Applications for the St. Louis Scenic Artist Apprenticeship are now open from December 16, 2025 at 9am until January 30, 2026 at 4:30pm.
SCENIC ARTIST APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
The Apprenticeship Program is a three-year program that is sponsored by the Local USA 829 Apprenticeship and Training Fund. Apprentice Exams will be offered periodically as dictated by the availability of work. All applications will be received without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, G.I.N.A, disabilities, creed, marital status and arrest records. Interested parties must have the following minimum qualifications before making application to the program.
- Upon acceptance into the program applicant must show proof of being at least 18 years of age and have a valid Social Security number.
- Upon acceptance into the program applicant must have earned a High School diploma or G.E.D.
The Apprenticeship Program is looking for applicants with a working knowledge of art, theatre, film and related industries, but with less than three (3) years of experience. The Apprenticeship Committee reserves the right to reject applicants possessing too much experience as a working Scenic Artist, and would recommend either the Scenic Artist TRACK A Exam or the Scenic Artist TRACK B “Open” Exam.
APPRENTICESHIP EXAM
United Scenic Artists administers a two-part test for all applicants of the Apprenticeship Program. Apprentices will be selected in order of their ranking of the combined scores of Part 1 and Part 2 of the exam.
Once accepted into the program the rate of pay begins at 50% of the journey artist’s rate and increases annually based upon hours on the job and the completion of skill seminars. Seminar classes are mandatory and conducted throughout each year from March 2026 until August 2029. Employment will commence in SPRING/SUMMER 2026.
There is a $50.00 application fee and your check for $275 should be made out to Local USA 829 Apprenticeship & Training Fund and mailed with application to the address
Mail applications and check to:
United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829
Attn: Central Region Apprenticeship Committee
111 N. Wabash #2107
Chicago, IL 60602
Each applicant will be notified by the committee with their interview/portfolio review time to be held in early 2026. The interviewers will consider the following attributes:
Reliability, Judgment, Cooperativeness, Interest, Attitude, Other personal traits
There will be a Portfolio Review at the same time. Your portfolio should include a minimum of six (6) pieces of your own original work. Non–representation work is not helpful to our judging process. Upon successful completion of the interview/portfolio review, there will be a Practical Exam of basic artistic skills administered by the committee in early 2026. Detailed information about the St. Louis Scenic Artists Apprenticeship Program and the exam process can be found in the Application Information Letter. For more information, please contact Program Coordinator Emily Frei via e-mail at: CRApprentice@usa829.org
DOCUMENTS:
Central Region 2026 St. Louis Apprenticeship Information Letter
Central Region St. Louis Apprenticeship Notice 2026