OPSFest
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GET STARTED: Sign up for the Feb. 18 Workshop, or request our workshop video [HERE]

APPRENTICE PROGRAM

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Company Member Jesse Waddell poses with Apprentices Anica Schubert and Alexis Zmuda as they work the info table. Photo Credit: Tiffany Gilly
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Former Ops Apprentices/Interns Phoenix Cox, Minnie Knight, Mikayla Mattocks, Darius Haase, Amanda DeRego, and Isaac Ellingson.
In the first day alone, I learned more about performing Shakespeare than I ever have."

Jacob Orr, 2011 apprentice
OPS is a melting pot of some of the most talented and delightful artists I’ve ever met and had the privilege to train with and learn from. Even in a pandemic I consider this to be one of the most educational summers I’ve had thus far; I gained an even deeper appreciation for Shakespeare as well as a myriad of other skills that are useful for any artist!”"

Isaac Ellingson, 2020 apprentice
2025 Apprentices & Interns
Applications NOW OPEN.
Fill out this interest form by March 1 to receive further application instructions.

Apprentice Program Overview

Note: Because of our unconventional approach to Shakespearean performance, our application/audition process includes attendance at our introductory info sessions and workshops, which are scheduled starting early March. Think of it as free training! Please fill out the interest form above by March 1 to get started, or contact Sullivan at [email protected] with questions.

Elizabethan theatre companies had “apprentices,” or young performers who were training for the profession by working directly with a certain company.  In keeping with that tradition, Original Practice Shakespeare accepts a small group of 8-10 Apprentices each summer who train with the Company and work on shows alongside our professional theatre artists throughout the summer season. 

Each week from June-August, Apprentices attend training workshops, promote performances, assist with organizational tasks, work with our stage management team on setup and takedown of our tour, and take on both acting and crew roles in our professional outdoor shows. Apprentices end the season with a holistic understanding of how our company operates through hands-on experience. Many former Apprentices continue as company members in future seasons and even take on leadership roles. (Even one of our ADs started as an Apprentice!)
​

OPS Fest is one of the only companies in the world to rely primarily on authentic elements of Elizabethan performance to shape our season wile cultivating a culture of inclusion, and we seek to provide our Apprentice team with additional unique and valuable opportunities.
Eligibility:

We seek Apprentices who
-are current college or graduate students, or early career professionals
-reside in the Portland Metro Area
-are able to commit to a full summer season of outdoor training & performance
-are curious about Shakespeare and the unique acting style of Original Practice
-value an inclusive and accessible approach to classical performance
-are looking to build connections in the Portland theatre community
-embrace experiential learning opportunities



GET STARTED:  Fill out the 2025 interest form by 
 [HERE]

March 1 to receive latest updates on info sessions and audition signups.
apply now
Fill out this interest fom or email [email protected] by March 1 for access to required training materials and info sessions.
PROGRAM DETAILS
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FAQ

former apprentices

2024:
Erin Connelly
Sydney Gannon
Lilia Ireland
Casey James
Tea Johnson
Ali Parsons
Jazz Torian-Fass
2023:
Ioane Boshard
Taya Dixon
Lavinia Martin-Weber
Shae McCarty
Margot Wildman

2022:
Tori Boldt
Phoenix Cox
Amanda DeRego
Dominique Knight
Fenn MacDonald
Mikayla Mattocks
Nora Pearson
Rachel Peri
2021:
Riley Anna
Jaime Belden
Biz Bellows
Zeb Bodine
Emma Chang
Emmy Duckart
Ella Devito
Hannah Kelly
​Theo Levine
Zora Richardson
2020:
Sarah DeYoung
Isaac Ellingson
Amiee Hamilton
​Laura Hankins
Davis Mackintosh
M Montgomery
Ajai Tripathi
Olivia Wycoff
2019:
Jacob Alexander
Garrett Brown
Chloe Duckart​
Darius Haase
Ty Hendrix
Corey McEuin
Hannah Strawn


2018:
Kay Argens
​Tiffany Gilly
David Laidler
​Anica Schubert
Ricardo Vázquez
Alexis Zmuda
2017:
Kelsea Ashenbrenner
Elise Dixon
Megan Haynes
​Erin Kirkpatrick
Jonah Leidigh
Jurnee Neeko
Emma Whiteside
​
2016:
Jayde Ali Blackmar
Jessie Hirschhorn
Alec Lugo
Kira Marshall
Kailea Saplan
Rosalind Sullivan-Lovett
Evan Tait
2015:
Kallan Dana
Alexander Georgi
Samie Pfeifer
Lexie Quandt
Caleb Sohigian
Tara Spires
James Swinford
Blaine Vincent III

2014:
Jake Bisuut
Shannon Mastel
Madeline Shier
James Swinford
Blaine Vincent III




2013:
Natalie Gullo
Colin Kane
Elizabeth Romero
Jack Russell
Lauren Saville
James Swinford



2012:
Alwynn Accardi
Jacquelle Davis
Kenneth Sergienko
Tom Young

2011:
Amy Hakanson
Shawna Nordman
Jacob Orr
Matthew Sunderland
2010:
Hailey Bachrach
Galatea Swart
Ilana Walder-Biesanz
  • Home
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    • 2025 Season Chronological
    • Parks We Frequent
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    • Format
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  • Donate
    • Donors & Sponsors
  • Booking
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  • Join
    • Apprentice Program
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  • Education
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  • Contact
    • Staff & Board
    • Social Media