The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival enhances community life by providing accessible, professional classical theatre and quality educational outreach programming. The Festival was founded in 1960 and each summer for the past thirty-six years has produced the plays of William Shakespeare in the 1500 seat C. Douglas Ramey Ampitheatre located in Louisville's inner-city Central Park. To date, 105 productions of 31 of William Shakespeare's 37 plays have been produced by the Festival.

The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival provides high school students the opportunity to apprentice in either the ACTING or TECHNICAL area of the theatre during the summer season.

Apprentices work closely with members of the professional company and have an excellent opportunity to learn about the professional theatre world. Apprentices also work with the Festival's intern company which consists of college graduate students from throughout the United States. The interns offer the apprentices information regarding the professional training programs they have attended or are currently attending.

Apprentices in the acting area play small roles, if available, in the summer productions. Apprentices not involved in rehearsal will assume responsibilities in the technical areas. All acting apprentices participate in the Barrel Campaign (passing the hat at public performances) and are an important and integral part of the Festival's activities.

Apprentices in the technical area are assigned to a specific technical area (sets, props, costumes, lights or sound) depending of the apprentices interest/skills and the Festival's needs.

Apprenticeships are non-salaried positions requiring a full-time commitment from the participants. Priority is given to apprentices who can commit to a full season (last day of school to July 13) but occasionally apprenticeships are set up for a partial season. Apprentices are required to have the full support of their parents or legal guardian.

Applications are accepted until April before the season start in early June. Call the Festival at 502-583-8738 for more information.