EXPECTATIONS OF THE LARK APPRENTICE 2017-2018

  • Time Commitment.All apprenticeships run August 30, 2017– June 29, 2018. It is important for apprentices to be on time and present for the hours they have agreed to work. All changes to your schedule should be discussed with your supervisor.
  • Take Initiative. Being a positive, self-starter will only help you in your apprenticeship and your continued career. If you notice an area where you can help or take on increased responsibility bring these ideas to your supervisor.
  • Focus.It is important to us that the Lark is a fun, exciting place to work, but remember that during your hours here staying on task is important. Make sure you are working on Lark-related work in the office and not distracting others from their work.
  • Keeping Lines of Communication Open.Changes in your schedule,questions on an assignment, concerns, etc. should be communicated. Keeping everyone informed only increases the effectiveness of the office.
  • Productivity & Accountability. Make sure you know and understand your job description and deadlines for your tasks and inform your supervisor if you need additional training or time.
  • Ask Questions.Apprentices are here to participate and assist in tasks and projects at the Lark, but most importantly you are here to learn. Always feel free to ask questions about any of your assignments or something that sparks your interest!
  • Be Part of the Lark Team.
  • Engage in The Lark’s ongoing work towards creating a more equitable environment. The Lark asks all apprentices and staff to engage in conversation and skills building in the areas of equity and diversity. We ask all apprentices to contribute a positive working environment and to treat their colleagues with consideration and respect.
  • Get to know the Lark’s community by working reception and events.
  • Reception: We ask that all apprentices take a shift at reception each week. Apprentices are expected to continue their regular work on reception days, but also be available to answer the phone and greet guests. Apprentices are responsible for covering their reception shifts if they are unable to be there.
  • Events: We encourage apprentices to be at as many events as possible – this is the best way to get to know the art and artists that Lark supports.
  • Assist General Management in facility and hospitality tasks. We ask allapprenticeswho are able and available to help with facility and hospitality projects as they come up. This includes but it not limited to event planning and set up and front of house management.
  • Know Why You Are Here. Make sure you have identified your personal and institutional goals for your apprenticeship and that you understand your role in the department in which you work and as part of the Lark team.

WHAT APPRENTICES CAN EXPECT OF THE LARK

  • Education.Apprenticeships are an opportunity to learn and to serve as a bridge between an educational setting and the professional world. This apprenticeship will help to prepare for that transition by providing apprentices with firsthand experience in the Lark process, training in working in arts administration, a greater knowledge of the inner workings of an arts organization and exposure to models of positive, collaborative professionals.
  • Conversation and Skills building. Apprentices will have the opportunity to attend and/or facilitate Lark’s brown bag lunch conversations around issues of equity and diversity. Additionally they will be invited to attend a number of the winter staff retreat sessions on topics such as big picture planning, program assessment, trainings and community dialogues.
  • Communication. Clear, honest, regular, rigorous communication from your supervisor about your tasks and their expectations including a weekly check-in meeting or phone call.
  • Goal Setting and Assessment. Your supervisor will work with you to set, update and assess department-related and personal goals for your apprenticeship period.
  • ApprenticeWorkshops and Artist Hour. Apprentices will have the opportunity to attend (approximately) weekly gatherings with their fellow Lark apprentices and an invited industry guest or Lark staff member as an opportunity to get to know and ask questions of a diverse group of people working in theater.
  • Apprentice Roundtable. You will have the opportunity to share an excerpt of your writing with Lark staff and other apprentices in a Roundtable setting. The majority of staff attends these three-hour events that occur each semester.
  • $660 monthly stipend.At the end of each month apprentices will receive a $660 stipend totaling $6,600 over the course of their apprenticeship.These stipends will be subject to taxes at the end of the year.

Potential Benefits

Exceptional past Lark apprentices have also gained jobs at the Lark, jobs with Lark artists and partners, letters of recommendation and expanded networks and mentorship from staff members. Part of what will make you exceptional is your level of professionalism, commitment to the organization and willingness to go the extra mile.