Student Ambassador Program

“Leadership is a characteristic that everyone has. It means to be brave and be yourself, but also to help other people find themselves and help them grow.” —Jordyn, Student Ambassador

CTG’s Student Ambassador program is the ultimate experience for Los Angeles County high school students who love the arts: a seven-month paid leadership program designed to transform passionate young people into arts leaders, team players, advocates, and engagement experts.

No arts, theatre, or leadership experience is required to participate. We're looking for Student Ambassadors with curiosity and commitment, enthusiasm, and perseverance. Participants are divided into 2 groups, both with long-term projects and goals, such as designing special events and social media campaigns that inspire their peers to support the arts.

In keeping with CTG’s commitment to a safe, happy, and healthy work environment, we aim to create a supportive learning environment where everyone can be their whole selves. We encourage wellness, embrace and support differences, and focus on principles of antiracism, equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the Student Ambassador program.

Program runs October 2023 – April 2024.
Apply by 5pm on Friday, September 22, 2023.

Participation is free, and we offer a stipend to each of our Ambassadors!

Apply

Program Information

ELIGIBILITY: Arts-interested high school students ages 14–18 who reside in Los Angeles County are eligible to apply. No theatre or leadership experience is required. We accept applicants from public, private, and charter schools, as well as students who are home-schooled and those who attend alternative or continuation schools. Only one student from each school will be selected to represent their campus and community.

IMPORTANT Covid-19 Health & Safety: Center Theatre Group is committed to following current State, County, and CDC guidance for reducing the spread of COVID-19. All Center Theatre Group staff are required to be fully vaccinated and all program participants are highly encouraged to be fully vaccinated to participate. If you have questions regarding this health and safety policy, please contact Nico Rosario, Creative Workforce Initiatives Director, at nrosario@ctgla.org.

Location and Program Access

Applicants who are invited to interview will participate in a group interview, which will take place via Zoom on October 4^th; participants will need access to a Wi-Fi enabled device such as a personal laptop or cell phone, and will be required to set up a free Zoom account to participate. CTG cannot provide laptops or cell phones for program access.

The program starts on Saturday, October 14, and all meetings will be held at the Music Center Annex, located at 601 W. Temple St. in downtown Los Angeles, across the street from the Ahmanson Theatre. Center Theatre Group does not provide transportation to and from program locations, but we provide free parking or a free Metro pass to students throughout the program. Please be aware that meeting spaces and times are subject to change during the course of the program.

Program Commitment

This is a seven-month, approximately 60-hour in-person program. Students and parents/guardians, please check all dates below to be sure you’re able to participate, and do not apply if you cannot come to every session; missing more than one session will result in removal from the program. Consider the following conflicts before applying: after-school activity schedules in both the fall and spring semesters, festivals, family vacations, college planning trips, and mandatory scholarship or school events.

ALL AMBASSADORS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE FOLLOWING:

Tuesday, October 3, 4:30-6:30pm – Group Interviews (This will be held virtually via Zoom. Students will be assigned a time to log on.)
Saturday, October 14 (Time TBD)—Parent and Student Orientation*
Mondays, October 16 & 30, 4:30–7:30pm—Group Meetings
Mondays, November 13 & 27, 4:30–7:30pm—Group Meetings
Saturday, December 16 (Time TBD)—Group Retreat
Mondays, January 8 & 22, 4:30–7:30pm—Group Meetings
Mondays, February 5, 20 (Tues), & 26, 4:30–7:30pm—Group Meetings
Saturday, March 2 (Time TBD)—College and Career Fair for the Arts
Monday, March 18, 4:30–7:30pm—Group Meeting
Saturday, April 6 (Time TBD)—Culmination Celebration*

*Parents/Guardians and teachers are invited to attend the Orientation and Culmination.

IN ADDITION TO ALL THE STUDENT AMBASSADOR MEETINGS, EACH AMBASSADOR MUST ALSO ATTEND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:

A FreePlay student performance of one of the following CTG productions:
- A Christmas Story, The Musical (Dec 2023, date TBD) at the Ahmanson Theatre
- Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet (Feb 2024, date TBD) at the Ahmanson Theatre

The Ahmanson Theatre is located at 135 N. Grand Ave. in downtown Los Angeles (across from the Music Center Annex). The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd in Culver City. Ambassadors will receive a complimentary ticket for themselves and a guest under 25.

Project Teams

Each Student Ambassador will be placed on one of two teams and work with CTG staff to help develop programming and build audience interest for our annual College and Career Fair on March 2, 2024. In your Personal Statement, please highlight which team appeals to you the most.

Careers in the Arts Programming Team:

Are you interested in working in the arts? Would you like to help teens discover educational and professional pathways to creative careers? The Careers in the Arts Programming Team will work alongside educators and the Fair Producer to help shape programming and create activities for the CTG College and Career Fair. This team is perfect for students who want to learn more about event planning, career development, education, and creative jobs. No experience necessary!

Marketing & Social Media Team:

Are you an aspiring content creator or enjoy promoting events? The CTG Student Ambassador Marketing Team is seeking outgoing teens to connect with young people interested in careers in the arts. You will work alongside experts in the field to inspire the next generation of the creative workforce by creating branding, marketing, and outreach campaigns for our annual College and Career Fair. If you have a passion for marketing, community engagement, social media, and creative careers, this is the right team for you! Experience in marketing or social media is not required.