Olney Theatre Center believes that arts education plays an essential role in our nation’s cultural health. That’s why in addition to our arts integration program, we offer apprenticeships. The apprenticeship program is a year long experience intended to offer emerging theater artists a bridge between university and the profession. For one year, 16 apprentices live and work on OTC’s campus in every facet of the organization. Meet one of our Costume apprentices, Jordan Watson!
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Jordan Watson
Costume Apprentice
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Cape May, New Jersey
What is the path that brought you to OTC?
I came to OTC through SETC, which is the Southeastern Theatre Conference. There is a job fair there, where you interview with all sorts of different companies, ranging from summer stock positions, cruise ships, and what I was looking for, apprenticeships. I had a very good feeling about the apprenticeship from the beginning, but after several interviews, and being able to learn more about the company and the program, I knew that I would be a great fit and would be happy here. I actually turned down other offers from different companies before getting an offer from OTC, because my gut was telling me to wait, and I’m glad it was right.
What are you working on right now?
Right now we have just opened Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors, so the shop is slowing down a little from being in complete overdrive. Now we are doing some prep work for Mary Stuart, as we wait for orders to come in and whatnot, but we will be having first fittings this week, which is always exciting.
What is something you are looking forward to?
I am looking forward to all of the events coming up. Between my very last opening here, which will be Mary Stuart, to the Helen Hayes Awards, and OTC’s Gala, and even our respective goodbye parties. Myself and the other Costume apprentice, Elizabeth Morton, are going to have a joint goodbye celebration of a potluck party with everyone, and it's going to be the best way for us to end our apprenticeships here.
What are you doing for your Capstone?
For my Capstone I will be Assistant Costume Designing Mary Stuart, under Ivania Stack.
What's special about Olney Theatre Center?
OTC is a very special place, especially for pre-professionals like us. We are often given great responsibilities, which can at first be intimidating, but the goal is to always not just meet those expectations, but surpass them, and the fact that we are given the chance to do that is incredible. Another thing about OTC that makes it so special is that we get to meet, work, and often live with the designers, directors, and actors of the shows we are doing. We get so much one-on-one time with these amazing professionals, who are not only fun to talk with, but are usually just as eager to share advice as we are to receive it.
What’s next for you after OTC?
After my apprenticeship, I will be attending graduate school at The University of Florida to study for my MFA in Costume Design.
