College Student Jobs

Educating the next generation of theater arts professionals is an integral part of SPARC’s mission. Our College Apprenticeship Program provides job-based training to some of the nation’s top aspiring artists.
I don’t know where I would be without Livermore Shakes (SPARC) … they connected me with faculty of the school that I was transferring to. And, from that school, I was able to audition for Oregon Shakespeare Festival where I am now spending another season.
It all started with Livermore Shakes.

Jeremy Gallardo
LSF Apprentice 2013, 2014, 2015
LSF Actor 2019

About the Program:

Who

SPARC seeks current and recently graduated college students for paid Apprenticeships in the following areas:

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS BEGINNING DECEMBER 2024

Past positions include:

  • Stage Management
  • Assistant Stage Management
  • Front of House/Concessions Management
  • Box Office Management
  • Sound Board Operator
  • Costume Assistants/Dressers

What

STAGE MANAGEMENT/ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGEMENT:

Apprentices will stage manage or assistant stage manage Twelfth Night. These apprentices work alongside professional directors and actors while receiving hands-on training and professional development. While there will be training provided, experience in stage management is preferred when applying.

Dates: Late May – Late August

Availability: Rehearsals take place in the afternoon/evening Tuesday-Friday and morning/afternoons on weekends. Performances are in the evenings of July and August, Thursday-Sunday.

 

COSTUME ASSISTANTS/DRESSERS:

Dressers are needed for fast-paced show with numerous quick changes. No experience required, but basic sewing skills are a plus.

Dates/Times: Evenings, Late June – August

 

SOUND BOARD OPERATOR:

Sound and Light Board Operators are needed. There will be a training session, but experience with sound or lighting equipment is preferred.

Dates/Times: Evenings, Late June – July

 

BOX OFFICE/FRONT OF HOUSE and CONCESSIONS MANAGERS:

Box Office/Front-of-House Manager needed for 2024 summer season. Duties include checking in/seating patrons, selling tickets before performances, managing our team of volunteer ushers, and stocking/selling concessions during intermission. Organizational skills a plus. No experience required!

Dates/Times: Evenings, Late June – End of July

 

All Apprentices Must Have the Following:

  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Insurance
  • Access to a Car

Some housing (in the homes of SPARC donors) is available for out-of-town Apprentices or students without summer housing.

Where

Rehearsals take place at SPARC Studio, our indoor studio space at 2172 Railroad Ave, Livermore, CA. Performances and tech are outdoors at Darcie Kent Vineyards, 7000 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA.

When

Summer 2025 dates vary by position but are between May and August.

Why

Former SPARC apprentices have moved on to positions with Oregon Shakespeare Festival, American Conservatory Theater, TheatreWorks, and are working artists in New York, Chicago, and LA, as well as throughout the Bay Area. Other former apprentices are running their own non-profit organizations or have become educators themselves. Several former apprentices took the skills they acquired with SPARC and now have successful careers in finance, biotech, and social services. Many of our college apprentices graduate our summer program and move on to pursue their MFAs with institutions such as Yale School of Drama, Boston Conservatory, University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), and The Old Globe/USD Graduate Theatre Program.

Students may receive college credit for their participation through their school, or University of the Pacific, College of the Pacific, Department of Art Media Performance & Design. Request information.

How

To be considered, please submit your resume, and three references to Education@SPARCtheater.org with APPRENTICE in the subject line. Accepting applications now. Selection is ongoing.