Arsht Center Opens Doors to Career Opportunities Through Paid Technical Theater Apprenticeship
For young adults and career changers seeking a pathway into the performing arts industry, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is offering a transformative opportunity. Its Technical Theater Apprenticeship Program is a paid, three-year training initiative designed to introduce candidates—particularly those from historically marginalized communities—to professional careers in technical theater.
Applications open every April, with the next cohort beginning on June 8, 2026. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old by the start date and hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. No prior technical theater experience or college degree is required, making the program widely accessible to individuals eager to enter the field.
Throughout the three-year apprenticeship, participants gain hands-on experience working on major productions, including Broadway musicals, operas, music festivals, ballet performances, community events, and galas. Under the mentorship of seasoned industry professionals, apprentices become integral members of production teams, learning the technical processes that bring world-class performances to life.
The program offers more than technical training—it provides financial stability and long-term career prospects. Apprentices earn $15 per hour, work a minimum of 40 hours per week (including evenings and weekends depending on production schedules), and receive comprehensive benefits. These include full health coverage, life insurance, paid vacation time, paid sick leave, and opportunities to contribute to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Upon completion, apprentices may qualify to become Florida State Certified Stage Technicians and gain eligibility for membership in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). These credentials significantly expand professional opportunities at both local and national levels. Alumni of the program have pursued careers as event producers, technical directors, stage managers, lighting designers, set designers, carpenters, electrical engineers, and more.
In addition to technical instruction, the apprenticeship includes life-skills workshops focused on financial literacy, health education, résumé development, and professional growth—ensuring participants are prepared not only for backstage excellence but for sustainable career success.
For the South Florida community, this initiative represents more than workforce training; it is a powerful vehicle for economic mobility, industry access, and creative empowerment. By opening doors to high-demand technical careers in the arts, the Arsht Center is investing directly in the future of local talent and strengthening the cultural fabric of Miami-Dade.
With applications opening each April, the Technical Theater Apprenticeship Program stands as a remarkable opportunity for those ready to build a meaningful career behind the curtain.
How to Apply
Applications open every April. Interested candidates can learn more and apply online at:
👉 https://www.arshtcenter.org/education/apprenticeships/
Those who are not ready to apply this year can join the waiting list through the same page to receive updates when the next application cycle opens.
For additional information about the Technical Theater Apprenticeship Program, visit the Arsht Center’s official website or contact the Education & Community Engagement department directly through the application portal.
