Learn more about our Acting Apprenticeships & Production Internships
The following are unique aspects of working at New Swan that will enrich one’s professional training:
Rehearsing, producing, and performing two professional shows in rotating repertoire
Two long-running classical productions in 7 weeks of rotating performances
Performing in an outdoor venue where the elements and nature play a large role in our operations
A work environment that encourages initiative, leadership, and open communication
One-on-one mentorship and the ability to explore other areas of interest within the theater industry
Acting apprentices performing on the New Swan stage
Acting Apprenticeship Program
Our Apprenticeship Program launched in 2024. Every summer we welcome 6 to 8 early-career professionals of any age seeking professional level experience. The ideal candidate must have a strong background and interest in acting and a genuine curiosity for other areas of theater production and/or theater leadership, such as: hair/makeup, lighting, audio, wardrobe, properties, run-crew, media, development, patron relations, etc. Apprentices will be cast within our season, be assigned understudy tracks, and receive opportunities to learn from other areas of theater that match their interest.
What’s the application process?
You must first submit an audition for our summer season – access to the audition form can be found on our home page from October / November. You can also contact our team to be added to our distribution list so you are notified when our audition window opens.
2027 SUMMER DEADLINE: November 8th, 2026
COMMITMENT DATES: May 30, 2027 – August 30, 2027
As with any audition, some of those who audition will be asked to join us for callbacks. After callbacks, New Swan leadership will contact those interested in joining us as apprentices and we’ll discuss the casting, understudy, and shadowing assignments for our season. After this initial meeting, an official offer will be sent out to apprentices.
What are the benefits of being an Apprentice?
Apprentices will experience rehearsing and performing with seasoned acting professionals and receive optional training in production and operations. Apprentices can also participate in performance & technical workshops led by New Swan artists & technicians, such as:
“Fight Choreography”, “Comedy for the Classics”, “Developing of New Work”, “Script Analysis”, “Directing the Classics”, “Movement”, “Voice Acting”, “Auditioning Workshops”, “Who is a Producer?”, and others.
As part of the Apprenticeship Program at New Swan, participants will also receive:
- Professional headshots and/or a creative photoshoot to strengthen their brand (for samples of this work visit our Instagram page)
- One-on-one branding coaching, in preparation for building websites & portfolios
- A stipend of $1,000 to assist with the costs of travel, parking, and meals
For more information, feel free to contact us!
Production Internship Program
Each summer we welcome 8 to 16 early-career professionals of any age seeking professional level experience in the following areas:
- Stage Management & Special Events Management
- Media & Patron Relations (Photography, Design & Coordination)
- Lighting Design / Programming / Electrics
- Sound Design / Programming
- Wardrobe / Hair & Makeup
- Properties
Interns are welcomed as part of our production and operations team, receiving mentoring adaptable to their level of experience.
What’s the application process?
You must send the following documents listed below to our creative producer & education supervisor, Jesús López Vargas (jesus.lv@uci.edu):
2027 SUMMER DEADLINE: December 20th, 2026
COMMITMENT DATES: May 30, 2027 – August 30, 2027
- A short cover letter sharing your areas of interest and current experience level. Also let us know why you are interested specifically in New Swan
- A copy of most current resume or CV
- 3 – 5 professional or educational references
- A portfolio of your work (if available.)
Once we review your documents, we’ll schedule a short interview to meet and discuss available opportunities for you. Note that opportunities and number of internships available per area shift each year, depending on budgets and show needs – we do not offer a position if substantial opportunity to learn isn’t available. We do our best to fill all our production internship positions by April every year.
On top of professional experience and mentorship in their field, interns also receive the following:
- A stipend of $1,000 – $3,000 (depending on time commitment, as each position varies) to assist with the costs of travel, parking, and meals.
- If requested, one-on-one branding coaching in the designing and building of websites & portfolios
Fun fact: all the amazing team members on the picture to the right started as interns in 2024 or 2025, and 6 of them moved up to staff positions in future summers, or joined us on stage as acting apprentices.
2025 Interns in Action!
ft. Nanami Y., Kate S., Kiya S., and Sarah H. (above)
ft. Isabel T., Annie M., Lala U., Allie R., Fiona F., Kiya S., Bell H., Cassie N. & Nanami Y. (below)
