JMTC’s Theatrix Apprenticeship Programme (TAP) to empower next generation of theatre professionals

The Jamaica Musical Theatre Company (JMTC) will further strengthen Jamaica’s creative industry through its flagship training initiative, the Theatrix Apprenticeship Programme (TAP), scheduled to run between July 7 and 12 at Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts.

As a leading force in Jamaica’s musical theatre landscape, JMTC continues its mission of preserving and advancing the nation’s legacy of dance and theatre education by creating transformative opportunities for young creatives. Through high-quality productions and structured training programmes, the organisation remains committed to inspiring both performers and audiences while shaping the future of Jamaica’s performing arts sector.

Danielle Stiebel Johnson, Chairman and Producer, Jamaica Musical Theatre Company stated that TAP is a ‘career accelerator’.

“At the heart of this mission is TAP, a dynamic, week-long intensive programme designed for emerging theatre professionals aged 16 and older. This isn’t just a traditional workshop, TAP serves as a career accelerator, equipping participants with the practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional mentorship needed to thrive in today’s entertainment industry,” Danielle explained during a recent interview.

“The programme was created to bridge gaps within Jamaica’s educational and creative ecosystem, where formal certification and structured training in disciplines such as dance, theatre management, stage production, technical theatre, and arts education remain limited. TAP addresses this need by offering immersive, hands-on learning across both onstage and behind-the-scenes disciplines that are essential to sustaining and growing the performing arts industry,” she further explains.

From page to stage, participants will receive exposure to critical areas including performance, technical theatre, stage management, writing, production, and arts education, ensuring they graduate from the programme as well-rounded theatre professionals prepared for real-world opportunities.

“This initiative is about much more than training performers,” Johnson shared. “We are building the future producers, managers, technicians, educators, and creative leaders who will help propel Jamaica’s theatre and entertainment industries forward.”

This year’s staging of TAP will feature mentorship from acclaimed local and international industry experts, including Broadway Stage Manager John Moore and Broadway and celebrity makeup artist Kirk Cambridge-DelPesche.

Moore will lead the Stage Management Workshop, a four-day immersive experience focused on the essential mechanics of production leadership. Participants will learn the art of cue calling, rehearsal coordination, production planning, and leadership under pressure, gaining firsthand insight into what it takes to manage complex productions at a professional level.

Meanwhile, Cambridge-DelPesche will head the Makeup Design Masterclass, where participants will explore the transformative power of makeup in performance. The class will cover stage makeup techniques, theatrical illusion, character creation, and visual storytelling, providing aspiring creatives with specialised skills that enhance performance and production quality.

By combining world-class mentorship with practical, industry-focused training, TAP positions JMTC as the premier gateway for musical theatre and production careers in Jamaica.

“This is for young creatives with a passion for theatre, storytelling, and live production. TAP represents an unmatched opportunity to sharpen their craft, build meaningful industry connections, and take the next step toward a sustainable career in the performing arts,” Johnson ended by saying.