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Arts Institute for Creative Advancement

Please direct any program-related questions to
AICA Program Director, Natalie Pertz, at 202-655-2255.

The Arts Institute for Creative Advancement (AICA) is a paid 700-hour training and apprenticeship program that prepares young adults for careers as stagehands in professional theater and live entertainment. Designed for individuals ages 18–24 who have faced obstacles to a livable wage career path, the program provides the training, experience, and support needed to thrive as a stagehand in professional theater and other live entertainment.

AICA includes classroom training, lab activities, and practical hands-on apprenticeships with our partner theaters and other partner organizations. It is an “Earn While You Learn” program and student apprentices are paid $17.95 for every hour of training or apprenticeship with additional job placement support provided post-graduation.  

Apprentices must be available Monday - Friday from 12:30-6:30 pm from mid-January-April and have flexibility for evening and weekend work from May-August.  Job placement support and mentorship will continue through December 2026. 

Theatre tech offers opportunities to a high-wage, high demand career path. Our objective is to build-out a pipeline of skilled, prepared, and confident theater technicians to meet the growing demand of DC’s creative economy. As a strong advocate for equitable access to the arts, AICA encourages communities underrepresented in this sector to apply, including women, people of color, people with learning and other disabilities, and people from low-income households. Priority is given to applicants who live in DC.

No academic degree or prior experience is required. Ideal apprentices are hard-working and dependable; enjoy hands-on learning; want to work in a career that takes advantage of their curiosity and creativity, and enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves. 

If this describes you, we hope you'll apply!

AICA is committed to transforming the theater production industry by promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Questions: AICAapplications@yahoo.com