The 2024-25 RBC Performer & Artist Apprenticeships
Submissions for our 2024-25 RBC Apprenticeship Program are now closed.
The Apprentice Program offers mentorship with The Musical Stage Company to exceptional young-in-craft artists who are under-exposed in the GTA theatre community. Apprentices will learn from our local and visiting artists, receiving opportunities to help build the foundation for their careers. Please note: There is no under-30 age limit.
About the Apprenticeship:
Practical Apprenticeship
- Five phases of apprenticeship
- Career Planning – a rigorous goal setting and artistic strategic planning process designed to help Apprentices gain clarity, direction, and focus for their apprenticeship and future in the performing arts.
- Mentorship – an opportunity to connect one-on-one with mentors/teachers on practical and/or theoretical subject matter.
- Observational – Apprentices will have access to observe Musical Stage Company’s creative processes through a combination of our works in development and works in production and will choose a minimum of one and a maximum of two projects to observe to be confirmed with The Musical Stage Company.
- Leadership – Select apprentices will have the opportunity to put their learning into practice through paid placements in Musical Stage Company’s works in development and/or production, working alongside industry professionals and artists in their area of discipline.
- Reflection – Upon completion of the first four phases, the RBC Apprentices will revisit their Artistic Plan, make adjustments (if needed) and reflect on their experiences and the impact the program has had on them artistically and professionally.
Observational Apprenticeship
- Three phases of apprenticeship:
- Career Planning – a rigorous goal setting and artistic strategic planning process designed to help Apprentices gain clarity, direction, and focus for their apprenticeship and future in the performing arts.
- Observational – Apprentices will have access to observe one of Musical Stage Company’s creative processes through a combination of our works in development and works in production
- Reflection – Upon completion of the first two phases, the RBC Apprentices will revisit their Artistic Plan, make adjustments (if needed) and reflect on their experiences and the impact the program has had on them artistically and professionally.
Who is the apprenticeship for?
The RBC Apprentice Program is made up of two awardees of the Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund, and four Apprentice Artists in their chosen discipline (including performers).
The Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund supports the investment in and training of two Canadian women in arts leadership roles which currently lack representation (including direction, music direction, production management, sound design, and writing).
Performer Apprenticeships are for performing artists looking to expand their practice with public performance opportunities. These apprentices will be featured as cast members in our annual UnCovered concert (Fall 2025).
Apprentice Artists are selected from across all areas of production (including but not limited to directors, music directors, choreographers, orchestrators, arrangers, copyists, stage managers, writers, all design disciplines, craftspeople, and artisans)
Apprenticeship opportunities are open to both Equity members and non-members who are musical theatre practitioners and under-exposed in Toronto and its surrounding areas. The artists must be within the City of Toronto and/or the Greater Toronto Area for the duration of the apprenticeship in order to experience the full benefits of the program.
We are actively seeking submissions from artists of all backgrounds, abilities, and ethnicities as we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion within this selection process. We especially encourage folks who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of the Global Majority, 2SLGBTQIA+, d/Deaf, Mad, Disabled/People with Disabilities, and/or Neurodivergent to submit.
Remuneration:
The chosen Apprentices will receive between $1,500 (Observational Apprenticeship), $2,500 (Practical Apprenticeship) or $5,000 as a part of the Kathleen C, Freeman Leadership Fund.
Sponsors
The 2024-25 RBC Performer & Artist Apprenticeships
Submissions for our 2024-25 RBC Apprenticeship Program are now closed.
The Apprentice Program offers mentorship with The Musical Stage Company to exceptional young-in-craft artists who are under-exposed in the GTA theatre community. Apprentices will learn from our local and visiting artists, receiving opportunities to help build the foundation for their careers. Please note: There is no under-30 age limit.
About the Apprenticeship:
Practical Apprenticeship
- Five phases of apprenticeship
- Career Planning – a rigorous goal setting and artistic strategic planning process designed to help Apprentices gain clarity, direction, and focus for their apprenticeship and future in the performing arts.
- Mentorship – an opportunity to connect one-on-one with mentors/teachers on practical and/or theoretical subject matter.
- Observational – Apprentices will have access to observe Musical Stage Company’s creative processes through a combination of our works in development and works in production and will choose a minimum of one and a maximum of two projects to observe to be confirmed with The Musical Stage Company.
- Leadership – Select apprentices will have the opportunity to put their learning into practice through paid placements in Musical Stage Company’s works in development and/or production, working alongside industry professionals and artists in their area of discipline.
- Reflection – Upon completion of the first four phases, the RBC Apprentices will revisit their Artistic Plan, make adjustments (if needed) and reflect on their experiences and the impact the program has had on them artistically and professionally.
Observational Apprenticeship
- Three phases of apprenticeship:
- Career Planning – a rigorous goal setting and artistic strategic planning process designed to help Apprentices gain clarity, direction, and focus for their apprenticeship and future in the performing arts.
- Observational – Apprentices will have access to observe one of Musical Stage Company’s creative processes through a combination of our works in development and works in production
- Reflection – Upon completion of the first two phases, the RBC Apprentices will revisit their Artistic Plan, make adjustments (if needed) and reflect on their experiences and the impact the program has had on them artistically and professionally.
Who is the apprenticeship for?
The RBC Apprentice Program is made up of two awardees of the Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund, and four Apprentice Artists in their chosen discipline (including performers).
The Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund supports the investment in and training of two Canadian women in arts leadership roles which currently lack representation (including direction, music direction, production management, sound design, and writing).
Performer Apprenticeships are for performing artists looking to expand their practice with public performance opportunities. These apprentices will be featured as cast members in our annual UnCovered concert (Fall 2025).
Apprentice Artists are selected from across all areas of production (including but not limited to directors, music directors, choreographers, orchestrators, arrangers, copyists, stage managers, writers, all design disciplines, craftspeople, and artisans)
Apprenticeship opportunities are open to both Equity members and non-members who are musical theatre practitioners and under-exposed in Toronto and its surrounding areas. The artists must be within the City of Toronto and/or the Greater Toronto Area for the duration of the apprenticeship in order to experience the full benefits of the program.
We are actively seeking submissions from artists of all backgrounds, abilities, and ethnicities as we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion within this selection process. We especially encourage folks who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of the Global Majority, 2SLGBTQIA+, d/Deaf, Mad, Disabled/People with Disabilities, and/or Neurodivergent to submit.
Remuneration:
The chosen Apprentices will receive between $1,500 (Observational Apprenticeship), $2,500 (Practical Apprenticeship) or $5,000 as a part of the Kathleen C, Freeman Leadership Fund.
2024-2025 Important dates:
- July 12, 2024; Submissions open
- August 2, 2024; Deadline to submit
- August 19, 2024; Callbacks for Performer Apprentices, Interviews for Artist Apprentices
- December 9, 2024;
- Apprenticeship Start Date/Career Planning Phase
- January 6-March 3, 2025; Mentorship Phase
- Sessions are:
- January 6 & 7, 2025
- January 20, 2025
- February 3, 2025
- February 17, 2025
- March 3, 2025
- Sessions are:
- March 13-April 30, 2025; Observation/Practical Phase option 1 (A Strange Loop)
- April 15-June 5, 2025; Observation/Practical Phase option 2 (After the Rain)
- Please note: Practical Apprentices choose a minimum of one and a maximum of two projects to observe. Observational Apprentices choose one project to observe.
- June 15-30, 2025; Apprenticeship reflection phase
- October/November 2025; Performance Practical phase (UnCovered)
Past Apprentices
2023-24 RBC Apprentices
郝邦宇 Steven Hao (he/him)
(RBC Apprentice Director)
Enya Watson (she/her)
(RBC Apprentice Performer-Writer)
Shaemus Swets (he/him)
(RBC Apprentice Performer-Writer)
Rachel O’Brien (she/her)
(RBC Apprentice Music Director)
Skye Rogers (she/her)
(RBC Apprentice Choreographer)
Bryn Kennedy (she/her)
(RBC Apprentice Director & Kathleen C. Freeman Development Fund Recipient)
Sarah O’Brecht (she/her)
(RBC Apprentice Artistic Director & Kathleen C. Freeman Development Fund Recipient)
2022-23 RBC Apprentices
Saccha Dennis (she/her)
(RBC Apprentice)
Kaylee Harwood (she/her)
(The Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund Recipient)
Benjamin Kersey (he/him)
(RBC Apprentice)
Sarah O’Brecht (she/her)
(The Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund Recipient)
Tyler Pearse (he/him)
(RBC Apprentice)
Taylor Garwood (she/they)
(RBC Apprentice Performer & Banks Prize Winner)
Vinnie Alberto (he/him)
(RBC Apprentice Performer & Banks Prize Winner)
2021-22 RBC Apprentices
Avery Jean Brennan (they/them)
(RBC Apprentice Artistic Director)
Alexandra Kane (she/her)
(RBC Apprentice Music Director)
Haneul Yi (he/him)
(RBC Apprentice Music Director)
Kareem Vaude (they/them)
(RBC Apprentice Performer/Writer)
Kaylee Harwood (she/her)
(RBC Apprentice Director, as a part of the Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund)
Maddie Bautista (she/her)
(RBC Apprentice Director, as a part of the Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund)
Matthew Joseph (he/they)
(RBC Apprentice Performer & Banks Prize Recipient)
Rosie Callaghan (she/her)
(RBC Apprentice Performer & Banks Prize Recipient)
2020-21 RBC Apprentices
Alicia Barban (RBC Apprentice Producer)
Dillan Chiblow (RBC Apprentice Performer & Banks Prize Recipient)
Landon Doak (RBC Apprentice Writer/Performer)
Germaine Konji (RBC Apprentice Performer & Banks Prize Recipient)
Joey Lau (RBC Apprentice Stage Manager)
Fiona Sauder (RBC Apprentice Director, as a part of the Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund)
Vanessa Sears (RBC Apprentice Director, as a part of the Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund)
Olivia Shortt (RBC Apprentice Sound Designer)
2019-20 RBC Apprentices
Deanna Choi (RBC Apprentice Sound Designer)
Karli Feldman (RBC Apprentice Stage Manager)
Eva Foote (RBC Apprentice Performer & Banks Prize Recipient)
Juliette Jones (The RBC Music Apprentice, as a part of The Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund)
Tsholo Khalema (RBC Apprentice Director)
Esie Mensah (RBC Apprentice Choreographer)
Kale Penny (RBC Apprentice Performer & Banks Prize Recipient)
Ali Joy Richardson (The RBC Apprentice Director, as a part of The Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund)
2018-19 RBC Apprentices
Brandon Antonio (Performance/Banks Prize Winner)
Michelle Bouey (Performance/Banks Prize Winner)
Jen Cooper (Production & Stage Management)
Jonathan Corkal (Music Supervision & Arranging)
Alessandro Costantini (Dramaturgy)
Sabryn Rock (Direction)
2017-18 RBC Apprentices
Fatuma Adar (Songwriting)
Alessandro Costantini (Direction)
George Krissa (Performance/Banks Prize Winner)
Jeff Lupker (Music Direction & Arrangement)
Lucy McPhee (Stage Management)
Celine Tsai (Performance/Banks Prize Winner)
2016-17 RBC Apprentices
Jahlen Barnes (Performance/Banks Prize Winner)
Deanna Choi (Composition)
Arinea Hermans (Performance/Banks Prize Winner)
Rob Kempson (Direction)
Michaela Steven (Stage Management)
Aijia Waithe (Performance)
2015-16 RBC Apprentices
Colin Simmons (Performance/Banks Prize Winner)
Brittany Banks (Performance/Banks Prize Winner)
2014-15 RBC Apprentices
Alessia Lupiano (Performance/Banks Prize Winner)
Graham Scott Flemming (Performance/Banks Prize Winner)
Eden Richmond (Performance)
Sarite Harris (Performance)
About RBC
In 2013, the RBC Foundation committed $6.7 million to arts and cultural organizations, supporting local, national and international initiatives. The RBC Emerging Artists Project helps artists bridge the gap from emerging to established, and supports organizations that provide the best opportunity to advance their career trajectory. RBC support arts organizations and artists in a range of genres including visual art, music, theatre, performance, literature and film.
RBC Apprenticeship opportunities are open to both Equity members and non-members who are emerging musical theatre practitioners, and who are under-exposed in Toronto and its surrounding areas.