Backstage Opportunities

Learn what it takes to bring stories to the stage

Some of theatre’s most valuable lessons—teamwork, project management, creative problem-solving—are learned behind the scenes. We offer young people multiple points of entry to the backstage world so they can identify and pursue what interests them most.

Advance Through The World Of Theatre Tech

Our tech training program for ages 12-20 allows students to progress from strength to strength in the art and science of theatre.

If you’ve ever wondered how your ASM is everywhere all at once, how your costume designer creates 100+ costumes for one show, or how your light board operator gets the stage perfectly lit, this is the program for you.

This program is free to join—no tuition is required. Paid opportunities begin at the Associate level. Apply here!

Level 1: Student Assistant

Learn the backstage ropes, shadowing crew members and working with mentors in a specific production category (lighting, costumes, etc.)

Req. to advance: 1-3 shows

Level 2: Assistant

Continue your training with hands-on project time and added responsibilities, including contributing to show design decisions with mentors.

Req. to advance: 1-3 shows following a season conclusion

Level 3: Associate

Heavily contribute to show design, proactively take on production tasks, and continue your training with trusted mentors and leaders. Paid stipend or work study hours available.

Req. to advance: 1-3 shows as Associate

Level 4: Lead Designer

Own the creative direction, manage projects and team members to achieve your vision, while still receiving mentorship. Paid stipend or work study hours available.

Req. to advance: TBD; progression thru Homeschool or Bard

Ready to get involved? Fill out the interest form!

Please know that success doesn’t depend on the level you reach, it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of theatre, pursuing your interests, and contributing to the team. All progression decisions are at the discretion of Studio East’s Artistic Director. We can’t wait to work with you!

Tech Training Interest Form

Second Stage

Take on a production leadership role

Up Next: Disney’s Finding Nemo KIDS

Book by Abe Burrows & Jo Swerling
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Based on The Idyll of Sarah Brown and characters by Damon Runyon
Disney’s Finding Nemo KIDS is a 30-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.
Available roles include:
- Director
- Choreographer
- Music Director
- Costume Designer / wardrobe crew,
- Stage manager
- Production management
- Props designer/props crew
- Lighting design/lightboard operator
- Sound design/soundboard operator
- Scenic designer
- Backstage support
Apply for Creative Team: Applications open soon.
Creative Team Interviews: April 1-15, 2027
Cast Auditions: May 2027
Rehearsals: May-July, 2027
Tech Week: July 10-15, 2027
Performances: July 16-18, 2027
There is NO tuition cost associated with being on the creative team. This is a 100% free opportunity for students.
This production is casting students in grades K-6.
This is a standard audition process, with more info to come. For additional details, visit the auditions page.

Want to become the leader running the room, fitting the costumes, blocking the show, and giving notes after rehearsal?

Our Second Stage productions allow teens ages 15-20 to translate their theatre experience on- and off-stage into leadership roles including Director, Choreographer, Music Director, and more!

This free program helps teens see what goes into managing a professional production under the supervision of in-house mentors.

Learn More About the Show

Applications for this opportunity will open soon!

Questions? Please reach out to us!

Our Annie KIDS Success Story

Under the direction of Director Bronwyn, Music Director Hugh, Choreographer Emery, and Stage Manager Ruth, our production of Annie KIDS was a hit! We had so much fun bringing this classic production to life, and “Tomorrow “ is still very much stuck in our heads.