Summer Mentorship Program

The Edmonton Pops Orchestra and Freewill Shakespeare Festival are seeking candidates who are pursuing a professional career in the theatre arts. Work side by side with an industry professional and contribute to the production of the musical comedy Something Rotten! at Hawrelak Park in summer 2026.

Roles

Participants will work on the production as either an Assistant Director, Assistant Music Director, Assistant Choreographer, or Assistant Stage Manager. When you apply, you can let us know if you are interested in one or more of the available roles.

Dates

This mentorship program will take place May 26 – June 19, during the 4 weeks leading up the opening and including the first 2 days of performances.

There is a possibility that the program will be extended to May 12 – July 17. In this case, the program will cover 2 additional weeks of rehearsal, the entire run of the show, and the takedown and debrief process.

Honorarium

Participants will receive an honorarium starting at $2000.

Apply

Apply by filling out the form below. Selected participants will be at a point in their career where they are interested in learning more about the production of a professional musical.

The application deadline is 11:59pm MT on January 30, 2026.

Performer Auditions

Freewill Shakespeare Festival is also holding auditions for Something Rotten! and Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The submission deadline for auditions is January 19, 2026.