The Backstage Training Program is a new, paid, hands-on introductory program that I hope you will share with members of your community and friends who you think may be interested and to whom this applies! This is an introductory training program to explore the various departments involved backstage to create the magic you see on stage and develop skills through hands on experience with experienced industry professionals. Programs are either 1 week (30 hours) or 2 weeks (60 hours). You may apply for one or more departments. It is open to residents of Prince Edward Island, 18 years and over, who are unemployed or under-employed. 

No experience is necessary, but an interest in theatre/the arts is helpful, and the training will be given in English. Participants do not necessarily need to be Canadian citizens or permanent residents (international students may apply!), but must be unemployed or under-employed, and currently living in P.E.I.

We are particularly interested in welcoming members of communities that have traditionally been under-represented in our industry, and who have faced systemic barriers to training opportunities and exposure to the arts. Diversity promotes creativity, dialogue, and collaboration among our communities and that is at the core of Confederation Centre’s vision.

There are one-week or two-week training sessions available in seven (7) of the traditional theatre production departments: Video, Props, Sound, Carpentry, Lighting, Wardrobe, and Scenic Art.

In addition, one participant from each group (with the exception of Video) will be selected for a paid internship here at The Charlottetown Festival, working on one of the summer’s productions (May-June, 2021).

Backstage Training Program Summary:

·         Wage is minimum wage ($13.00) for 30 hours per week of training;

·         Open to current residents of PEI who are unemployed or underemployed, and 18 years of age or older.

·         Those able to work legally may apply (open to those on student and work visas)

·         These program hours are EI eligible;

·         Individuals may apply for and be selected for more than 1 session/department;

·         All applications must be received by March 31, 2021;

·         There will be interviews held starting April 6, and all successful applicants will be notified the week of April 12, 2021;

·         Tentative schedule is Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with lunch from 12 p.m.-1 p.m., but this may vary slightly, depending on the specific department. (i.e. there will be some weeks that have a Saturday work session due to Victoria Day, or training space availability);

·         The training dates:

o   Video (1 week) May 3 -7, 2021

o   Props (2 weeks) May 3-14, 2021

o   Sound (1 week) May 10-17, 2021

o   Lighting (1 week) May 17-21, 2021

o   Carpentry (2 weeks) May 17-29, 2021

o   Wardrobe (2 weeks) May 25-June 4, 2021

o   Scenic Art (1 week) June 7-11, 2021 

Applications can be made online via a Google Form, using this link: https://forms.gle/xmAAeoZmtyFzsTa86

–Or by using the attached fillable PDF. 

Should you have any questions, or would like to know more details, please feel free to contact myself, Sarah Denman-Wood, associate producer or Sam Doyle, human resources manager at training@confederationcentre.com.

Wela’lin (thank-you),

Sarah

Theatre PEI