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.

Teaching Track Progression

Trainee Student Instructors Receive training and build experience in effective teaching and classroom management techniques »

Junior Student Instructors Help teach classes, while continuing to train in teaching and classroom management techniques »

Senior Student Instructors Teach assigned classes alongside faculty; pull out students for one-on-one attention; and/or sub occasionally for faculty »

Junior Faculty Teach classes independently; help train student instructors

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, wardrobe and inventory management, student registrations, and operations. 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.

Arts Administration Track Progression

Office/Wardrobe/Programs Intern
Office Intern: Greet visitors at front desk, answer phones, field questions, maintain studio
Wardrobe Intern: Accept and evaluate costume returns, communicate with wardrobe manager/coordinator
Programs Intern: Usher, Box Office Helper, Parking Monitor, Custodial »

Office Manager/Wardrobe Assistant/Database Manager
Office Manager: Handle front desk payments through Ludus, maintain practice wear inventory, maintain snack/supplies inventory
Wardrobe Assistant: Assist wardrobe coordinators and manager, communicate any returns, take measurements/try on costumes for dancers as instructed
Database Manager: Maintain and update Ludus audience database »

Administrative Assistant/Wardrobe Coordinator/Volunteer Coordinator
Administrative Assistant: Handle Stripe payments, process registrations etc
Wardrobe Coordinator: Handle wardrobe for a particular discipline - costume distribution, returns, inventory
Volunteer Coordinator: manage Ludus volunteer portal, set up and request volunteers for shows »

Operations Manager/Wardrobe Manager/Programs Manager
Operations Manager: Oversee admin interns, reconcile payments, sales, inventory, maintain student directory, send out parent communications as needed
Wardrobe Manager: Oversee wardrobe for all disciplines; plan Company costume distribution and returns, Pragati Maarga costume planning and distribution and returns, maintain inventory
Programs Manager: Set up Ludus/AnywhereSeat ticketing platform for programs, work with website/marketing team, monitor ticket sales

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.

Stage Management Track Progression

Trainee Techs Train in stage technical roles (setting up and running light and sound for shows, stage set up and take down); shadow lead techs and help set up, take down, and run events »

Second Techs Continue to gain experience in stage technical roles, help run simple shows along with another second or lead tech »

Lead Techs Run simple shows independently; Run complex shows along with another tech; work with renters/artists and pass on info to stage managers as needed »

Stage Managers Run shows independently; Train and oversee all techs; communicate with renters/artists as needed