What is the Theatre Technology Apprentice Program (TTAP®)?
TTAP is a two-year program designed for high school & early college students. Apprentices are given comprehensive insight into the technical careers of the entertainment industry through a blend of classroom and hands-on shop training. Apprentices work alongside master craftsmen and professionals to develop a cross-disciplinary foundation and focused training. Through TTAP, apprentices create outstanding production values and acquire the skills that make them competitive in the entertainment industry.
Who can apply to become an apprentice?
Current high school juniors & seniors
Current college students
Recent high school graduates within 12 months of their graduation date
Recent college graduates within 12 months of their graduation date
This list includes students who have completed high school or their GED and do not wish to enroll in a college or university. TTAP no longer requires students to be enrolled in a specific college program.
What is my investment as an apprentice?
Apprentices attend classes & workshops taught by industry professionals on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. These days are also reserved for visits to other arts organizations. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons are spent working & learning alongside OCP professionals in the areas assigned.
Apprentices also select backstage crews to join in four of our productions each season. High schoolers may substitute two of the four for productions at their high school. Additionally, apprentices are required to assist with the strike of A Christmas Carol.
TTAP requires a specific set of tools that are used during your time with us and beyond.
TTAP follows the school calendar year with additional & optional time spent during the summer months.
As a junior (1st year) apprentice, you will choose three areas to explore under the guide of seasoned craftsmen. You will spend 8 – 10 weeks in each area. As your interests and skills develop, you will choose two areas to develop further, spending 10 – 12 weeks in each. At the end of year one, you will be prepared to apply for an apprenticeship in a specific area of concentration. As a senior apprentice, you will develop a very specific skill set in your selected area while working on various shows in the OCP season. TTAP offers the best of both worlds: a well-rounded survey of the technical field as well as focused, applicable education.
Benefits & Outcomes of TTAP
Practical education led by OCP’s staff & artists that is put into practice from day-one
Valuable experience by working side by side with industry professionals in a hands-on environment
Real job experience to detail on your résumé
Stage Credits in design, stage management, and assistant positions for our SHFTA productions
References useful in applying for employment
Assistance in creating a résumé and portfolio of work
A network of professional contacts to provide job search leads
Potential partial reimbursement for the purchase of required tools & gear
Certificate of Completion from the Omaha Community Playhouse
After completing the program, you may apply for an entry-level position as a theatre technician and gain work experience toward union journeyman eligibility. Entertainment is an expansive career field; the possibilities reach beyond the theatre. With a background in technical theatre, the positions and venues are endless.
Testimonials
See what our TTAP alumni have to say about their experience with the program and how it impacted their careers!
“I came to The Technical Theatre Apprenticeship Program directly out of high school, taking classes at MCC while getting hands-on instruction at the Omaha Community Playhouse. I got to build the sets, focus the lights and run the productions all while under the guidance of a team of amazing professionals. As a direct result of my work there, I learned many of the skills and self-discipline that I still use today and especially at Cirque du Soleil.”
John Gruber, stage manager, Cirque du Soleil
“The apprenticeship program was the kick start to my career. It helped me get my first job and get into one of the best colleges in the country. The program made me realize that I could in fact have a career doing what I love and how lucky I am that I get to live that everyday. On top of a great program, I have always felt the Playhouse was my home and everyone there is part of that family. I am so grateful for the apprenticeship program every day!”
Kaylan Paisley, hair & wig supervisor, Anastasia on Broadway
“As a production manager for a professional ballet company, I believe that the Theater Technology Apprenticeship Program has played a big part in getting me to where I am today. The skills and training that I received while in the program have proven to be invaluable, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”
Lance Glenn, production manager, Ballet Nebraska
“The Technical Theatre Apprenticeship Program at the Omaha Community Playhouse was a life changing experience for me. I went into the TTAP as a rookie technician and came out as a well-developed and overall knowledgeable worker in the technical theatre industry. The staff at OCP are very intelligent and willing to teach everything they know to their students with hands-on experience. With the TTAP, you spend just the right amount of time in the classroom to gain the basic information you need and then even more time in the different departments working on actual productions with quality teachers. Since the TTAP, I have been able to find jobs in the industry and made some of the best networking connections that you can have.”
Jamie Fields, freelance artist, Minneapolis, MN
More Information
For more information, contact the Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Director by email at ttap@omahaplayhouse.com
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