Charleston Stage’s apprentice program TheatreWings is now accepting applicants for 2025-2026
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
CreWings program continues with its commitment to nurturing the city’s emerging theatrical talent. Open to students in grades 9–12 at no cost, the apprenticeship marries hands-on experience with classroom training, offering a rare early glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of professional theatre. Applications for the 2025-26 season are now open, and interviews will be held on Monday, July 14. The program runs through the school year: August through May.
While Charleston Stage’s home is at the historic Dock Street Theatre downtown, TheatreWings primarily meets at the company’s West Ashley Theatre Center, located at 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, and its Scene Shop—used for building sets and props—at 1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.
Originally created in 1986 by Julian Wiles, Charleston Stage Founder and Director Emeritus, under the name “The A-Team” the program aimed to teach technical theatre skills to high school students. Three years later, it expanded into the “SuperTroupe,” and 2 years after that, it evolved again, becoming known as the TheatreWings High School Apprenticeship Program.
Caleb S. Garner, TheatreWings Co-Coordinator says it’s more important than ever to give apprentices hands-on opportunities to succeed in order to build confidence, communication skills, and provide a healthy creative challenge. He points out that several studies have shown a strong relationship between participation in arts programs, including theatre, and higher academic achievement, increased civic engagement, and enhanced career prospects across many fields.
“While digital distractions and social media dominate the attention of young people, we believe that exposure to the theatre arts provides a crucial counterbalance. Volunteering in technical theatre helps to develop essential skills, empathy, and a sense of community that people can’t get from digital consumption,” says Gardner, who is also the Resident Lighting Designer for Charleston Stage. “At the end of the day, the program is all about giving our apprentices the tools that they need to be healthy, well-adjusted, contributing members of society. And if we can have some theatrical fun along the way, that’s great too!”
TheatreWings brings high schoolers into direct contact with Charleston Stage’s resident actors and production staff. Apprentices attend weekly classes covering acting, singing, dancing, set and costume construction, props, theatrical painting, lighting, sound design, and stage management.
Each participant divides their time between classroom instruction—roughly 50 hours—and production crew duties that may total an additional 50–65 hours. The program also embeds vital career skills such as time management, communication, teamwork, and professional accountability.
According to Gardner, the program is made up of four components: masterclasses in each design area, a crew position on a show at the Dock Street Theatre, social events throughout the season, and design/production apprenticeships.
“After graduating, our TheatreWings alumni go all over the US in lots of different directions. Several students go on to have careers in theatre, but the majority of students go into non-theatrical fields where they use the skills they learned backstage to be successful in their respective areas,” says Gardner. “Occasionally, we’ll have graduates come to work on a production or even teach a masterclass! For the past three summers, we’ve had Wings Alumni serve as stage managers for our summer children’s shows, The Lightning Thief, A Year With Frog and Toad, and our upcoming production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. You’ll also see some onstage in various productions throughout the year.”
TheatreWings doesn’t cap the number of participants, but all applicants must interview, where they will have time to ask questions and ensure they’re a good fit. Interviews will be held on Monday, July 14. Applications are currently open at www.charlestonstage.com/theatrewings.
