The Children's Theatre Workshop (CTW) has been awarded a grant through the Toledo Neighborhoods Fund to expand their innovative apprenticeship program, a cornerstone of their mission to provide meaningful career pathways for local youth. This funding will allow CTW to employ 10-11 apprentices annually across three critical areas: Education, Technical Theater, and Costuming.
Bridging Educational Gaps Through Hands-On Learning
CTW's apprenticeship program stands out by offering alternative educational pathways for young people who may not thrive in traditional classroom settings. The Technical Theater track particularly emphasizes hands-on skills that translate directly to blue-collar careers, bringing dignity and purpose to practical work that is often overlooked in conventional education.
"Our education fills a gap," explains Aimee Reid, executive artistic director. "Traditional education doesn't always fit these participants, and we're providing an alternative that resonates with their learning styles and interests."
Success Stories: From Apprentices to Professionals
The program's effectiveness is best illustrated through former apprentices:
Lyric Clifton-Bowen began at CTW at just 10 years old, progressed through the apprenticeship program, and now at 22, owns her own dance studio, bringing arts education to even more young people in the community.
Ella Culbreath, who completed the costuming apprenticeship, has secured employment at a uniform manufacturing company in Swanton, applying her specialized sewing skills in a professional setting.
Aubrey Hess, a former education apprentice, is now directing the musical "Six" at Toledo School for the Arts, demonstrating how the program cultivates leadership in the local arts scene.
Jackie Cierniak, a technical theater apprentice, whose meteoric success in project management, leadership, and set design after just one year has secured a promising career path, notably when their traditional education career had been unsuccessful.
Vision for the Future
With this new funding paired with other funders, CTW aims to:
- Have two dedicated apprentices for each major program area, strengthening their organizational capacity.
- Establish sustainable relationships with local and regional organizations that can provide consistent pathways for apprentices.
- Envision elevating the status and appreciation of theater and arts education.
Research consistently shows that arts education improves school attendance and engagement and social/emotional learning. By expanding this proven apprenticeship model, CTW is nurturing the next generation of artists and technicians and supporting broader educational and workforce outcomes in our community.
CTW is now hiring for their summer apprenticeships. Visit www.ctwtoledo.org/employment to apply.
CTW hires youth ages 16-22 and prioritizes youth in low-to-moderate (LMI) households.