Folger Arts Education Apprenticeship

Folger Shakespeare Library

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The Folger’s Arts Education Apprenticeship Program offers two emerging arts educators or early-career arts administrators a paid, hands-on experience at the intersection of education, artistic programming, and public engagement. Over 9 months, the apprentices will work closely with both the Folger Education and Artistic Programs staff to support student programs, teacher professional development, artistic planning, and public programs, while also completing a capstone learning experience that supports reflection and professional development. These apprenticeships are ideal for individuals pursuing career pathways in arts education, theater administration, arts management, or community engagement. It is a substantive opportunity to gain insight into how a major cultural institution develops, implements, and evaluates arts education programming, as well as season planning and new work development. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience, mentorship from Folger staff, and opportunities to apply their skills directly to Folger initiatives serving students, teachers, artists, and audiences. Eligible candidates are early-career professionals within five years of graduation or those within five years of a career change into arts education or administration.

Requirements

Have the right to work in the US and will not require sponsorship throughout the time of the apprenticeship.
Have obtained a Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
Must be within their first 5 years of entering the workforce or transitioning into arts education/administration
Able to work part-time (20 hours pers week) for the duration of the program.
Within a commutable distance to the D.C. office (DC, MD, VA) by start date.
Passion for arts education, theatre, public humanities, and community engagement.
Academic or practical experience in theatre, education, humanities, or related fields.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with students, teachers, artists, and staff across the institution.
Ability to effectively work with others, share ideas, and contribute to a cohesive team environment.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
Well-organized, accurate, and able to follow through on assignments.
Proficient computer literacy skills required; confidence navigating and/or learning technology such as Zoom, Airtable, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Applicants should be enthused by the idea of approaching arts education from a curriculum-based and artistic mindset.
Applicants should be energized by classrooms, curriculum design, and building learning experiences for students and teachers, as well as by the behind-the-scenes work of artistic planning, literary development, and program design.
Candidates will be interested in artistic planning that looks not just at what goes on stage but how the arts come together through arts engagement, public programs, and the creative processes behind artistic programing.
This apprenticeship is designed for emerging professionals who are curious, collaborative, and eager to learn.
This is an excellent path for those currently developing or pursuing careers in arts education, theater or literary administration, museum education, teaching artists, or arts management.

Responsibilities

Train in the Folger Method and support student visits, workshops, and group coordination.
Lead student workshops using the Folger Method focused on student-centered, active engagement with Shakespeare plays.
Collaborate with Artistic Programs and Education staff in developing school resource guides for three Folger Theatre season productions.
Work with Education staff to learn course development processes and contribute to resource creation.
Participate in selected public-facing artistic and educational events, such as the Reading Room Festival of new works, pre- and post-show conversations.
With the Artistic Programs staff, coordinate script solicitation, management, and evaluation.
Support new work preparation of scripts under consideration and/or programmed.
Support developing a rubric and guide to collate feedback on new plays under consideration as needed.
Support and attend virtual teacher professional development (PD) programs, as well as in-person Teacher Weekend Intensive offerings, providing middle and high school teachers with proven teaching approaches to make Shakespeare accessible for students.
Collaborate closely with staff across the institution.
Complete a capstone project, culminating in a presentation and either a final product or set of recommendations.
Train in and apply the Folger Method during onsite student workshops and festivals.
Lead or support student workshops focused on scene work, close reading, and text exploration.
Support or co-host a school festival day and contribute ideas towards the festival’s 2027 evolution.
Assist with logistics, scheduling, and preparation for ongoing student group visits, including tours, workshops, and collection-based encounters.
Draft sections, activities, and contextual materials for three school resource guides, tied to the three shows in the Folger Theatre season.
Analyze national and international examples of school resource guides, engage educators and practitioners to identify best practices, and develop recommendations to inform updates to Folger guides.
Collaborate on school resource guides with an artistic lens, providing context, dramaturgy, and performance insight.
Review existing Shakespeare learning guides and identify artistic additions or revisions.
Assist with the Reading Room Festival of new works, including pre- and post-show conversations.
Support new work preparation of scripts under consideration and/or programmed.
Support developing a rubric and guide to collate feedback on new plays under consideration as needed.
Assist with pre-show welcomes, and pre- and post-show conversations tied to the three shows in the Folger Theatre season.
Participate in cross-departmental artistic/education meetings that connect programming to learning.
Support virtual PDs, including Zoom management, recording, and active participation.
Convert virtual PD lesson plans, slides, and recordings into polished teacher-facing materials for Folger Teacher Membership.
Shadow the Associate Director of Education to learn course/curriculum development and draft course descriptions in collaboration with Marketing and Communications.
Participate actively in Teacher Weekend Intensives and assist in facilitation as needed.
Work with the Director of Learning and Education Programs and Director of Artistic Programs to decide on an individual capstone project that fits both the apprentice’s interest and professional goals, along with the Folger’s current priorities.

Benefits

Pre-tax transit
403b plan
EAP
Sick leave
Professional development opportunities
Opportunity to audit advanced seminars held by Folger Institute (with approval).
Hands-on training afternoon on the handling of rare and primary source materials in the Folger’s Collection.
Resume, cover letter, and career pathway development.
One-on-one mentorship with Folger staff members.
Academic credit may be available.