A Free, Pre-Professional High School apprentice program for Students Grades 9-12

 

applications for the 2026-2027 SEASON
theatrewings program are now open! APPLY HERE

 

 

 
The TheatreWings Program is supported by the Fred and Joan Pittman Family Fund.

 

 
Why Do TheatreWings?

Charleston Stage TheatreWings High School Apprentice Program is designed to allow talented young people the opportunity to work directly with theatre professionals and gain first-hand experience in professional theatrical production. Students are given a sense of professionalism; the ability to follow through on commitments, plan time wisely and meet deadlines. As a result of their participation in the program, a number of TheatreWings apprentices have gone on to successful careers in various areas of theatre and have continued to pursue their interest and hone the valuable skills instilled through the program. This program is completely tuition free for eligible candidates.

Questions about theatrewings? Please contact our education offices at 843.225.3900 or email theatrewings coordinator caleb garner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

 

 

TheatreWings Mission:

 
TheatreWings’ core values are reflected in our mission and daily endeavor. We are dedicated to educating diverse high school students in rigorous programs that fully integrate their training with the operations of our professional theatre, which serves the cultural life of the region.  The program also recognizes and values diversity in all forms, including age, ethnicity, family structure, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, spirituality, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background. We believe inclusivity and diversity in our Programming should reflect the increasing multicultural and global society in which we live.

 

TheatreWings Vision:

 
TheatreWings is committed to the idea of inclusion as one of its core academic and artistic pillars. We construe inclusivity in the broadest possible terms, encompassing the equitable and fair treatment of all members of our community as well as a commitment to diversity not only with respect to traditional markers such as race, ethnicity, and gender but also to diversity of thought, experience, and outlook upon the world. The program is proud of its past achievements in this area and yet recognizes fully the need to build on those successes by exploring new and creative ways of enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
 
We also recognize that the professional arts landscape has changed considerably in recent decades, and that in order to remain accessible to our community, we must adapt accordingly. Part of that adaptation includes a willingness to explore ways in which our curriculum can become more inclusive in nature. In addition, TheatreWings also proposes strategies intended to spur critical thinking about our mission as an institution and about the means by which we can attain our broader goal of relevancy by enhancing our visibility as scholars, creative artists, and leaders in the field.

Our Values include:

• Teamwork
• Excellence
• Creativity
• Leadership
• Cooperation

 

 

Program Benefits 

TheatreWings students...

• Interact with other talented young people from different schools and communities.

• Work closely with Charleston Stage professional actors and production staff.

• Receive hands-on-training comparable to many college-level programs in performance (acting, singing, dancing), set/costume design, props, theatrical painting, lighting, sound design/production, and
 stage management.

• Obtain professional theatrical experience working backstage for season shows.

• Get free tickets to Charleston Stage Company productions.

• Acquire community service credits and/or school-to-career credits.

• Have the opportunity to request letters of recommendation for college applications.

• Work in the Dock Street Theatre, Charleston's most historic and beautiful theatre venue.

• Work on special topic/project opportunities.

 

 

Program Requirements 

Technical Theatre Classes
Apprentices will attend monthly classes in rotating technical theatre categories, including costumes, scenery, lights, sound, and stage management.

Production Opportunities
Apprentices will fulfill at least one crew position for a Charleston Stage production (Roughly 50-65 hours of rehearsals and performances).

Social Events
Apprentices will attend at least three (3) TheatreWings Social Events in the year.  Free social events occur monthly, and include events such as preview performances of all Charleston Stage mainstage productions, parties at the West Ashley Theatre Center, and excursions to local venues for non-theatrical events.

Communication
Apprentices are required to take charge of their own schedule and communications. In an effort to teach planning and communication skills, our primary form of communication will be directly through the student.

Time Commitment
TheatreWings can be a large time commitment, but we're here to work with you! We've revamped and reimagined the program to be an easier time commitment with more meaningful opportunities.

 
Our Costume Shop is located at 1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Suite 202 (A) in West Ashley. Our Scene Shop is located at 1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Suite 104. The rehearsal space is our West Ashley Theatre Center at 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., and performances are at the Dock Street Theatre at 135 Church Street in beautiful, historic downtown Charleston.

 

Questions about theatrewings? Please contact our education offices at 843.225.3900 or email theatrewings coordinator caleb garner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. 

 

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This project is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the South Carolina Arts Association.