About the Program:

The Folger’s Arts Education Apprenticeship Program offers two emerging arts educators or early-career arts administrators a paid, hands-on experience at the intersection of education, artistic programming, and public engagement. Over 9 months, the apprentices will work closely with both the Folger Education and Artistic Programs staff to support student programs, teacher professional development, artistic planning, and public programs, while also completing a capstone learning experience that supports reflection and professional development.

These apprenticeships are ideal for individuals pursuing career pathways in arts education, theater administration, arts management, or community engagement. It is a substantive opportunity to gain insight into how a major cultural institution develops, implements, and evaluates arts education programming, as well as season planning and new work development. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience, mentorship from Folger staff, and opportunities to apply their skills directly to Folger initiatives serving students, teachers, artists, and audiences. Eligible candidates are early-career professionals within five years of graduation or those within five years of a career change into arts education or administration.

Program Structure:

• September 2026 to May 2027

• Part-time (20 hours/week) position

• Core schedule is determined collaboratively, based on Folger’s programmatic needs and the Apprentice’s academic or professional commitments

• Onsite position; occasional evening and weekend availability required to support programming

• Weekday daytime availability strongly preferred, particularly Tuesday-Thursday between 10am-2pm, to align with Student Experience workshop programming

Arts Education Apprentices will:

• Train in the Folger Method and support student visits, workshops, and group coordination.

• Lead student workshops using the Folger Method focused on student-centered, active engagement with Shakespeare plays.

• Collaborate with Artistic Programs and Education staff in developing school resource guides for three Folger Theatre season productions.

• Work with Education staff to learn course development processes and contribute to resource creation.

• Participate in selected public-facing artistic and educational events, such as the Reading Room Festival of new works, pre- and post-show conversations.

• With the Artistic Programs staff, coordinate script solicitation, management, and evaluation.

• Support new work preparation of scripts under consideration and/or programmed.

• Support developing a rubric and guide to collate feedback on new plays under consideration as needed.

• Support and attend virtual teacher professional development (PD) programs, as well as in-person Teacher Weekend Intensive offerings, providing middle and high school teachers with proven teaching approaches to make Shakespeare accessible for students.

• Collaborate closely with staff across the institution.

• Complete a capstone project, culminating in a presentation and either a final product or set of recommendations.

Specific duties may include:

Student Visits & Workshop Facilitation

• Train in and apply the Folger Method during onsite student workshops and festivals.

• Lead or support student workshops focused on scene work, close reading, and text exploration.

• Support or co-host a school festival day and contribute ideas towards the festival’s 2027 evolution.

• Assist with logistics, scheduling, and preparation for ongoing student group visits, including tours, workshops, and collection-based encounters.

Curriculum & Resource Guide Development

• Draft sections, activities, and contextual materials for three school resource guides, tied to the three shows in the Folger Theatre season.

• Analyze national and international examples of school resource guides, engage educators and practitioners to identify best practices, and develop recommendations to inform updates to Folger guides.

• Collaborate on school resource guides with an artistic lens, providing context, dramaturgy, and performance insight.

• Review existing Shakespeare learning guides and identify artistic additions or revisions.

Artistic Planning & Literary Support

• Assist with the Reading Room Festival of new works, including pre- and post-show conversations.

• With the Artistic Programs staff, coordinate script management, and evaluation.

• Support new work preparation of scripts under consideration and/or programmed.

• Support developing a rubric and guide to collate feedback on new plays under consideration as needed.

Public Programs & Audience Engagement

• Assist with pre-show welcomes, and pre- and post-show conversations tied to the three shows in the Folger Theatre season.

• Participate in cross-departmental artistic/education meetings that connect programming to learning.

Teacher Professional Development (PD) & Virtual Learning

• Support virtual PDs, including Zoom management, recording, and active participation.

• Convert virtual PD lesson plans, slides, and recordings into polished teacher-facing materials for Folger Teacher Membership.

• Shadow the Associate Director of Education to learn course/curriculum development and draft course descriptions in collaboration with Marketing and Communications.

• Participate actively in Teacher Weekend Intensives and assist in facilitation as needed.

Capstone Project

Apprentices will work with the Director of Learning and Education Programs and Director of Artistic Programs to decide on an individual capstone project that fits both the apprentice’s interest and professional goals, along with the Folger’s current priorities. Projects could include but are not limited to: researching programming trends at regional and national theatres and providing recommendations; investigating models for educational humanities programming in cultural institutions; connecting with local cultural institutions on how they are handling the evolving need for educational programs to supplement curriculum and presenting recommendations; and researching and recommending methods of enhancing audience engagement through dramaturgy and ancillary programs.

Who might be interested in this type of apprenticeship:

The Folger is looking for candidates who are excited by the intersection of arts education, artistic programming, theater, and public engagement. Applicants should be enthused by the idea of approaching arts education from a curriculum-based and artistic mindset. Applicants should be energized by classrooms, curriculum design, and building learning experiences for students and teachers, as well as by the behind-the-scenes work of artistic planning, literary development, and program design. Candidates will be interested in artistic planning that looks not just at what goes on stage but how the arts come together through arts engagement, public programs, and the creative processes behind artistic programing. This apprenticeship is designed for emerging professionals who are curious, collaborative, and eager to learn. This is an excellent path for those currently developing or pursuing careers in arts education, theater or literary administration, museum education, teaching artists, or arts management.

Compensation:

• This is a weekly-paid part-time hourly position, with a pay of $25/hour.

• Apprentices are eligible to participate in pre-tax transit, contribute to the 403b plan (no employer contributions), utilize the EAP and sick leave, and participate in professional development opportunities.

Professional Development:

As part of the program, apprentices will have access to a variety of additional training and professional development opportunities in addition to their hands on job training, including:

• Opportunity to audit advanced seminars held by Folger Institute (with approval).

• Hands-on training afternoon on the handling of rare and primary source materials in the Folger’s Collection.

• Resume, cover letter, and career pathway development.

• One-on-one mentorship with Folger staff members.

Academic Credit:

Apprentices may be eligible to receive academic credit for their participation in this program in addition to pay. However, credits are determined and awarded by each university. Apprentices are responsible for arranging any academic credit through their college or university. The Folger is willing to work with those who may have practicum or fieldwork requirements. Apprentices should discuss arrangements with their institution prior to starting the program and let the Folger know the specific requirements of their university.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Have the right to work in the US and will not require sponsorship throughout the time of the apprenticeship.

• Have obtained a Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.

• Must be within their first 5 years of entering the workforce or transitioning into arts education/administration

• Able to work part-time (20 hours pers week) for the duration of the program.

• Within a commutable distance to the D.C. office (DC, MD, VA) by start date.

Qualifications:

• Passion for arts education, theatre, public humanities, and community engagement.

• Academic or practical experience in theatre, education, humanities, or related fields.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with students, teachers, artists, and staff across the institution.

• Ability to effectively work with others, share ideas, and contribute to a cohesive team environment.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.

• Well-organized, accurate, and able to follow through on assignments.

• Proficient computer literacy skills required; confidence navigating and/or learning technology such as Zoom, Airtable, and Microsoft Office Suite.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit both a resume and cover letter. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis so we recommend applying as soon as you are able.

In their cover letter, applicants should address why they are interested in the Folger’s Arts Education Apprenticeship Program and what skills and experiences make them a good fit for the program. The cover letter should not be a summary of your resume, but rather a way for the selection team to gather a fuller understanding of you and your experience as a candidate.

Candidate Timeline: