Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • Launched in 2023, the Arts Institute for Creative Advancement (AICA) is a year-long paid apprenticeship program that seeks to help young adults who have faced barriers to livable wage employment to establish careers as professional theatre technicians. In the process, the AICA addresses the labor shortage in theatre production and diversifies the field.

    The AICA provides its apprentices with intensive education, hands-on training, and direct work experience to help them prepare for long-term employment in the field.

  • The AICA is an initiative by the DC Arts Education Alliance and is co-led by The Theatre Lab, Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, and Life Pieces To Masterpieces. We also engage a network of over 30 theaters, production companies, and venues in the DMV region. Learn more about our partners here.

  • The majority of AICA classes are held at The Theatre Lab, located at 900 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20001. Additional programming takes place at theaters and other venues in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. 

Program Experience

  • The Arts Institute for Creative Advancement is an 8-month training program that runs from January through August, culminating in graduation, followed by 4 months of career counseling, mentorship, and support from September through December.

    January – March:  Classes will be held Monday through Friday from 12:30pm to 6:30pm at The Theatre Lab. This will be classroom instruction and training as well as preparation and testing for certifications (including Union training). 30 hours a week paid at the current minimum wage.

    March: Students will have “first apprenticeships’ working at theaters and other venues in DC. Hours may include evenings and weekends.  In February we will work with each of you individually to create the apprenticeship calendar for the remainder of the year so you will know your schedule and be able to plan. 30 hours a week paid; variable schedule depending upon mix of work and classes at The Theatre Lab and apprenticeships at other locations.

    April – August:  Mentorship, job placement assistance, preparation of resume/portfolio for a showcase. 30 hours a week paid:  variable schedule depending upon mix of work and apprenticeships;  Hours will depend upon apprentices making themselves available for specific assignments and successful completion of work.

    August – December: Ongoing career counseling, mentorship, and job placement assistance.

  • Yes.  The apprenticeships at theaters and other live entertainment venues is intended provide onsite job training, practice skills, and introduce apprentices to these venues for employment opportunities.

  • Regular attendance is critical to development and success in the program. It is your responsibility to attend all of your classes, labs, and other activities regularly.  You are expected to arrive on time, be prepared for the events of each day, and participate actively in discussions and activities. In case of absence due to illness or emergency, you are required to notify your instructor in advance or as soon as possible. Please send an email to the Program Director and anyone else involved in the activities for the day (ex:  your course instructor, your site supervisor if you are on assignment at a carpentry and fabrication shop, local theatre, concert / event venue, etc.)  Excessive absences and/or lack of professional communication regarding tardiness or absences may result in probationary status and/or separation or dismissal from the institute. Any concerns or questions about your attendance should be discussed with the AICA Program Director.

Admissions

  • Applications are submitted through an online form. Generally, applications for the next year’s program are released around late July or early August. For more information on applying, please go to our Admissions page.

  • Applications are generally due on or around September 30. Please refer to our Admissions page for the latest information on application deadlines.

  • First, an online application is submitted to the AICA. Then, you will be contacted to schedule a brief virtual interview with us, followed by an in-person interview and site visit.

    After these steps, the AICA will contact you to confirm the final status of your application.

    For more information, visit our Admissions page.

Eligibility Requirements

  • DC residence is a priority in large part because of requirements from our funders.  We will look at applications from Maryland and Virginia residents but they will be considered based on openings after consideration of DC residents.   

  • No.

  • You must be between 18 and 25 on January 1. 

Questions

  • For questions about applying to the AICA, please contact Isabel Reiff, Admissions Coordinator, at AICAapplications@yahoo.com.

    For general questions about the AICA, please contact Natalie Pertz, AICA Program Director, at natalie@arts-institute.org.

The AICA is committed to transforming the technical theatre industry by supporting emerging artists and promoting inclusivity.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Grant No. H421F240164, administered by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The contents of this website were developed under grant H421F240164 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this website may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this website does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed, or materials provided by any Federal agency (EDGAR 75.620).