THE BACKSTAGE CENTRE TECHNICAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
About the program
Welcome to SIA’s Backstage Centre Technical Apprenticeship Program (BCTAP)!!
The BCTAP is designed to provide youth with paid skills development and hands-on training for those who are interested in building careers in the production industry. From theatre, to film, to event management, this program will pair youth with practicing industry professionals during an SIA production or event in our theatre season.
SIA is committed to supporting the next generation of production creatives. So, if you’re between the ages of 15 to 30, interested in learning more about the creative production and events industry, plus looking for some paid hands-on experience- look no further!! Apply for the Backstage Centre Technical Apprenticeship Program (BCTA).
This program prioritizes applicants identifying as newcomers, BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, and folks who live in priority neighbourhoods in northwest Toronto (South of Steeles, West of Dufferin, North of St. Clair, East of Kipling)*.
*Please note that these boundaries are loose. If you live in the vicinity within these boundaries and you’re interested in applying, please email us at bctap@shakespeareinaction.org to check in.
- Development in production skill sets
- Building meaningful relationships and professional networks
- Contributing to the ever-growing arts ecology in the York-South Weston area, and the Toronto theatre community as a whole
Successful participants will shadow technical positions, such as:
- Sound Design
- Lighting Design
- Directing
- Producing
- Production Management
- Volunteer Coordination
- and More
All BCTAP participants must be available for orientation, and will be expected to attend training sessions.
Each season, SIA welcomes two cohorts of 10 new youth for each professional production, pairing them with practicing industry mentors. The first cohort of BCTAP will begin their mentorship in August 2022, and the second cohort will begin their mentorship in November 2022. BCTAP apprentices each receive an honorarium of $750 for their apprenticeship as part of the program. Additionally, SIA has a dedicated Accessibility Fund to support individual needs of apprentices, on a case-by-case basis, which may include transportation or child care.
The BCTAP mentorships will take place in the York-South Weston neighbourhood area, with the Artscape Weston Common acting as a main in-person contact point. Please note that depending on the production, mentees may gain experience either in an outdoor summer production or indoor production.
Those interested in joining the BCTAP, are asked to fill out the following Google Form
Alternatively, folks can also email bctap@shakespeareinaction.org with the subject heading BCTAP Submission, with a letter or video of interest, and a resume.
All applications will be reviewed by the BCTAP’s Program Coordinator, as well as the Artistic Director and/ or the Managing Producer. We send a hearty thanks to everyone who applies!! Please know we will follow up with everyone who applied- either way- of your application status.
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