Arts Institute for Creative Advancement (AICA)

Paid Technical Theater Training for DC Young Adults

Now in its fourth year, the Arts Institute for Creative Advancement (AICA) is a 700-hour paid workforce development program preparing young adults ages 18–24 for careers as stagehands in professional theater and live entertainment. Through an “earn while you learn” model, participants receive intensive training in scenic carpentry, lighting and electrics, audio engineering, stage management, costuming, props, scenic painting, and rigging, combined with paid apprenticeships across the region.

Technical theater is a high-demand field in Washington, DC, with employment opportunities across more than 90 theaters and performance venues. AICA graduates are building careers in backstage production, entertainment technology, and event operations throughout the DMV region.

88% of AICA graduates are steadily employed at performing arts, entertainment, and event production organizations across the region.

Designed for youth who are disconnected from or under-engaged in school and work, AICA connects participants to high-demand careers in Washington, DC’s growing creative economy. In 2026, 100% of participants are from low- to moderate-income backgrounds, and 50% identify as having one or more disabilities, reflecting AICA’s commitment to expanding access to stable, high-wage career pathways.

“This program gives you every resource to try new things…you get the leeway to fail, but it’s what you do after that keeps you in the game…once you’re in this space, everyone wants to see you win.”
— 2026 Apprentice

AICA is an initiative of the DC Arts Education Alliance and is led by Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts, and Life Pieces To Masterpieces in partnership with seventeen arts education and theater organizations, including Sitar Arts Center and IATSE Local 22. Apprentices train directly with professional DC theater technicians through classroom learning, hands-on simulations, and real-world backstage experiences at theaters and performance venues throughout the region.

Applications

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed. Information about the Class of 2027 and application materials will be available beginning in August 2026 for a program start date of January 2027.

For program-related questions, please contact AICA Program Director Natalie Pertz at 202-655-2255.

Support AICA

CHAW serves as AICA’s fiscal sponsor and fiduciary, providing financial oversight and administrative infrastructure to ensure responsible stewardship of funds and long-term program sustainability.

[Click Here to Donate to AICA]