• Patrice Brown, Warner Media
• Stephen Brown, Cookerly PR
• Jennifer Gelder, Budget Rent a Car
• Arlene Glaser, Chair, The Coca-Cola Company
• Deirdra Glover, Conserte Consulting
• Kevin Harry, Randstad
• Terry Hildebrand, Hildebrand & Associates 
• Amy Hollibaugh, Nora Wealth
• Brent Huff, Community Volunteer
• Stacey Kalberman, DeKalb County Government
• Melissa Moore, Momentum Consulting LLC
• Ada Pittman-Delancey, RedefinED atlanta
• Jesse Peel, MD, Community Volunteer
• Jennie Saliers, Community Volunteer
• David Schoenberg, Law Office of David P. Schoenberg
• Chris Schneider, Vice Chair, Thompson Hine
• Carlos Toledo, Centers for Disease Control *
• Mary Anne Walser, Keller Williams
• Aaron Watson, Thompson Hine
• Angie Weiss, InterContinental Hotels Group
• Ashley Williams, Secretary, ImagineX Consulting
• Mark Williamson, Alston & Bird LLP

PROSPECTIVE APPRENTICE APPLICANTS:

The application period for the next Apprentice Company cohort will re-open in late Spring 2022.

The Apprentice Company at Actor’s Express is one of the most rigorous and successful programs of its kind in the Atlanta area. It is designed to bridge the gap between the educational and professional phases of early career artists. In residence for a full calendar year, apprentices work intensively in their respective areas of specialty and are also immersed in all layers of a professional theatre context.

The program has three primary goals:

1. To expand the skills of the artist through rehearsal, understudy rehearsal, performance, understudy performance, class work and by participating in the workings of a professional theatre company
2. To successfully bridge the transition from student training to professional theatre career
3. To inspire the human being with the theatre’s potential for impact.

The workload is broad and demanding. Apprentices can expect an average time commitment of 20-35 hours per week in the theatre. In addition to practicum work, apprentices take ten classes taught by working professionals.

Actor’s Express is committed to fighting systemic racism and white supremacy. Further, AE is committed to reflecting, promoting and defending diversity in all its forms at every layer of the organization. These include the following: Programming, Artists, Apprentice Company, Staff/AE Workplace, Board of Directors, and Audiences.

To read the full Actor’s Express Anti-Racism & Anti-Bias Action Plan, click here.

Acting Apprentices

In addition to the general program, apprentices specializing in Acting understudy professional actors in mainstage shows, perform in the Apprentice Company showcase, and continue studying the craft through workshops.

Corey J. Finley – Austin Peay State University 
Abbey Kincheloe – Virginia Commonwealth University
Aliya Kraar – Florida State University
Greg Lloyd – The University of Georgia
Whitney Nelson – University of West Georgia
Jesse Smith – Brenau University 

Directing Apprentice

In addition to the general program, apprentices specializing in Directing shadow directors on mainstage shows, direct the Apprentice Company showcase, and continue studying the craft through workshops.

Tyshawn Gooden – University of West Georgia

Stage Management Apprentices

In addition to the general program, apprentices specializing in Stage Management shadow stage managers on mainstage shows, stage manage the Apprentice Company showcase, and continue studying the craft through workshops.

Maya Hodges – American University, with a dual focus in Performance

Scenic Apprentices

In addition to the general program, apprentices specializing in Scenic Design  assist the Production Manager in building all mainstage show sets, build the Apprentice Company showcase set, and continue studying the craft through workshops.

English Brackett – Brenau University
Devin Fourqurean – LaGrange College

How to Apply

We will begin accepting applications in early 2022 for the 2022-23 Apprentice Company. Please check this page for details.

For an overview of the Apprentice program and application guidelines, email Artistic Director Freddie Ashley at [email protected] 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I pursue an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship can be a good option for those students looking to bridge the sometimes difficult transition from student to professional. Apprentices learn about all layers of making theatre in a professional environment and develop skills over the course of the year. Additionally, apprentices make important professional connections with the artists who work with AE.

What makes the Actor’s Express apprenticeship different?

AE considers itself a teaching theatre, much in the same way some hospitals are teaching hospitals. As a result, apprentices are embedded in every layer of the theatre’s operations. The curriculum of the apprenticeship is clear and focused. It is extremely rigorous and sets a high standard for professionalism and work ethic. AE values its apprentices and they are treated in an extremely professional way. There are many apprenticeships available to early career artists, but few that approach the experience like AE.

Is this apprenticeship paid?

Every apprentice receives a stipend for each production with which they are involved. The apprenticeship is structured so that apprentices may hold down a full-time job during their apprenticeship residency.

Is housing provided?

No, at this time housing is not provided.

What have previous apprentices gone on to do with their careers?

Many Actor’s Express apprentices choose to stay in Atlanta to begin their professional careers. AE apprentices have gone on to perform on almost every professional stage in Atlanta and many key positions in organizations around the city are held by former AE apprentices. Many have also returned to AE as professionals to perform or work in other capacities. Some apprentices have chosen to begin careers in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. AE apprentices have also gone on to graduate programs at such schools as Yale School of Drama, DePaul University, NYU, Savannah College of Art and Design and the University of Southern Mississippi.

• Joe Alley, Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP
• Susan V. Booth, Alliance Theatre
• Rod Brown, The AbiBar Agency
• Dr. P. Carl, HowlRound
• Chris Coleman, Portland Center Stage
• Diane Durgin, Esq., Attorney, Ret.
• Jackie Goodman, Atlanta Communities Real Estate
• Theo Harness, Architect
• Fontaine Huey, Georgia Center for the Visually Impaired
• Randy New, Kitchens New Cleghorn LLC
• Sharon Ott, Savannah College of Art and Design
• Chuck Rice, Kilpatrick Townsend 
• Kirk Rich, Rich Real Estate Services
• Sharon Robinson, Acision
• Jackie Sherman, Jacqueline Sherman Associates