Applications are now open for the fifth annual Broadway Across America (BAA) and Black Theatre Coalition (BTC) Regional Apprenticeship program, a paid, 14-week initiative designed to expand opportunities for historically underrepresented voices in American theater. Students and recent graduates from HBCUs are strongly encouraged to apply before the October 1, 2025 deadline.
The program, which will run from January through April 2026, gives college students and early career professionals first-hand exposure to the commercial theater business and Broadway touring. Apprentices spend 13 weeks in one of BAA’s regional offices—located in New York City, Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Louisville, Minneapolis, Ottawa, or Seattle—learning about presenting, ticketing, marketing, operations, and more. The program concludes with a week in New York City for on-the-job training, networking, and Broadway shows.
A Legacy of Impact
Since launching five years ago, the BAA • BTC Apprenticeship has helped shape the next generation of theater professionals. Alumni have secured roles at Tony Award Productions, Disney Theatrical Productions, Foresight Theatrical, Daryl Roth Productions, Broadway Across America/John Gore Organization, and other leading companies. Several past participants hail from HBCUs such as Howard University, Spelman College, Coppin State University, and Albany State University.
Lauren Reid, president of the John Gore Organization (JGO), emphasized the initiative’s long-term value: “We are proud to see the continued impact of our partnership with BTC, as alumni of the program go on to build meaningful careers across the Broadway industry not just in New York, but across America.”
BTC co-founders T. Oliver Reid and Warren Adams echoed the sentiment, noting, “Five years in, our partnership with JGO continues to create real access points for early-career professionals. We’ve seen firsthand how this program can help them build connections, with a national reach, and take meaningful steps toward furthering their careers in the industry”.
Building Equity Behind the Curtain
The Black Theatre Coalition, founded in 2019, was created to dismantle systemic barriers in the theater industry. While diversity has increased onstage, BTC has focused on growing representation behind the scenes—in producing, administrative, and executive roles. Partnering with Broadway Across America has been central to expanding those opportunities on a national scale.
Through mentorship and professional development, the apprenticeship provides participants with guidance and a network of industry leaders they can turn to long after the program ends. This support system has been a critical factor in alumni’s continued success.
Who Should Apply
The apprenticeship welcomes students pursuing degrees in Arts Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations/Communications, Theatre Studies, Finance/Accounting, Human Resources, Pre-Law, Arts Ticketing/Sales/Operations, and other fields that intersect with commercial theater. Applicants from all backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities are encouraged to apply.
Applications are due by October 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Students can apply and find more information at broadwayacrossamerica.com/apprenticeship.