Artistic Direction Apprenticeship

The Artistic Direction Apprenticeship offers the opportunity to learn and develop the wide range of artistic and leadership skills necessary to work in the professional theatre. By working at Magic, a mid-sized theatre with a national reputation for new play development, the apprentice will have unique access to artistic and management leadership. Magic is large enough to allow the apprentice to work with top professionals in the Bay Area and the nation and, at the same time, small enough that an apprentice will have an integral and hands-on role in the day-to-day work of the theatre. Magic is a fast-paced, exciting, and fluid work environment, and the Artistic Direction Apprentice must seek and thrive in that kind of situation.

The apprentice reports to and is mentored by Artistic Director Loretta Greco while working closely with General Manager Peter Yonka and other departments.

Responsibilities include:

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: participate fully in all activities involved in developing and producing new work; participate in Artistic staff meetings and season planning; organize and maintain the administrative side of the Artistic office; read plays and participate in Literary Committee meetings; cover the Bay Area theatre scene; assist the producer and assistant producer of the Virgin Play Series; participate in local casting; assist in coordination of the docent program; serve as resident producer for selected second stage events.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: work directly with top Bay Area and national directors such as Trip Cullman, Daniella Topol, Katie Pearl, Rob Melrose, Robert O’Hara, and Loretta Greco. While each director uses his or her assistant director in a unique way, assisting usually includes some combination of observing rehearsals, working with actors on lines, providing support to stage management, participating in design meetings and note sessions, and serving as an artistic voice for the production in development events and pre- and post-play discussions with the audience. The Artistic Direction Apprentice will serve as an assistant director on at least one Magic Theatre show.

DRAMATURGY AND AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: provide support and content for contextual events around main stage and new play fest programming; serve as a marketing brain trust with Artistic staff; help run and participate in Thursday evening 360 programs (pre- and post-show discussions) and Friday evening Talkbacks; contribute to Magic blog; participate in postering and other public awareness efforts.

Specific Requirements

• In addition to the general requirements for all Magic Theatre interns, the Artistic Direction Apprentice should hold a bachelor’s degree in a theatre-related field and/or professional theatre experience. Excellent collaborative, analytical, and writing skills are required.