Arts Leadership Apprentices

Arts Leadership Apprentices

Get paid and earn college credit while building your skills, resume and professional network for a career in arts leadership.

Penfold Theatre offers this semester-long apprenticeship for undergraduate students. Apprentices work on real-word projects, develop their skills under guided mentorship, build their resume/portfolio and professional network, and receive tailored assistance to advance their unique career goals.

Who can apply

Undergraduate students entering their junior or senior year.

Areas of focus

Apprentices will develop a 360-degree perspective of a small professional theatre, including functions like nonprofit leadership, season planning, production and event planning, marketing, development, finance, human resources and general administration. While the broad scope of experience is intentional,  applicants are also encouraged to share their specific interests, so the apprenticeship may be tailored to their unique career goals.

Areas of focus

Students of Texas State University and Southwestern University may receive college credit for their apprenticeship. After being accepted, the student should find a faculty sponsor; complete a university application and contract; and enroll in the appropriate course.

If you are a student at another institution and would like to receive college credit, please contact Ryan Crowder at ryan@penfoldtheatre.org.

Additional compensation

In addition to course credit, apprentices are paid $10/hour.

How to apply

Apprentices for the 2024-25 school year have already been selected. Check back in January 2025 to apply for the 2025-26 school year.

“Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to work with Penfold. It was a great experience that I will forever remember!” -Arts Leadership Apprentice