The Arts Institute for Creative Advancement

The Arts Institute for Creative Advancement

Technical theater is a high-demand field that includes production and stage management, trained stagehands & stage engineers make $20-$30 hour in DC and have consistent opportunities for employment at over 90 theatres and performance venues in town.  AICA is a 6 month long stagehand training & apprenticeship program primarily designed to train and serve young adults facing systemic economic, racial, educational, social and other barriers to high wage careers.

We hire some of the best industry DC professionals in lighting, audio, carpentry, to provide classroom learning, hands-on simulated training, & real world backstage apprenticeship experience to each of our student apprentices. Student apprentices will sit for USITT’s Basic Stagehand & Safety Exam, Audio Exam & Lighting Exam.  Apprentices will also have the opportunity to be trained through IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United Stages) for Union work. 

AICA offers paid job training ($17.50) or DC minimum wage) for 30 hours per week January – June and assistance with job placement for the rest of the year for young adults ages 18-24. Apprentices must be available M-F 12:30-6:30 and have flexibility for evenings/weekends after theatre work begins. Childcare and transportation stipends available. No degree or previous training required.  Job involves heavy lifting. Priority given to applicants who live in DC. 

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