Start a lasting career in technical theatre.
Technical theatre professionals have high-demand job opportunities at 90+ theaters and venues in DC, earning an average of $20-$30/hr.
Launched in 2023, the Arts Institute for Creative Advancement (AICA) is a paid apprenticeship program that provides young adults ages 18-25 with the skills, experience, and support to thrive as professionals in technical theatre and other live entertainment.
What does technical theatre include?
Lighting • Carpentry • Audio Engineering • Scenic Painting • Props & Costuming • Stage Management and More
Program Benefits
The AICA provides intensive education, hands-on training, and direct work experience for young adults facing barriers to livable-wage careers, preparing them for employment as professional theatre technicians. Over 87% of AICA graduates to date have worked regularly in the DMV theatre and production scene.
Get Paid to Learn and Work
AICA offers paid job training at $18.40 per hour for ~30 hours/week. Apprentices are paid for every hour worked with us in classroom training or with one of our performing arts partners.
Train with DC Experts
AICA apprentices receive 700 hours of training and work in lighting, audio, carpentry, and more through classroom learning, onsite training, and mentorship from DC theatre professionals.
Access High-Wage Jobs
Earn valuable national certifications and union membership in technical theatre through IATSE (the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees).
“This apprenticeship made me realize that my creativity is not only a passion, but can also be a sustainable career.”
— AICA Apprentice, Class of 2025
Watch the AICA in Action
Admissions
Our mission is to provide a hands-on, creative career path in a high-demand industry for young adults who have encountered obstacles to livable wage employment. The AICA encourages individuals ages 18-25 from communities underrepresented in the technical theatre sector to apply, including:
Women
People of color
People with learning and other disabilities
People from low-income households.
No academic degree or prior experience is required. Priority is given to applicants who live in Washington DC.
Learn more about applying to the AICA below.
“Over half of our young part-time workforce comes from AICA graduates.”
— Jeffery Martin, Technical Director of Studio Theater
Partners
The AICA proudly brings together over 30 of the DMV region’s most respected theaters and arts institutions to provide our apprentices with high-quality training, career development, and opportunities for employment.
Explore More
Learn how to apply to the AICA and what the admissions process is like for applicants.
Read common questions about the AICA and how the program works.
Meet the founders and core team members behind the AICA.
For questions about applying to the AICA, send a message to:
Isabel Reiff
Admissions Coordinator
AICAapplications@yahoo.com
For general questions about the AICA, send a message to:
Natalie Pertz
AICA Program Director
natalie@arts-institute.org
The AICA is committed to transforming the technical theatre industry by promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Grant No. H421F240164, administered by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
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