Apply Now: Paid Youth Apprenticeship in Live Arts Events

February 9, 2026

NJCDC is proud to partner with Word Seed Inc., Prototype 237, the Paterson Museum, and CavanKerry Press on the Poetic License Project — a year-long poetry initiative bringing nationally recognized poets, performances, workshops, and publications to Paterson throughout 2026.

Centered at Paterson-based community arts center and creative hub Prototype 237 and extending into NJCDC’s Great Falls Youth Center, the Paterson Museum, and other key cultural spaces across the city, the Poetic License Project celebrates Paterson’s deep literary legacy while creating new pathways for community participation, professional development, and youth engagement.

The Poetic License Project is made possible through funding from NJEDA as part of its Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) Phase II program, which supports arts- and culture-based projects that strengthen local economies and activate community spaces.

As part of this citywide initiative, the Poetic License Youth Live Arts Events Apprenticeship offers Paterson high school students a paid opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting live arts events behind the scenes.

Program Overview
What You'll Do
Apprenticeship Tracks
Program Details
What You'll Learn
Who Should Apply?
Application & Selection Process
Nominator Requirement
Application Timeline

Program Overview

The Poetic License Youth Live Events Apprenticeship is a paid, project-based opportunity for Paterson high school students to learn how live arts events actually happen — behind the scenes.

Apprentices will work alongside professional artists, technicians, producers, and nonprofit staff to help plan, promote, and run real poetry performances and community events throughout 2026. The program is embedded within the year-long Poetic License Project, a citywide poetry initiative centered at Prototype 237 and partner venues across Paterson.

This apprenticeship is designed for students who are curious, reliable, and excited to learn. No prior experience is required.

What You’ll Do

As a youth apprentice, you’ll be part of a small cohort supporting live poetry events from planning through execution. Depending on your track, you may help with:

Lighting and stage setup
Sound engineering and microphones
Event planning and on-site coordination
Marketing, promotion, and social media coverage
Artist and vendor support
Live event execution and breakdown

You’ll work alongside nationally recognized poets and gain firsthand experience of how a DIY arts space and a nonprofit organization operate behind the scenes — while building relationships with artists, producers, and community partners along the way.

Apprenticeship Tracks

Apprentices will be placed in one of two tracks, based on interest. Each track begins with shared learning and gradually moves toward deeper focus in one primary area.

Technical Track (2 apprentices)

Focus areas:

Sound engineering
Lighting

Marketing & Production Track (2 apprentices)

Focus areas:

Event production
Marketing and promotion

Apprentices in each track work as a paired duo throughout the program, learning together, supporting one another, and meeting at the same time for training, briefings, and reflection.

Program Details at a Glance

Who can apply

Current 10th and 11th grade students (2025–26 school year)

Program timeline

April – October 2026

Time commitment

Approximately 60 hours total

~10 hours of onboarding and training
~50 hours of hands-on event experience

Required event weekends

Poetic License Session #1: May 1–3, 2026
Poetic License Session #2: June 12–14, 2026
Poetic License Session #3: July 10–12, 2026
Poetic License Session #4: October 16–18, 2026
Paterson Poetry Prom: October 30–31, 2026

⚠️ Saturday availability is required for all five event weekends.

Stipend

$750 upon successful completion of the full program

What You’ll Learn

Through hands-on experience and mentorship, apprentices will build skills in:

Live event production and planning
Technical setup, rehearsal, and strike
Marketing strategy and audience engagement
Professional communication and teamwork
Working with artists and creative professionals
Time management and responsibility

These are transferable skills that apply across creative industries and many professional fields.

Who Should Apply?

This apprenticeship is a good fit for students who:

Are interested in music, poetry, theater, media, or live events
Are curious about behind-the-scenes work
Can commit to participating through October 2026
Want real-world experience in a professional arts environment

You do not need prior technical or production experience — enthusiasm, reliability, and commitment matter most.

Application & Selection Process

How to Apply

Complete the online application
Identify an adult nominator who knows you well and share instructions with them to submit a nomination letter on your behalf.

Apply here:

Poetic License Youth Live Events Apprenticeship Application

or visit: bit.ly/youthapprenticepcp

Nominator Requirement

Each application must be supported by a nomination from an adult in the community who knows the applicant and can speak to their reliability and readiness for a long-term commitment.

Examples include:

Teacher
School counselor
Coach
Program or youth development staff member

Applicants will provide their nominator’s name, role, and email address in the application. Nominators will then be asked to email a brief (2–3 sentence) statement of support to: Eric Saltzman (esaltzman@njcdc.org)

Application Timeline

Applications open: Monday, February 9
Application deadline: Friday, February 27
Interviews: March 2–7
Finalists notified: Sunday, March 8
Finalist confirmation deadline: Friday, March 13
Official welcome & announcement: Saturday, March 21, 2026 (Poetic License Welcome Party at the Paterson Museum)

Questions?

If you have questions about eligibility, scheduling, or the application process, we’re happy to help.

Contact: esaltzman@njcdc.org