Successfully piloted in January 2023, the Arts Institute for Creative Advancement (AICA) is a workforce development program in technical theater.  AICA is an outgrowth of efforts by member non-profits of the DC Arts Education Alliance to expand programming for youth after the pandemic.  AICA brings together the considerable demand for technical theater professionals post pandemic, the over 90 theaters and performance venues in D.C., and youth whose lives were upended during the pandemic.  AICA is an Earn While You Learn program for young adults (ages 18-24) many of whom have encountered significant obstacles to a career path. Participants are paid $17.50 /hr. for every hour in the classroom as well as every hour of apprenticing in theaters. Between January and June 2025, apprentices will receive 700 hours of paid apprenticeships and related technical instruction preparing them to hang and focus lights, run sound systems, serve as scenic carpenters and painters, and more. The program meets 30 hours/week for 24 weeks with ongoing mentorship and job placement assistance. 

Learn more and apply

The application deadline for the class of 2025 has passed however, late applications will be considered on a space available basis.

Please direct any program-related questions to AICA
Program Director, Natalie Pertz, at 202-655-2255.