Arts Apprenticeship Program
At Silambam Houston, we believe nurturing the arts goes beyond the stage. Our Arts Apprentice Program offers students meaningful pathways to develop skills beyond performance, from teaching and stage management to technical production, arts administration, and more. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, apprentices learn how to navigate the professional responsibilities that support artistic excellence and sustain the performing arts ecosystem.
Teaching
Our Student Instructor program serves as a vital bridge between advanced training and professional excellence, empowering the next generation of Indian classical arts leaders. As a core element of the Arts Apprenticeship Program, this initiative provides senior students with a structured, tiered pathway to master pedagogy, classroom management, and artistic leadership. Participants in this track cultivate a deep understanding of their craft while developing as educators. By blending technical rigor with hands-on mentorship, this program ensures that our artists are prepared to not only perform on world-class stages but to sustain and inspire their communities through the gift of teaching.
2025-2026 Teaching Apprentices
Senior Student Instructors:
Ariya Shah, Rishveda Shinoj, Reethi Kavaipatti
Junior Student Instructors:
Gayathri Jayakarmoorthy, Annmarie George, Jaanvi Patel, Meenakshi Balaji, Shreya Vaithianathan, Sara Sijo
Trainee Student Instructors: Madurabhashi Gowreesan, Prina Joshi, Kaartik Gali, Kalyan Gali, Raagavi Gali, Faiza Chatoor, Ankita Deenadayalan, Priya Rompicherla, Laya Keshav, Veda Kaushik, Smrithi Jayaraman
Arts Administration
Our Arts Administration Track provides a unique opportunity for students to master the operational backbone of a thriving cultural organization. This pathway guides participants from entry-level roles, such as office reception, to specialized administrative internships where they take on critical responsibilities including scheduling, inventory management, student registrations, and professional communications. By immersing themselves in the "business of the arts," students develop essential leadership and organizational skills that are vital for any professional career. This track ensures our students graduate as well-rounded professionals, equipped with the logistical expertise and administrative confidence to lead and sustain the arts in their communities.
2025-2026 Administrative Interns
Kaavya Rajarathnam, Sara Sijo, Ariya Shah, Ankita Deenadayalan, Akhil Rajarathnam, Gayathri Jayakarmoorthy, Shreya Vaithianathan, Meenakshi Balaji, Jaanvi Patel
Stage Management
Our Stage Management Track offers a comprehensive introduction to the vital world of theatrical production, transforming students into skilled technical artists. Working within the professional environment of our dedicated studio theater, participants gain hands-on experience in lighting and sound design, as well as the intricate logistics of stage management for live performances. This track bridges the gap between the stage and the control booth, teaching students how to weave technical precision with artistic vision to create seamless, high-quality productions. By mastering the "magic behind the curtain," students develop the leadership and technical expertise necessary to excel in any professional arts environment.
2025-2026 Stage Management Apprentices
Stage Managers
Anjali Kadur, Kaavya Rajarathnam, Crystal Tennyson, Akhil Rajarathnam
Stage Technicians
Sara Sijo, Adalyn Detenbeck
Trainee Techs
Madurabhashi Gowreesan, Shreya Vaithianathan, Meenakshi Balaji, Jaanvi Patel
Arts Journalism
Our newest training track in Arts Journalism empowers students to bridge the gap between observation and expression through both written and digital storytelling. This program encourages participants to think critically about the performances they attend, honing their ability to articulate the nuances of technique and culture through insightful reviews and dynamic video content. By crafting analytical reports, essays, and video reflections for our blog, The Beat, students build a professional portfolio as emerging arts critics and content creators. By mastering these communication tools, students learn to advocate for the Indian classical arts and engage modern audiences in the vital cultural dialogue surrounding their craft.
