeship and express this interest in the application.

Compensation & Perks
Apprentices who successfully complete their required responsibilities receive $2,000 work stipend. Most apprentices work on two productions per season and our annual Amplify New Play Festival. Additional benefits include professional development, networking opportunities, and complimentary tickets to Definition Theatre productions.

Instructions to Apply:

Learn more and apply at definitiontheatre.org/bydesign

To apply for this job please visit www.definitiontheatre.org.

Pay Rate/Range*: $2,000
Organization Address: 1160 E 55th St. Chicago IL
Organization Contact Name: Willow James
Organization Email Contact: willow@definitiontheatre.org