AICA Apprentices Enter DC’s Technical Theatre Industry with a Bang

The Arts Institute for Creative Advancement (AICA)’s Class of 2026 has moved from the classroom and fully into the field—and they’ve hit the ground running!

“This class ‘gets it,’” said AICA Program Director Natalie Pertz. “From the very first day, this group has shown up with an eagerness to work hard, be a part of the industry, and build community with one another. They laugh a lot, too.”

That energy has translated into an impressive array of placements: the 2026 Helen Hayes Awards ceremony, the Equity Arc National Ensembles and Festival Concert, Round House Theatre’s production of Sally & Tom, a Mayoral Forum on the Arts at Studio Theatre, The Music Man at Capital One Hall, and much more.

AICA apprentice Quel Thompson takes a moment to strike a pose during tech setup for the Helen Hayes Awards ceremony / Photo courtesy of Quel Thompson

You’ll see these apprentices’ hard work all summer long—every Theatre Lab production you attend will bear their fingerprints. Save the date for this year’s AICA Graduation Ceremony on September 2 at Atlas Performing Arts Center: a night of joyous celebration and unforgettably moving stories from our graduates on their experience in this program.

Launched in 2023, the AICA is led by The Theatre Lab, Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, and Life Pieces To Masterpieces, with over 30 partnering theaters and performing arts venues. To date, over 87% of AICA graduates have worked regularly in the DMV theatre and production scene. On August 1, 2026, we will begin recruiting for the Class of 2027.