GET STARTED: Fill out the 2025 interest form [HERE] by March 1 to receive latest updates on info sessions and audition sign-ups.
APPRENTICE FAQS
Fill out this interest form or email [email protected] by March 1 for access to required training materials and info sessions.
What makes OPS Fest different?
OPS Fest performs unrehearsed (“improv-ish”) Shakespeare plays using the same techniques that Shakespeare’s own actors would have used in the 16th & 17th centuries -- hence the “original practice.” However, we ditch the not-so-inclusive aspects of Elizabethan performance; we believe that Shakespeare is for everyone.
Every OPS performance is FREE, performed using techniques that engage the audience as active participants, and cast with gender- and race-conscious casting practices. Our company is 75% women/non-binary, 50% LGBTQIA+, 20% BIPOC, and 20% artists with disabilities . We believe that people are more important than art, and strive to create the changes we want to see in the theatre industry with policies that put the physical and emotional safety of our artists first.
Read more about the OPS Fest Company [here]
Every OPS performance is FREE, performed using techniques that engage the audience as active participants, and cast with gender- and race-conscious casting practices. Our company is 75% women/non-binary, 50% LGBTQIA+, 20% BIPOC, and 20% artists with disabilities . We believe that people are more important than art, and strive to create the changes we want to see in the theatre industry with policies that put the physical and emotional safety of our artists first.
Read more about the OPS Fest Company [here]
What is a tech apprenticeship like?
Tech Apprentices are not cast in acting roles during the season, so all of their scheduled performances are in tech crew & front-of-house roles. They are often assigned specific organizational projects, prop/costume repair tasks, and stage management shadowing. Tech apprentices work towards stepping into Assistant Stage Management shifts as the season progresses, and act as the Stage Manager(s) for the Apprentice Showcase. Tech apprentices are also encouraged to propose a personal project in a design/tech discipline of their choice.
Who can become an Apprentice?
Apprentices are college students, recent grads, or early career theatre professionals who are ready to fully immerse themselves in a hands-on season of Shakespeare training, performance, and technical theatre.
Our most successful Apprentices have been curious and dedicated individuals who are eager to try new techniques, build relationships with other artists, and share their own creativity. We look for strong performers/technicians who are ready to learn and incorporate new skills as well as become an engaged and supportive part of the company.
Our most successful Apprentices have been curious and dedicated individuals who are eager to try new techniques, build relationships with other artists, and share their own creativity. We look for strong performers/technicians who are ready to learn and incorporate new skills as well as become an engaged and supportive part of the company.
Where does OPS Fest perform?
We are based in Portland, Oregon, and perform on the current and ancestral lands of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Kalapuya, Atfalati, Cascades, Cowlitz, and Multnomah tribes. Most of our shows take place in public parks within the Portland metro area. We occasionally travel to perform (Nehalem, Hood River, McMinnville), and occasionally offer live-streamed online performances that are viewable from anywhere via the internet.
When does all this happen?
Our application and audition process starts in mid-February, with contract offers and casting occurring in mid-April/early May. Training for Apprentices begins the first week of June, and our performance season is mid-June through the end of August. We also hold the first two weekends of September for performances that need to be rescheduled due to heat, smoke, or other emergencies.
What is the time commitment?
The “OPS week” is Wednesday-Sunday afternoons & evenings. The week starts with a team meeting & training workshop on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons/evenings, followed by performances on Friday-Sunday evenings with a typical call time of 5pm. Occasionally a Thursday, Sunday, or matinee show may also be a part of the OPS week. During the height of our season, Apprentices are scheduled for 2-3 performances a week.
Apprentices also spend time independently preparing their roles, attending short zoom “text sessions,” in fight/song/dance rehearsals, and meeting as a group 2-3 times per month to assist with production tasks such as sending out press releases, organizing props/costumes/scripts, assisting with laundry, or managing sales inventory.
Most weeks are approximately 15-20 hrs/wk; the busiest OPS Apprentice weeks are about 20-25 hrs/wk. Travel time to & from performance sites can also extend this time commitment.
Apprentices also spend time independently preparing their roles, attending short zoom “text sessions,” in fight/song/dance rehearsals, and meeting as a group 2-3 times per month to assist with production tasks such as sending out press releases, organizing props/costumes/scripts, assisting with laundry, or managing sales inventory.
Most weeks are approximately 15-20 hrs/wk; the busiest OPS Apprentice weeks are about 20-25 hrs/wk. Travel time to & from performance sites can also extend this time commitment.
Is this a paid position?
Yes -- Apprentices receive a stipend ranging from approximately $600-$725, based on scheduled performances. If an Apprentice is acepted on a reduced-commitment basis, their stipend is prorated accordingly. Past Apprentices have also received grants from their college/university in support of their participation; talk to your career center to see if this option is offered at your school for apprenticeships/internships.
Will I be able to work a job along with the apprentice program?
Yes! It can be done. We strongly recommend that, if you are planning on keeping a job, that the job be part time and no more than 20-25 hours per week. Past Apprentices have successfully worked 20 hours per week without either the job or the program interfering with one another. However, you are still expected to commit to all program expectations, regardless of employment status.
Do I need to provide my own transportation?
Yes -- however, this does not necessarily mean that you will need to have access to a car. You are expected to arrive on time and prepared for all trainings, team meetings/work days, and performance calls. We have had apprentices in the past who have used public transportation and those who have used their own vehicles; both options have been effective. Carpooling with other Apprentices or company members has also become a common option in the past. We strongly recommend that Apprentices live within the Portland Metro area for the duration of the program.
What if I need to miss a performance?
If you know in advance that you will need to miss a performance, we can accommodate an absence. However, any shows that are missed will count as a "performance" in your 50:50 performer/crew split. Exceptions can be made for illness or emergencies -- people are more important than art, and we always want you to prioritize your safety.
What kinds of training will we receive?
Examples of past workshops include “Level 2” Text Work, Voice, Costuming, Stage Combat, Makeup Effects, Gender Presentation for Stage, Dialects, Improv, Career Panels, Physical Characterization, and more.
Why do an OPS Fest Apprenticeship?
Here’s what past Apprentices say --
“I felt extremely welcomed and encouraged by everyone that already had been in the company, and I also built some wonderful friendships with the A/I team as we all started our OPS journey together.”
“I appreciated how demanding each show was in terms of having to be fully present and having to really listen to everything and make bold, interesting choices. It was challenging, but I only grew from it.”
“[I learned] how to take ownership of my character in really tangible ways. I got to kind of be my own dramaturg and costume designer and director, and even in a normal show setting it's awesome to have that solid of a grasp on what the text gives me character-wise.”
“[OPS is] an incredibly welcoming, open and creative group that makes Shakespeare more accessible to audiences and so much more fun. OPS really brings the text to vivid life using historical performance techniques in a modern day context.”
“The OPS acting internship allows you to work with the company both as an actor and as part of the tech crew, easing you into the style and needs of the company. By the end of the season, you feel competent and empowered both on stage and off. It also connects you directly with other apprentices, asking you to collaborate and support one another as you learn the ropes!”
“This Apprenticeship is a lot of work, but you get to meet a bunch of incredibly talented artists from many walks of life. We breathe new life into Shakespeare's works due to our diverse company.”
“I felt extremely welcomed and encouraged by everyone that already had been in the company, and I also built some wonderful friendships with the A/I team as we all started our OPS journey together.”
“I appreciated how demanding each show was in terms of having to be fully present and having to really listen to everything and make bold, interesting choices. It was challenging, but I only grew from it.”
“[I learned] how to take ownership of my character in really tangible ways. I got to kind of be my own dramaturg and costume designer and director, and even in a normal show setting it's awesome to have that solid of a grasp on what the text gives me character-wise.”
“[OPS is] an incredibly welcoming, open and creative group that makes Shakespeare more accessible to audiences and so much more fun. OPS really brings the text to vivid life using historical performance techniques in a modern day context.”
“The OPS acting internship allows you to work with the company both as an actor and as part of the tech crew, easing you into the style and needs of the company. By the end of the season, you feel competent and empowered both on stage and off. It also connects you directly with other apprentices, asking you to collaborate and support one another as you learn the ropes!”
“This Apprenticeship is a lot of work, but you get to meet a bunch of incredibly talented artists from many walks of life. We breathe new life into Shakespeare's works due to our diverse company.”
How do I apply/audition?
Original Practice Shakespeare Festival practices a completely unique performance style and, as such, an introduction to that style is necessary before auditions. Here’s the breakdown:
- By March 1 -- Filll out the interest form [HERE] or AD for Education Sullivan Mackintosh (she/they) at [email protected] to get on our “interested” list. This ensures you get all further needed information.
- Early-Mid March -- Attend a free Original Practice "Level One" Workshop / Info Session, or if unavailable, request our introductory workshop video. Learn the basics of our approach to see if you’d like to give it a try yourself.
- March/April -- Sign up & attend at least 2-3 free evening/weekend “playgroups” -- opportunities to try out scenes with other applicants and current company members. We typically hold both zoom and in-person playgroups, and strongly recommend that applicants attend at least one in-person playgroup.
- By April 15 -- Submit your Apprentice Application Form [HERE]. You will need a headshot (non-professional is fine), resume, and contact information for a reference.
- Mid-late April -- Sign up & attend your audition: The audition will consist of a full unrehearsed performance of a Shakespeare play in the Original Practice style alongside other auditionees and current company members. An audition form (separate from your Apprentice application form) is also required. Top applicants will be asked to interview with the AD fpr Education and 1-2 other Company Members. Interviews are conducted over zoom.
What if I cannot attend the audition?
It is very important that you be able to attend the audition in person. If you absolutely cannot, and still wish to apply for the program, please contact Sullivan Mackintosh at [email protected] for alternative audition arrangements.