The mission of the TTAP program is to train the next generation of professional theatre technicians. 

The mission of the Technical Theatre Apprenticeship Program is to train the next generation of professional theatre technicians.

The Technical Theatre Apprenticeship Program is an intense two-year program designed for students interested in a career in technical theatre.  It is a program that will train theatre technicians. The maximum number of apprentices is five. Venice Theatre accepts new apprentices only in the fall of every year.  Students are expected to maintain a B average in their high school/college work and honor any school commitments.  

The apprentice will average 20-25 hours per week over the 2-year period. Upon completion of all graduation requirements, the apprentice will earn certification as a stage technician by the Florida Department of Education, Apprenticeship Division. The program serves both students who want to go directly into the workforce or on to college.   

A path to college and career opportunities

  • Students can earn college credit for the classes that supplement their apprenticeship work.
  • The TTAP program helps students identify the correct career path after completion of the program, either directly into the work force or to college.
  • When students complete the program, they are qualified to enter the field of professional technical theatre with journeyman status.

The work of an apprentice

  • A minimum of 1,500 apprenticeship hours
  • Competency in your chosen major and minor
  • Demonstration of proactivity, consistent professional ethics, and  a readiness to enter the professional world
  • Successful completion of classes and life skills workshops
  • Portfolio Preparation
  • Exit Interview

We would love to hear from you!

Email SandyDavisson@VeniceTheatre.net or call 941-488-1115, x224.

Venice Theatre believes in equal opportunity for all participants regardless of their race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. We will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of these characteristics in any action taken by the theatre, its employees or volunteers.

Sandy Davisson

Sandy Davisson

Director of Education & Community Engagement

Sandy received an M.A. in Theatre History and Criticism from State University of New York and an MFA in Directing at FAU. She finds great joy in watching the students – both children and adults – grow in confidence and communication as they move through the classes at VT.

John Andzulis

John Andzulis

Production Manager/Technical Director/Resident Lighting Designer

John is in his 12th season as Venice Theatre’s Technical Director. He has a B.A. in Technical Theatre from Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA and has continued his technical career with lighting and scenic designs for productions such as: Handy Award winning Metamorphoses; The Jungle Book; Urinetown; Inherit the Wind; Peter Pan; Ragtime; Sweeney Todd; Godspell; Boeing Boeing; Avenue Q; Hello, Dolly!; Smokey Joe’s Cafe; Radio Gals; Dreamgirls, and A Christmas Carol. 

Nate Blaweiss

Nate Blaweiss

Resident Sound Designer

Nate is the Resident Sound Designer at Venice Theatre, designing, mixing, and composing for our shows since 2019. Some of Nate’s favorites include: To Kill a Mockingbird; Almost, Maine; Young Frankenstein; Ain’t Misbehavin’; and God’s Country. Nate also runs sound for some of our Concert Series, favorites include: Norm Lewis, The Rocket Man Show, and Back Home Again. See and hear Nate’s work at nateblaweiss.com.

Lisa Million

Lisa Million

Resident Stage Manager

Lisa started at Venice Theatre as a stage manager in the TTAP program where some of her favorite credits include Spring Awakening, Jesus Christ Superstar, The King and I, 42nd Street, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Always…Patsy Cline, and Greater Tuna. She is a graduate of The University of Central Florida’s B.F.A. Stage Management Program.