Career Programs
Program Mission
We are committed to training the next generation of creative, passionate arts professionals by building pathways to careers in the arts for candidates underrepresented in the field of arts administration.
Learn more about City Center’s history, mission, and programs here.
The 2023 – 2024 Administrative Apprenticeship Program application is now open through April 23, 2023.
Administrative Apprenticeships
Whether you are an early-career arts professional or beginning a career change, you can build your knowledge and experience in arts administration with an apprenticeship at City Center.
Receive on-the-job training and learn about the daily operations of a nonprofit performing arts center while working alongside experienced arts administrators.
Our nine-month program offers you plenty of hands-on learning opportunities in Dance Programming, Development, Education & Community Engagement, General Management, Marketing & Design and Production Management.
The program runs from September to May and includes paid training. Apprentices are paid $15 per hour for 24 hours a week. Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm. Weekly schedules vary by department. Need-based scholarships are available.
Creative Apprenticeships
Immerse yourself in the fast-paced production process of our Encores! musical theater series and work alongside renowned artists and professionals through City Center’s creative apprenticeship program.
Through these programs, apprentices will:
- Work directly with a department supervisor and colleagues
- Build a professional network, engage in career planning and expand their understanding of nonprofit structure under the guidance of a designated Mentor from another department
- Attend seminars with City Center staff and artists
- Participate in a three-day paid training
- Participate in City Center's staff initiatives, including anti-racism workshops, committees, and all-staff meetings
- Attend rehearsals and performances, when possible
- Complete a solo project in their area of focus
- Deliver a final group presentation to City Center staff
Qualified program candidates will possess:
- A compelling connection to the program’s mission and purpose
- Current authorization to work in the US
- A willingness to learn
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail
- The ability to take direction and work both independently and collaboratively
- Comfort with computer work and phone use
- Flexible availability that includes some nights and weekends
- Some previous experience or education in the field for which you apply
- Ability to carry 25 pounds
The application for the 2023 – 2024 Administrative Apprenticeship Program is now open.
Available positions include:
Dance Programming
The Dance Programming Apprentice will assist the programming team with the implementation of New York City Center’s dance season, including the 19th Annual Fall for Dance Festival. This will include assistance in maintaining artistic planning materials, updating and organizing programming documents, providing research support, and assisting with artist services.This apprenticeship will allow for an in-depth dive into the ever-changing and diverse needs of the annual programming process of a large New York cultural institution and is an opportunity to creatively and resourcefully solve problems while navigating a complex web with a variety of stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be proactive, flexible and detail-oriented. They should also have a passion for dance and an interest in learning more about the local, national, and international dance landscape.
Development
The Development Apprentice will be involved in all aspects of City Center’s fundraising activities, including membership, special events, and institutional giving. Through this program, the apprentice will gain familiarity with donor acquisition and stewardship, event management, grant writing, and database maintenance—all while experiencing the day-to-day operations of a premier nonprofit performing arts organization. The Development Apprentice will also have opportunities to interact with members through events, performances, or via the Membership Hotline, so comfort with people in-person or on the phone is a must. Strong writing and editing skills are highly encouraged. This apprenticeship is an ideal fit for someone who is interested in gaining a fundamental understanding of nonprofit fundraising and who wants to develop strategy, craft compelling appeals, and organize data to build a case for support.
Education & Community Engagement
The Education & Community Engagement Apprentice will work directly with the Education & Community Engagement department staff, teaching artist roster, and City Center school and community partners. Through this program, the apprentice will gain insight into administering arts education programs in New York City schools and communities. They will assist with researching potential partners, coordinating workshops and residencies, and planning for professional development workshops and community nights. Additional responsibilities include assisting with the development of Behind the Curtain guides, analyzing program evaluations, and preparing event materials. The apprentice will also assist in communication with schools, communities, and teaching artists, so comfort with phone and email communication is a must. This apprenticeship is an ideal fit for someone who enjoys collaborative work and is passionate about arts education and access initiatives. They should also be interested in generating creative and responsive educational materials, and learning more about building and sustaining partnerships with NYC schools and community organizations.
General Management
The General Management Apprentice will work directly with the General Management office supporting City Center's theater and dance programming. The General Management team is comprised of a General Manager, Assistant General Manager, and Company Manager, who work closely with artistic programming and the production department to provide administrative and logistical support for all City Center produced productions. General and Company Management areas of work include season planning, budgeting, contracting, hiring, payroll processing, accounts payable, reviewing marketing materials, assembling Playbill content, travel, housing, ticketing, special events, and company care. The General Management Apprentice will have the opportunity to assist with all of these areas and gain hands-on experience while actively supporting the City Center season. This apprenticeship is an ideal fit for someone with an interest in performing arts management, ready to engage in detail-oriented projects for both current and future productions.
Marketing & Design
The Marketing & Design Apprentice plays an active role in the department, assisting in our mission to drive awareness and demand for City Center presentations; build and steward the City Center brand; cultivate a large and loyal following that reflects the diversity of the City of New York; and create engaging initiatives and content that help attract younger and more diverse audiences. The apprenticeship will introduce the individual to the wide range of disciplines within marketing and communications, focusing specifically on creative graphic design. Applicants require a strong familiarity and interest in Adobe Creative Cloud programs (especially Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop) in order to create and edit text, images, and layouts for our marketing collateral. In addition, the apprentice will assist with audience development and outreach, email creation and tracking, production and artist research, press communications and events, advertising, and survey development and execution. This apprenticeship is a great position for someone who is a self-starter, detail-oriented, and interested in the latest marketing and design trends. They should also be passionate about musical theater and/or dance.
A design work sample should be included with application materials.
Production Management
The Production Management Apprentice will work directly with the Production Management team to oversee and support City Center productions and events in our mainstage theater. The apprentice will have the opportunity to experience all aspects of stage production, assist in the management of production and institutional scheduling, help coordinate physical needs for our mainstage theater and lobbies, and conduct general administrative duties within the Production Management department. The apprentice will also have ample opportunities to interact with top designers, stage managers, and Local One union stagehands, as well as access to production meetings and rehearsals. Candidates should expect to do a combination of office tasks and hands-on experience mounting large-scale productions and events. This apprenticeship is a great position for someone interested in the day-to-day operation of productions and collaborating across technical departments with a variety of people.
All apprentice positions are expected to demonstrate a passion for their department’s work while upholding City Center’s mission and our commitment to being an anti-racist organization.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: SUNDAY, APRIL 23 at 11:59 PM
Interested in learning more about the Administrative Apprenticeship Program before applying? Join us for a Virtual Information Session on either Thursday, March 23 or Wednesday, April 5 from 5:30 – 6:30pm. Attendees can expect to learn about the program’s structure, application process and hear directly from current City Center apprentices. Attendance at the information session is not required to apply for the program.
Register for the March 23 event
Register for the April 5 event
Have questions about how to craft your cover letters and resumes? Feel free to review this list of best practices and other tips and suggestions.
If you’d like to stay informed about City Center apprenticeship opportunities, please add your name to our email list.
Questions about the program? Email Education@NYCityCenter.org.