Student Ambassadors

Arts-interested juniors and seniors in high school who live and/or attend school in Los Angeles County are eligible to apply. 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.  

No theatre or leadership experience is required, but we’re looking for teens who are interested in storytelling and advocacy, excited about designing a community event, and want to grow as leaders. 

Yes! We offer a $750 stipend to each of our Ambassadors and the costs for all of the activities, from seeing plays to attending workshops, are covered by Center Theatre Group.  

Ambassadors may choose to receive community service hours to fill their school requirement instead of a stipend if desired. If you chose Community Service on your application, you cannot switch to receiving a stipend once the program begins.  

This is an educational program compensated with a stipend or community service hours, and Ambassadors are not being hired by Center Theatre Group. 

In the interest of fairness, students can only do the program once.

Center Theatre Group is a nonprofit, so the answer is very likely yes. Many Ambassadors use the program to complete their community service requirements. You can choose this option in lieu of receiving a stipend upon completion of the program.

Several Center Theatre Group staff members read and discuss each application we receive.

Here’s what we look for:

Are you interested in the program? Do we think you’ll have a good experience here?

If you have theatre experience (especially acting experience) we need you to tell us why you’re applying for this program, where you’ll build leadership and career skills, instead of one where you’ll be onstage or directly working on your art form. If you don’t have previous theatre or arts experience, it won’t impact your chances of getting into the program, but you do need to tell us why you’re applying for a leadership program within a theatre instead of one somewhere else.

Do you bring something unique to the program?

We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds, with different interests and reasons for applying to be a Student Ambassador. Don’t try to be formal in your answers to the questions—we want to see your unique style and voice shine through. It’s better for us if your answers sound like you’re talking to a friend, not applying to college. Instead of trying to tell us what you think we want to hear, be yourself and be honest in your responses.

Are you ready to commit to this program?

We consider whether you submit your application on time and with all parts completed. It’s okay if you have technical difficulties, but if we have to follow up several times to clarify a part of your application, that’s a sign to us that you might not be ready to commit to this program. We also look at whether you seem overcommitted, or nervous about committing to all of the program dates. Note that in general, spelling and grammar won’t impact your chances of selection.

Do you need this program?

Don’t let lack of experience with theatre or leadership stop you from applying! People with a lot of experience might not benefit as much from becoming a Student Ambassador. Tell us why you need this program to develop skills you need for life, school, or your career. If you’ve already decided on a career path, it’s helpful for us to know why this program might help you achieve your goals. Be honest with yourself about whether this program is the best fit for you.

All aspiring Student Ambassadors must submit complete applications with acknowledgements from a parent/guardian and teacher. We’re not looking for a specific type of student; instead, we want to bring together a diverse group of students with different interests, skills, and personalities. Use the application questions to be honest with us about why you feel you need this leadership experience, what you’re interested in, and who you are. Don’t worry about trying to impress us! There's no need to be as formal as a college application essay, and we're not reading for grammar or spelling.

After reviewing all of the applications, our staff selects students to participate in a group interview and makes final selections from there.

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 access, belonging, and inclusion throughout the Student Ambassador program. 

No acting or performing is involved. But if you have a background in acting, you might enjoy getting a window into other careers and opportunities within theatre.