Youth Apprenticeship Program
Calling all youth (ages 14-22) with a passion for theatre and the performing arts!
Join our free Youth Apprenticeship Program for an unforgettable summer. You’ll gain experience in a professional production, attend theatre workshops, be mentored by talented artists, make new friends and go behind the scenes of a professional theatre.
You can earn volunteer hours, an honorarium of $400 and request a letter of reference.
Applications for the summer 2025 season will open on Monday, April 7. We will accept applications until April 30th. We’ll notify successful applicants on May 16, 2025.
Schedule
The program runs from July 2 to August 18, 2025. Some evenings and weekends will be required. Check back in early April for the full schedule.
Location
Workshops, rehearsals, and performances will take place outdoors in Strathcona Park, 25 Range Road, Ottawa. In the case of rain, we will move indoors to the University of Ottawa’s LabO, 60 Waller Street, Ottawa.
Program
Over 7 weeks, you will:
- Assist with rehearsals and performances of Odyssey’s outdoor summer production and learn from our director, stage manager, designers and actors;
- Gain experience in stage management, production, lighting acting, and/or front of house management.
- Take workshops with professional artists in performance, creation and theatre production.
- Create your own show to present to family, friends, and artists, under the direction of award-winning theatre artist Eleanor Crowder.
- Join a career session where you can ask working artists about studies, auditions, training and careers in theatre.
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? Please send us an email.
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