Fostering Opportunity for Communities
Underserved on the Stage (FOCUS)
about
The FOCUS Program aims to provide exposure, training, mentorship, networking, and direct paid professional opportunities for early-career theatre designers, technicians, and stage managers from underserved and underrepresented communities including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Disabled, Deaf, and Neurodivergent theatre practitioners. Apprentices are provided mentorship in their design department of interest, given opportunities to shadow or assist with design on a variety of productions, and are connected with other theatres in the region to expand their network and create potential future employment opportunities. Over the course of the season, each FOCUS apprentice receives compensation for all onsite training and production work. Every apprenticeship is curated for the individual artist. FOCUS apprenticeships can last multiple years, and apprentices can explore more than one aspect of technical theatre by working with more than one department.
commitment
The time commitment for a FOCUS apprentice varies based on the individual artist’s area of interest. In the past, FOCUS apprentices have assisted a designer on an average of two to three productions per season, as well as participating in set builds and strikes, light hangs, scenic painting, and supporting other Dobama events, such as Drag Story Hour and the Heights Halloween Festival.
We have found that successful FOCUS apprentices are intrinsically motivated, comfortable working independently and collaboratively, and able to communicate their needs and goals. All FOCUS apprentices are encouraged to express any interest they may have in other areas of theatre, and Dobama staff will do their best to connect apprentices to additional opportunities.
FOCUS apprentices work throughout the entire season at Dobama. The start and end dates are flexible based on the FOCUS apprentice’s availability and are determined through a conversation with Dobama staff.
application timeline
Applications for the FOCUS Program are due no later than April 15. Applicants must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent. Offers are made no later than May 15. All application materials should be submitted via the Google Form.
Dobama Theatre encourages applicants to reach out in advance to have a conversation about their interest in the program and to ask any questions you may have about the theatre, the FOCUS Program, and/or the submission materials. Please email Director of Programs, Erin E. Dolan at edolan@dobama.org to start that conversation.
2025/26 FOCUS APPRENTICES
McKenna Pfeiffer
Stage Management
McKenna Pfeiffer (she/her) is a senior from Amherst, OH attending Baldwin Wallace University as a Stage Management major with an Arts Management minor. She has worked all throughout Cleveland with credits from Great Lakes Theatre, Cleveland Public Theatre, Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Along with this, McKenna was able to participate in USITT’s selective Stage Management Mentorship Program in Columbus in 2025. She was able to work alongside professional stage managers from across the country and stage manage two events at the conference. Outside of stage managing, McKenna loves to partake in various other art forms. She loves to crochet, craft, and play guitar. She also has had the opportunity to work within the world of film by acting as the featured actor in Pure Noise Records’ three-part music video series for the band Arm’s Length. She is thrilled to join the Dobama theatre family and see where theatre takes her post grad. Much love!
Tegan Wilson
Props Design
Tegan Wilson (they/them) is a young prop designer, manager, and artisan eager to begin their career after graduating in the spring from Kent State University with a BFA in Theatrical Design, Tech, and Production with a concentration in Scenic Design. They have been an active part of many of Kent’s mainstage productions over the years, with recent credits as Prop Designer (The Wiz), Assistant Prop Manager (Men on Boats, The Crucible), Projection Designer & Associate Scenic Designer (Pride & Prejudice – The Musical), and Co-Scenic Designer (Everybody). Tegan has also been involved with numerous productions at Porthouse Theatre, where they have worked as an artisan, Prop Manager (Fiddler on the Roof, Annie), and Assistant Prop Manager (School of Rock). When not learning everything they reasonably can about the art of props, Tegan can reliably be found getting lost in the woods or exploring local rivers. They also enjoy making crafts for friends, playing a good game, and disassembling household items to see how they work. Tegan is thrilled to be joining Dobama’s team as this year's props and projections apprentice as they embark on this new chapter of their life! They would also like to thank their friends, family, loved ones, and mentors who have continuously supported them through everything.
FOCUS Program Apprentice Alumni
Class of 2025
Josy jones (lighting Design)
EMMETT SCOTT (SCENIC DESIGN)
BELLA BREHM (SOUND Design)
WAYNE Smith III (Projection Design)
Class of 2024
Jasmine Golphin (Projection Design)
E.J. Buckner (Sound Design)
Cam Henderson (Stage Management)
Want to inquire about working with a FOCUS Program Apprentice or alumni?