Apprenticeship Program

The Apprenticeship Program is a unique experience for Venice High School juniors and seniors to earn a wage and valuable skills while working on professional performances that come through the Venice Performing Arts Center. Apprentices are given the opportunity to work hands-on with industry professionals in all areas of the performing arts including lighting, rigging, sound, front of house, box office, and hospitality. These on-the-job skills are supplemented through one-on-one training via masterclasses and workshops.

Apprentices are required to submit an application and interview for a position in the apprenticeship program. Once chosen, apprentices must commit to 16 hours of initial training, working on at least one professional performance a month, and attending a monthly apprentice class and continuing training workshop.

This program teaches students not only valuable trade skills but also life skills including creativity, communication, collaboration, project management, critical thinking, and empathy. Students who have graduated from this program have gone on to work for the stagehands union, IATSE, work as managers for local bands, and come back to join the VIPA staff. Students have also gone on to study both performing and non-performing arts degrees at the university level.

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