By Crystal Hayduk
Since the Purple Rose Theatre Company opened its doors 25 years ago, audiences have been entertained by award-winning plays. Although it might seem that talented actors effortlessly perform their scenes, the reality is that it takes a strong team many months of working long hours to produce shows that meet the Purple Rose standard.
Apprentices are an integral part of the Purple Rose team, according to resident artist and apprentice chief, Michelle Mountain, who manages the young people eager to learn the theatre. “They work like crazy on average 60 to 70 hours a week for a year,” said Mountain. “They go away knowing so much more about who they are as individuals. And they make lifelong friends in the process.”
The apprentice program was conceived by Purple Rose founder Jeff Daniels, modeled after his own apprenticeship at a theatre company in New York City when he was a young and hopeful actor.
Lauren Smith, a current apprentice who holds a degree in fine arts and musical theatre performance from the University of Central Missouri, plans to further her education in costume design. But, she’s also learning sound for the upcoming show, “Morning’s At Seven.”
Smith explained that every apprentice learns different aspects of production through involvement with each of the four shows during the course of the 12-month commitment. Core rotations include assisting the stage manager, properties designer, master electrician, sound designer, and in the scene shop; and working as backstage crew, evening box office staff, and house manager.
Apprentices attend acting intensive classes; acquire business skills in running a non-profit theatre company; and participate in all stage of play development, from script review to production.
Apprentices also attend weekly workshops that cover a variety of topics. Based on interest, workshop topics include improvisation, stage combat, monologues, script analysis, yoga, nutrition, and many more. “The big thing around here is to ask for what you want,” said Smith.
The variety of experiences offered in the program also lends itself to attracting apprentices with an array of career goals. Apprentice Josh Chamberlain, who earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English and American studies with a minor in film from the University of Dayton, hopes to write novels, plays, and screenplays someday. “I came here to gain experience in artistic collaboration,” said Chamberlain. “This program allows me to learn about all aspects of theatrical craft.”
Before the apprentices leave Chelsea’s Purple Rose, their final project is a production called “Dark Night.” Each apprentice writes a unique scene based on the same prompt given to the group. “Guy Sanville and Michelle Mountain take us through the entire process of producing a ten-minute scene,” said Smith. Apprentices write, cast, direct, design, and produce their scenes from concept to stage; which is performed for an invited audience.
Interested apprentice candidates submit an application, resume, three reference letters, and a cover letter. Final interviews take place in Chelsea with the Purple Rose team led by Guy Sanville, artistic director, and Mountain.
Seven or eight young people, most of whom are recent college graduates, are selected from around the country. They relocate to Chelsea for the full year of the theatre season. Members of the current group hail from the South, Midwest, Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Both the apprentices and the Purple Rose staff not only work well together, but they care for each other. “We’re like a big family here,” said Bethany Roberts, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in theatre performance from Baylor University in Texas. “It’s an amazing place to live and learn.”
College provides great preparation for the future, but an apprenticeship provides hands-on learning. And, the relationship between the apprentices and the Purple Rose staff is a two-way street. “Part of our mission is to help the next generation to learn,” said Mountain. “We couldn’t do this without them.”
The Purple Rose Theatre Company is located at 137 Park St. “Morning’s At Seven” runs from June 16 to Aug. 27. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 734-433-7673 or through the website here.
