Everyman Theatre Launches Everyman University Observership Education Program to Connect University Students with Professional Theatre Practice
BALTIMORE, MD – April 25, 2025 – Everyman Theatre announces the launch of the Everyman Observership, a unique new program designed for local college students majoring in acting, design, and theatre studies. This initiative provides an invaluable opportunity for students to gain firsthand knowledge of producing professional theatre by observing a full team of production artists and craftspeople throughout the creation process, with a strong emphasis on witnessing the collaboration that takes place “in the room.”
The inaugural Everyman University Observership cohort welcomes 16 students from 6 local universities and will focus on the upcoming production of Charles Ludlam’s comedic tour-de-force, The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful. Their observership journey will include attending production meetings, the first read-through with the cast, the design run (where technical elements are integrated in the rehearsal room), technical rehearsals on stage, dress rehearsals, and preview performances. By inviting these future theatre makers into the rehearsal room and meetings. Everyman’s program offers unprecedented professional theatre access to this group of students, offering a closer look at the collaborative energy, challenges, and artistry that fuel professional theatre.
“I am beyond excited for the inaugural cohort of the Everyman University Observership Program,” says Joseph W. Ritsch, Director of Education and Director for The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful. “We believe this program will create a pipeline for local theatre students to engage and build relationships with the theatre. These students are the future of our industry and supporting their professional development is very important to us.”
Bridging academic learning and professional practice, the Everyman observership offers aspiring theatre professionals’ vital hands-on exposure and understanding. This initiative prepares participants for theatre careers while upholding Everyman’s values of People, Community, and Excellence and its dedication to bringing powerful stories to life with local DMV talent. Everyman has partnered with six esteemed universities in the Baltimore region for the inaugural cohort:
- Bowie State University
- Coppin State University
- Morgan State University
- Stevenson University
- Towson University
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
“We are delighted that Everyman is making this observership available to our graduating UMBC Theatre majors!”, remarks Eve Muson, UMBC Theatre Department Chair and Associate Director “There is no substitute for being in the room while professional actors, directors and designers work together. Our partnership with Everyman makes space for our emerging theatre makers to take the next steps in their evolution as artists and citizens of Baltimore!”
Students in this year’s Everyman University Observership Program will have the chance to learn from the accomplished The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful cast, Resident Company Members Bruce Randolph Nelson and Zack Powell, and the creative team, led by Ritsch. The creative team also includes Resident Artist Daniel Ettinger (Set Design), Resident Artist David Burdick (Costume Design), Everyman’s Lighting Supervisor, Juan M. Juarez (Lighting Design), and Germán Martinez (Sound Design), Denise O Brien (Wig Design),Resident Company Member Gary Logan (Dialects), Resident Company Member Lewis Shaw ( Fights & Intimacy),Resident Company Member Robyn Quick (Dramaturgy), and Resident Stage Manager Cat Wallis.
ABOUT EVERYMAN THEATRE
Everyman Theatre is a professional Equity Theatre company in Baltimore’s Bromo Arts District. Founded in 1990 by Vincent M. Lancisi, Everyman centers its storytelling with a Resident Company of artists to carry out its mission of offering transformative, accessible theatre experiences. Led by Lancisi and Managing Director Marissa LaRose, Everyman Theatre invests in its community, believing that theatre is at its best when it’s “Built in Baltimore.” With the support of its partners, Everyman uses local vendors and local artisans to build every season, from the sets to the costumes, here in the city. Each season, the theatre employs over 150 full and part-time staff, actors, designers, and teaching artists to bring its programming to the people of Baltimore and the surrounding counties. Every dollar that Everyman receives in donations or sponsorships is reinvested into the community, helping to build a vibrant arts ecosystem that supports local jobs.
Everyman Theatre is supported in part by Lead Corporate Sponsor Gallagher, Evelius, and Jones, LLP, The Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org), The Citizens of Baltimore County, and The Shubert Foundation.