Calling all youth (ages 14–22) with a passion for theatre and the performing arts!
Odyssey Theatre is looking for youth aged 14–22 to join us as Youth Apprentices to perform, learn about the theatre production process and be part of our 2026 Theatre Under The Stars Production!
Note: Applications for the Summer 2026 program are now open. Applications close on Monday April 27, 2026.
Join us for an unforgettable summer in the world of professional theatre. As part of a tight-knit cohort, you’ll train, rehearse, learn about the professional theatre process either as performers, stage crew, production crew or front of house, working artists while gaining real experience on a live production.
This is a fast-paced, hands-on program. Apprentices are part of a working professional company and are expected to show up focused, committed, and ready to contribute every day. The schedule is full and the work is demanding, but for those who love theatre, it’s an exciting, rewarding, and genuinely fun experience.
Be part of a professional production
You will be mentored by Odyssey’s guest Director Eleanor Crowder and a team of professional actors and production staff as they develop and perform an all-new play. You’ll gain insight into performance, stage management, production, and the full process of bringing a show to life.
From July 2 until August 17, you’ll take part in a professional theatre production schedule including 6 days a week of rehearsals, tech week, performances and more.
Take theatre workshops
Led by award-winning theatre artists, apprentices take part in workshops in mask, Commedia dell’Arte, physical performance, collective creation, theatre production, and more.
APPRENTICE BENEFITS
The program is FREE, and all apprentices who complete the program will receive a $400 honorarium.
As a Youth Apprentice, you will:
• Receive professional training and coaching
• Learn theatre skills in workshops (improvisation, masks, movement, etc.)
• Develop acting and production skills through hands-on experience
• Mentored directly by professional artists
• Build confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills
• Create and perform original material
• Make meaningful connections with peers and mentors
• Learn about post-secondary pathways and careers in theatre
• Earn community volunteer hours and a letter of reference
• Receive an honorarium ($400) upon completion of the program
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for our Summer 2026 program are now open.
Apply online at: Click Here To Apply
Application deadline: Monday April 27, 2026
We will hold interviews and auditions from May 12-13, in the evenings, with call backs on May 14.
Questions / Issues Applying: Email us at office@odysseytheatre.ca
SCHEDULE
Tentative dates for the 2026 Youth Apprenticeship Program:
July 2 – July 11 Monday to Saturday (daytime)
• Orientation and welcome
• Movement training
• Production workshops
• Technical set-up
• Rehearsals
July 13 – July 22 Tuesday to Sunday (afternoon and evening)
• Rehearsals (some Mornings for rehearsals, schedule to come)
• Dress rehearsals
• Preview and Opening
July 23- August 16 Tuesday to Sunday (evenings + Sunday afternoon)
• Performances
• Acting workshops
• Youth performance
• Career session with artists
August 16-17 (daytime)
• Strike (take down)
• End-of-program celebration
LOCATION
Rehearsals, and performances will primarily take place outdoors in Strathcona Park.
In the case of inclement weather, activities will move indoors to LabO at the Univeristy of Ottawa or Arts Court
The workshops will take place indoors at LabO at the Univeristy of Ottawa
What Past Apprentices Have Said:
“An incredible opportunity…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…You’ll spend the summer learning, working hard and having so much fun!”
“Learning mask work, Commedia characters, stage combat and clown really boosted our confidence. Performing in front of the company at the end of the workshop was a great experience.”
“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, through 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 connections 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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