The Arts Institute for Creative Advancement

The Arts Institute for Creative Advancement

Technical theater is a high-demand field that includes production and stage management, trained stagehands & stage engineers make $20-$30 hour in DC and have consistent opportunities for employment at over 90 theatres and performance venues in town.  AICA is a 6 month long stagehand training & apprenticeship program primarily designed to train and serve young adults facing systemic economic, racial, educational, social and other barriers to high wage careers.

We hire some of the best industry DC professionals in lighting, audio, carpentry, to provide classroom learning, hands-on simulated training, & real world backstage apprenticeship experience to each of our student apprentices. Student apprentices will sit for USITT’s Basic Stagehand & Safety Exam, Audio Exam & Lighting Exam.  Apprentices will also have the opportunity to be trained through IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United Stages) for Union work. 

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.  Childcare and transportation stipends available. No degree or previous training required.  Job involves heavy lifting. Priority given to applicants who live in DC. 

Thank you for your interest in the Arts Institute for Creative Advancement. The admissions process for the incoming Class of 2026 is now open.