Shakespeare For Social Justice
Training Program

 April 21 –  May 23, 2025

Marin Shakespeare Company’s guiding mission is “Playing for Good”. For 21 years, we have provided Shakespeare programs in California State prisons, using Drama Therapy-inspired curricula to provide opportunities for participants to reconnect with their creativity and work together to perform Shakespeare and autobiographical plays.

The summer Shakespeare for Social Justice Training Program provides an opportunity to learn about our powerful Social Justice programming and gain experience curating culturally competent, inclusive training spaces. Through classes and workshops with Shakespeare for Social Justice Teaching Artists, Returned Artists, and with actors at San Quentin State Prison,* participants will:

• Discover Shakespeare-based exercises that promote self-discovery and rich creativity.
• Learn Drama Therapy approaches to Shakespeare and devised theatre.
• Learn about Trauma-informed facilitation and ensemble building.
• Discover restorative justice applications in theater.
• Build Skills in Facilitating positive, inclusive classes.
• Examine the intersection of social justice and theatre and develop a personal approach/pedagogy.
• Create a Culminating Project.

Key Instructors:

• Lesley Currier
• Suraya Keating
• Alejandra Wahl
• and members of the Returned Citizens Theatre Troupe

Time Commitment:

• 7-10 PM, Wednesdays- Theater Lab Session
• 1-2 prison class sessions a week (Fridays 1-3:30 at San Quentin, Tuesdays 3-5 at Folsom, OR Solano session.) 
• 4 total weeks of programming and 1 culminating session. 
• (Optional) Attending a performance of MSC’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and other productions in the summer season. 

Please note: Students must be 18 or over to participate. Participation in prison class sessions is contingent upon passing a clearance check. Please provide your full and accurate information when applying to ensure your ability to attend. 

Tuition: $950- Full and partial need-based scholarships are available

How To Apply

Please submit the attached application no later than March 30th, 2025.  After that date, students will be accepted only if space is available.  

We are dedicated to including all students regardless of the ability to pay.  We are offering a three-tiered payment structure that creates an equitable fee structure and removes barriers to access. Need-based scholarships (free or partial tuition) are available.  To apply for a scholarship, please fill out that portion of the application below.

2025 Tech Apprentice Program

Priority Application Date: April 14, 2025

Marin Shakespeare Company, renowned for its award-winning outdoor summer Shakespeare performances, invites high school and college students to join the 2025 Tech Apprentice Program. Performances occur at the Forest Meadows Amphitheatre on the Dominican University campus in San Rafael, California, just twelve miles north of San Francisco.

This program offers participants a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of theatre production through hands-on experience and mentorship in technical theatre, design, and front-of-house operations. Apprentices will be assigned to assist with run-crew or front-of-house for A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest on the Forest Meadows stage.

Program Highlights

Participants will receive personalized instruction and practical training in:

• Set Design, Construction, and Scenic Art
• Lighting Design
• Costume Design and Wardrobe Crew
• Prop Design
• Stage Management and Run Crew
• House Management & Audience Services

Our experienced instructors, including Marin Shakespeare Company’s Technical Director, Designers, and Stage Manager, will guide apprentices through their journey into the world of theatre production.

Hands-On Experience

Apprentices will:

• Engage in prop and set construction, painting, and lighting setup (hang and focus).
• Support live performancesworking backstage or assisting with audience services.
• Develop valuable skills in all phases of production while preparing for future careers as theatre technicians and designers.

In addition, participants are invited to attend rehearsals and may assist the stage management team. 

Schedule:

To complete the program, apprentices must commit to attend the following:

• Tuesday, May 13th- Tech Apprentice Meeting and First Midsummer Rehearsal- 3:30 pm-9:00 pm 
• Training Sessions Tuesdays May 20th & May 27 from 4-6 pm 
• At least 10 hours/ week from May 13-June 1st including:
  • One weekday afternoon/ evening: Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, 3-7 PM
  • One Weekend day- 9-5 PM
• Performance Commitment: Apprentices will be assigned to assist with run-crew or front-of-house for both Forest Meadows productions:
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream: expected to attend tech rehearsals (June 6- June 12) and performances (June 13 – July 13) 
  • The Tempest:  expected to attend tech rehearsals (August 8-13) and performances (August 14 – September 14) 

Commitment to Equity

Marin Shakespeare Company is dedicated to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants. If you have special needs, let us know and we’ll work with you to ensure your participation.

How to Apply

For best consideration apply by April 14.  Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a rolling basis. 

Once you have submitted your application, you will be contacted to schedule an in-person interview with Marin Shakespeare staff on April 18 or 21.

Questions?
Contact: Elana Kepner, Education Director
415.499.4487
education@marinshakespeare.org

Summer Acting Intensive Lab

For early-career actors 18+. For more info