About

Definition’s By Design Apprenticeship program is a pre-professional opportunity created for high-school students from Chicago's South and West sides to receive a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at how a professional theatre runs. Apprentices will select one discipline of theatre-making to explore and collaborate with/shadow a member of the production team working in that discipline. Apprentices follow the process from the idea phase to execution. With one-on-one mentorship with designers and other creatives, each student gets an exclusive look at the team's approach and collaboration process to making socially relevant theatre. 

The By Design Apprenticeship is a season-long (~4-month) opportunity crafted for students to gain hands-on experience in theatrical design, production, and administration. Apprentices will complete a series of masterclasses and workshops to learn about the company and upcoming season, then partner with a production team or staff member to collaborate and learn how to build a production from start to finish. 

By Design aims to empower aspiring theatre professionals who don't have major access to the arts and cultivate the next generation of theater innovators through providing mentorship, skill-building workshops, and direct involvement in the creative process of live theater. All positions are directy supervised and mentored by Civic Engagement Director, Willow James.

Apprenticeships are typically hosted with the following departments:

• Sound Design

• Costume Design

• Props Design

• Lighting Design

• Stage Management

Applications

2025 Season: Applications for the 2025 season are currently open through February 28, 2025.

2026 Season: Applicatoins for the 2026 season will open on November 1, 2025.

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

Eligibility

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

• Be at least 14 years old by the start of the program.

• Be able to commit to a 4-month 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.

• Carefully read through the instructions and submit a thoughtfully completed application.

Compensation

Pay: $1000/production

Additional Perks: Professional development + networking opportunities and free tickets to Definition productions.