VENTURE SHAKESPEARE APPRENTICESHIP
Step Into the Play. Step Into Yourself.
August 9–23, 2026 | Asheville, NC
Ages 18–25 | Free to Participate | Professional Theatre Credit | 4 Positions
Two immersive weeks training and performing Much Ado About Nothing alongside working theatre professionals.
Venture welcomes artists of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. Members of the Global Majority and LGBTQIA+ artists are strongly encouraged to apply.
A Creative Laboratory
OUR APPROACH
At Venture Shakespeare, rehearsal is our classroom and craft is our curriculum. Apprentices train, investigate, and create alongside a company of professional actor-educators who believe that Shakespeare’s text comes alive when artists bring their full selves to the work.
Our process is collaborative from the ground up. We work as a true ensemble, asking questions together, discovering scenes together, trusting that Shakespeare’s language, when fully explored through voice and body, reveals everything we need.
This approach is rooted in the work of Kristin Linklater and Patsy Rodenburg, and in Brené Brown’s framework for wholehearted living. We believe that ensemble artmaking requires vulnerability, curiosity, and the kind of trust that only emerges when people are genuinely seen.
"We invite people to feel uncomfortable — because to truly show oneself and experience something can make us feel uncomfortable. That's where the real work begins."
Apprentices leave as better actors and as stronger, more grounded people. Many return for a second year and carry these practices into their professional lives long after the curtain call.
A Day in the Life
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Monday through Saturday. Two full weeks. Here’s the rhythm.
We start and end every day in a circle. How are you arriving? What are you carrying? Begin with honesty.
8:30 AM
Check-In Circle
Physical Awareness
Voice, movement, and body work. Yoga, creative movement, meditation, sound bowls. Align your instrument before you touch the text.
9:00 AM
Text & Scene Work
Deep investigation of Shakespeare’s language. Dictionary work. Scansion. Discovering what the words ask of your body and breath.
10:30 AM
Companies that eat together stay together. Lunch is provided.
1:00 PM
Lunch Together
Scene building, clowning sessions, staging. Each mentor brings their specialty, from Linklater voice to Lecoq-based physical theatre.
2:00 PM
Rehearsal Lab
Recharge. Shower. Rest. Life happens here too.
4:30 PM
Break
Band rehearsal, headshot and resume workshops, guest artist talks. Then dinner, a cocktail or mocktail, and a full read-through of the play.
6:00 PM
Evening Sessions
Reflect. Rest. Do it again tomorrow.
10:00 PM
Closing Circle
Everything You Walk Away With
WHAT YOU GAIN
Professional Training
Linklater voice, Alexander Technique, Rodenburg, clown, and text analysis, taught by working professionals in a living rehearsal room
A Role in the Production
You perform multiple parts in Much Ado About Nothing before a live audience of 200+. This is real stage time.
Professional Theatre Credit
Professional theatre credit for your resume. Real work with real artists.
Ensemble Community
You join a family. Many apprentices return for a second year. The relationships last far beyond the curtain call.
Resume & Career Support
Headshot reviews, resume feedback, and mentorship from working actors, including LA-based professionals.
Personal Growth
Resilience, emotional intelligence, collaboration, and a deeper relationship with your own creative voice.
All levels of Shakespeare experience welcome. We’re looking for ensemble-minded artists who are curious, courageous, and ready to work.
Applications Are Open
HOW TO APPLY
To Apply, Submit:
Letter of Interest — Why Venture? Why Shakespeare? What draws you to wholehearted ensemble work?
3 References — Teachers, directors, employers, stage managers, or mentors.
1 Letter of Recommendation
Resume & Headshot
Portfolio — Photos from shows, designs, music, paintings. Whatever shows your artistry, creativity, or passions.
Dates: August 9–23, 2026. Monday–Saturday, 8:30 AM–10 PM with scheduled breaks.
Cost: Free to participate. Lunch and snacks provided. Apprentices arrange their own housing — reach out and we'll help connect you with options.
Location: Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, Asheville, NC an open and affirming house of worship.
Auditions: Done through play — come ready to explore.
Important Details
Required Materials
Yoga mat, water bottle, notebook & journal
Movement-friendly clothes
Much Ado About Nothing — Arden Performance Edition, ed. Anna Kamaralli
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown. Read and ready to discuss by August 9th.
Why They Came Back
FROM PAST APPRENTICES
"I first encountered Venture as an audience member. The next summer, I was immediately connected with an incredibly kind, caring, and passionate community who challenged me to be a better artist."
— Ellie W., Apprentice ‘23
"Venture keeps the people and their souls at the heart of its work, and it's what kept me coming back each year."
— Lindsay W., Apprentice ‘22 & ‘23
“When the mentors sensed my resistance, they asked about it. They invited me to listen to this feeling and use it to inform how I play. That openness changed everything.”
— Mack M., Apprentice ‘22
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Ready to Step In?
Applications are submitted through our online form, where you can upload your letter of interest, resume, headshot, and portfolio all in one place.