Watch a video about our program from past apprentices!
Calling all youth (ages 14-22) interested in theatre and the performing arts!
Join our FREE Youth Apprenticeship Program for an unforgettable summer in the world of professional theatre. As part of a tight-knit cohort of apprentices, you’ll attend theatre workshops, be mentored by talented artists, gain experience on a professional production, make new friends, create and perform your own production, and enjoy a summer outdoors behind the scenes of professional theatre.
Be part of a professional production: You will team up with Odyssey’s Artistic Director Laurie Steven and our company of eight professional actors and production staff as they develop and perform a new play. You’ll learn about performance, stage management, writing, production, and front of house.
Take theatre workshops: Under the leadership of award-winning Ottawa theatre director, writer, actor, producer, and teacher Eleanor Crowder, you will take professional theatre workshops in performance, improvisation, writing, and more.
You’ll also join Mask Designer Clelia Scala for a one-week workshop to create and perform with theatre masks. You’ll make a face cast and mold, then sculpt and paint your own theatre mask. Laurie will help you learn to perform your characters with masks.
Create and perform: And, NEW this summer, we’re flipping the script – you will have the exciting opportunity to create a performance for a public audience as part of Odyssey’s arts showcase in Strathcona Park. Under Eleanor’s direction, you will create, rehearse and perform a short production of your own making.
APPRENTICE BENEFITS
The program is FREE and everyone who completes the program earns an honourarium.
As a Youth Apprentice, you will:
- Receive professional training & coaching
- Learn theatre skills in workshops (improvisation, masks, movement, etc.)
- Unlock your creativity
- Develop your acting skills
- Create a lasting network of professional artists
- Learn about studies and a career in theatre from working artists
- Build your self-confidence and team work
- Earn your community volunteer hours
- Earn a letter of reference
- Receive an honorarium ($400) upon completion of the program!
APPLY NOW!
Fill out our application form. Applications must be received by May 17, 2024. Space is limited.
SCHEDULE
Key dates for the 2024 Youth Apprenticeship program:
June 5-6 Introductions and auditions
June 26-28 Program introduction and orientation
July 24-25-26 Workshops to develop mythical characters
July 29–August 2 Mask-making and performance workshop
August 6 – 13 Workshops, rehearsals, park set-up
OFF (August 10 or 11 plus August 12)
August 14-16 Professional production rehearsals and performances
August 17-18 Apprentice show performances and Odyssey performance
August 19 Park strike
August 20 Career workshop and evaluation
Most dates are during the day. Evenings are required for August 14-17.
LOCATION
Workshops, rehearsals, and performances will generally take place outdoors in Strathcona Park. In the case of inclement weather, workshops and performances will be moved indoors to LabO at the University of Ottawa or Arts Court.
HERE’S WHAT PAST APPRENTICES SAID:
“An incredible opportunity for me as a young person in the arts to experience what it is like in a professional theatre. What I learned in this program, I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
“Odyssey Theatre’s Youth Program was such an amazing experience and has been a huge milestone in my career as an artist. Not only did it teach me valuable skills in all aspects of theatre but it also helped me to create relationships that I will have with me for the rest of my life. A summer with Odyssey will challenge you in every way but it’s a challenge that shows you what being a true artist is like. You’ll spend the summer learning, working hard, and having so much fun!”
“The acting workshop was a big highlight. We had so much fun together. Learning mask work, Commedia characters, stage combat, and clown really boost our confidence. Performing in front of the company at the end of the workshop was a great experience.”
“This workshop opened my eyes to what stage management really is and how hard the profession is, yet how exciting and fun it can be at the same time. The workshop was informative, exciting and fun, with tons of advice, hands-on activities, and chances to ask questions.”
“This experience has shown me an insider’s look at an actor’s life, a stage manager’s life, and a theatre technician’s life, all of which I have gained skills that will help me pursue a career in acting.”
“My favourite part of the apprenticeship has been the connection I have made and I love coming here every day.”
“Everyone at Odyssey treated the apprentices with such respect and gratitude. I always knew I was welcome and I never felt as if my work was underappreciated.”
Questions? Email us at office@odysseytheatre.ca.
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