— INTRODUCING —
The PTPT Apprentice Theatre serves as the bridge between intensive classroom study and the ultimate goal of professional employment. It is where aspiring artists transition from students of craft to leaders in production.
The Executive Team
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Emilia Torello
EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
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Carli Batson-Berry
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
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Katie Mahn
APPRENTICE COORDINATOR
Our History: From Program to Pipeline
The Apprentice Theatre originated in 2019 as the Apprentice Program, co-founded by Emilia Torello, Wilker Ballantine, and Jason Aycock in partnership with Opera House Theatre Company.
The program was initially developed to give young people ages 14 to 24 the much-needed opportunity to direct and take on leadership roles—an opportunity that did not previously exist in the area.
Today, after finding its new home at PTPT, the Apprentice Theatre has expanded its mission to serve any novice creative (14+) seeking mentorship in directorial roles, stage management, lighting design, choreography, and more, operating with a 1:1 mentor-to-apprentice ratio.
The Apprentice Theatre is the launching pad for aspiring professional creatives.
MISSION: Leadership Through Practical Mentorship
The PTPT Apprentice Theatre is designed to replicate the real-world rehearsal room.
It is not a class; it is a hands-on, supervised production environment.
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Take the first step towards being a professional leader in the arts—explore our Apprentice Track classes and carve your own path right here in Wilmington, NC.