Whether you are an early-career arts professional or beginning a career change, you can build your knowledge and experience in arts administration with an apprenticeship at City Center.

Receive on-the-job training and learn about the daily operations of a nonprofit performing arts center while working alongside experienced arts administrators.

Our nine-month program offers you plenty of hands-on learning opportunities in Dance Programming, Development, Education & Community Engagement, Marketing, and Operations.

The program runs from September to May and includes paid training. Apprentices are paid $18 per hour for a maximum of 1,000 hours (24–28 hours a week), and receive a monthly travel stipend. Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm. Weekly schedules vary by department. Need-based scholarships are available.

Through the programs, apprentices will:

• Work directly with a department supervisor and colleagues
• Build a professional network, engage in career planning, and expand their understanding of nonprofit structure under the guidance of a designated mentor from another department
• Attend seminars with City Center staff and artists
• Participate in a three-day paid orientation
• Participate in City Center’s staff initiatives, including employee resource groups, workshops, and all-staff meetings
• Attend rehearsals and performances, when possible
• Complete a solo project in their area of focus
• Deliver a final group presentation to City Center staff

Qualified program candidates will possess:

• A compelling connection to the program’s mission and purpose
• Current authorization to work in the US
• A willingness to learn
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail
• The ability to take direction and work both independently and collaboratively
• Comfort with computer work and phone use
• Flexible availability that includes some nights and weekends
• Some previous experience or education in the field for which you apply

DANCE PROGRAMMING
The Dance Programming Apprentice will assist the programming team with the implementation of New York City Center’s dance season, including the 22nd Fall for Dance Festival. This will include being a member of the Fall for Dance selection committee, assisting in the maintenance of artistic planning materials, updating and organizing programming documents, providing research support, and assisting with artist services. This apprenticeship will allow for an in-depth dive into the ever-changing and diverse needs of the annual programming process of a large New York cultural institution and is an opportunity to creatively and resourcefully solve problems while navigating a complex web with a variety of stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, flexible, and detail-oriented. They should also have a passion for dance and an interest in learning more about the local, national, and international dance landscape.

DEVELOPMENT
The Development Apprentice will be involved in all aspects of City Center’s fundraising activities, including membership/individual giving, special events, and institutional giving. Through this program, the apprentice will gain familiarity with donor acquisition and stewardship, event management, grant writing, and database maintenance—all while experiencing the day-to-day operations of a premier nonprofit performing arts organization. The Development Apprentice will also have opportunities to interact with members through events, performances, or via the Membership Hotline, so comfort with people in-person or on the phone is a must. Strong writing and editing skills are highly encouraged, as well as a keen eye for detail.

This apprenticeship is an ideal fit for someone who is interested in gaining a fundamental understanding of nonprofit fundraising and who wants to develop strategy, craft compelling appeals, and organize data to build a case for support.

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Education & Community Engagement Apprentice will work directly with the Education & Community Engagement department staff, teaching artist roster, and City Center school and community partners. Through this program, the apprentice will gain insight into administering arts education programs in New York City schools and communities. They will assist with researching potential partners, coordinating workshops and residencies, and planning for professional development workshops and community nights. Additional responsibilities include assisting with the development of Behind the Curtain guides, analyzing program evaluations, and preparing event materials. The apprentice will also assist in communication with schools, communities, and teaching artists, so comfort with phone and email communication is a must.

This apprenticeship is an ideal fit for someone who enjoys collaborative work and is passionate about arts education and access initiatives. They should also be interested in generating creative and responsive educational materials and learning more about building and sustaining partnerships with NYC schools and community organizations.

MARKETING
The Marketing Apprentice plays an active role in the execution of the department’s initiatives to promote all of City Center’s programming (dance, musical theater, education, and community engagement) and to welcome audiences new and old into the theater. The apprenticeship will introduce the individual to the wide range of disciplines within marketing. Specifically, the apprentice will assist with audience development and outreach, email creation and tracking, social media, asset creation, production and artist research, and advertising.

This apprenticeship is a great position for someone who is a self-starter, detail-oriented and has an eye on the latest trends on social media. They should also be passionate about musical theater and/or dance and be interested in learning about digital marketing, audience development and social media.

OPERATIONS
The Operations apprentice will work directly with the Rentals and Venue Operations department, which oversees front of house operations and studio rentals for both internal NYCC events and external rentals, and production manages rental engagements. The apprentice will work closely with the Venue Operations Manager and Director and support department collaboration with Facilities, House Management, Production Management and General Management. They will assist with scheduling teams, coordinating event set ups for studio and front of house spaces, and facilitating studio bookings. The apprentice will also participate in the advancing process for front of house events for both NYCC produced and rental engagements, and join on venue walk throughs with potential rental producers. Through this position, the apprentice will have an in-depth understanding of the daily operations of a large performing arts venue, including a robust rentals program.

This apprenticeship is an ideal fit for someone who is passionate about production work and theater operations. They should also be interested in project management, customer service, and special events planning.

To learn more about the program and access the application, please visit https://www.nycitycenter.org/education/career-programs/administrative-apprenticeships/