Fostering Opportunity for Communities
Underserved on the Stage (FOCUS)
about
The FOCUS Program aims to provide exposure, training, mentorship, networking, and direct paid professional opportunities for early-career theatre designers, technicians, and stage managers from underserved and underrepresented communities including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Disabled, Deaf, and Neurodivergent theatre practitioners. Apprentices are provided mentorship in their design department of interest, given opportunities to shadow or assist with design on a variety of productions, and are connected with other theatres in the region to expand their network and create potential future employment opportunities. Over the course of the season, each FOCUS apprentice receives compensation for all onsite training and production work. Every apprenticeship is curated for the individual artist. FOCUS apprenticeships can last multiple years, and apprentices can explore more than one aspect of technical theatre by working with more than one department.
commitment
The time commitment for a FOCUS apprentice varies based on the individual artist’s area of interest. In the past, FOCUS apprentices have assisted a designer on an average of two to three productions per season, as well as participating in set builds and strikes, light hangs, scenic painting, and supporting other Dobama events, such as Drag Story Hour and the Heights Halloween Festival.
We have found that successful FOCUS apprentices are intrinsically motivated, comfortable working independently and collaboratively, and able to communicate their needs and goals. All FOCUS apprentices are encouraged to express any interest they may have in other areas of theatre, and Dobama staff will do their best to connect apprentices to additional opportunities.
FOCUS apprentices work throughout the entire season at Dobama. The start and end dates are flexible based on the FOCUS apprentice’s availability and are determined through a conversation with Dobama staff.
application timeline
Applications for the FOCUS Program are due no later than February 15. Applicants must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent. Offers are made no later than May 15. All application materials should be submitted via the Google Form.
Dobama Theatre encourages applicants to reach out in advance to have a conversation about their interest in the program and to ask any questions you may have about the theatre, the FOCUS Program, and/or the submission materials. Please email Director of Programs, Erin E. Dolan at edolan@dobama.org to start that conversation.
FOCUS Program Apprentice Alumni
Class of 2026
McKenna Pfeiffer (Stage management)
Tegan Wilson (PROPS DESIGN)
Class of 2025
Josy jones (lighting Design)
EMMETT SCOTT (SCENIC DESIGN)
BELLA BREHM (SOUND Design)
WAYNE Smith III (Projection Design)
Class of 2024
Jasmine Golphin (Projection Design)
E.J. Buckner (Sound Design)
Cam Henderson (Stage Management)
Want to inquire about working with a FOCUS Program Apprentice or alumni?