ARTS INSTITUTE FOR CREATIVE ADVANCEMENT: 2024 PROGRAM FAQ’s

1. What is the location for the program?

The majority of your classes will be at The Theatre Lab located at 900 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001 Nearest Metro stations:  2 blocks from Gallery Place Metro on the Red Line and Mt. Vernon Sq on the Yellow line.  Additional programming will take place at theatres and other venues in DC and nearby Maryland and Virginia. 

2.  What are the days and times for the programming? 

The Arts Institute for Creative Advancement is a 6 month training program that runs from January - June with optional extended support through December and broken down as follows:

January 8 - March 1 : Classes will be held Monday through Friday from 12:30pm to 6:30pm at The Theatre Lab. This will be classroom instruction and training as well as preparation and testing for certifications (including Union training). 30 hours a week paid $17/hr.

March 4 - March 29: Students will have “first apprenticeships’ working at theaters and other venues in DC.  Hours may include evenings and weekends.  In February we will work with each of you individually to create the apprenticeship calendar for the remainder of the year so you will know your schedule and be able to plan. 30 hours a week paid; variable schedule depending upon mix of work and classes at Theatre Lab and apprenticeships at other locations.

April 1 – June 14: Mentorship, job placement assistance, preparation of resume/portfolio for the Theatre Tech Fair (date TBD). 30 hours a week paid:  variable schedule depending upon mix of work and apprenticeships;  Hours will depend upon apprentices making themselves available for specific assignments and successful completion of work.

Extension:
June 17-December 31: Ongoing mentorship and job placement assistance as requested (flexible schedule)

3.  DC Residence Priority

DC Residence is a priority in large part because of requirements from our funders.  We will look at applications from Maryland and Virginia residents but they will be considered based on openings after consideration of DC residents.   

4. Can you still be in school while doing this program?  

No.  

5. What if I am 24 at the time of application but 25 when the program begins?

You must be between 18 and 24 on January 8, 2024. 

6. What is your Covid policy?

Our current policy is: Fully vaccinated, defined as completion of a series of vaccinations and whatever Booster is recommended when the program begins. This is subject to change hroughout the year based on the recommendations of the District, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the situation in our community.  Our policy will also be informed by the recognition that we will be creating a community of teachers, students, and other support staff who will be working in close contact.  This is not a remote work opportunity.  We recognize that many of us live with individuals who are immunocompromised or elderly and we want everyone who is participating to feel safe.  Currently masks are not required inside the Theatre Lab facility (where the classroom work will take place and most of the work January – March).  Students must follow specific requirements of the organizations and theaters where the actual apprenticeship work will take place.

7. Is there an attendance/absentee policy?

Regular attendance is critical to development and success in the institute. It is your responsibility to attend all of your classes, labs, and other activities regularly. You are expected to arrive on time, be prepared for the events of each day, and participate actively discussions and activities. In case of absence due to illness or emergency, you are required to notify your instructor in advance or as soon as possible. Please send an email to the Program Director and anyone else involved in the activities for the day (ex:  your course instructor, your site supervisor if you are on assignment at a carpentry and fabrication shop, local theatre, concert / event venue, etc.)  Excessive absences and/or lack of professional communication regarding tardiness or absences may result in probationary status and/or separation or dismissal from the institute. Any concerns or questions about your attendance should be discussed with the AICA Program Director.

8. Will the program help with employment placement? 

Yes.  The apprenticeships at theaters and other venues is intended to both teach and practice skills and to introduce the apprentices to the theaters and venues (employment opportunities).  We have been talking with the theaters and there is a need for backstage staff and enthusiasm for the program.  

9. If I have questions about applying, is there someone I can contact:

Yes: Natalie Pertz, Program Director: Natalie@arts-institute.org