The Italian Studies Program at UMass Amherst is pleased to share an exciting international training opportunity for students interested in Italian language, theatre, intercultural exchange, and arts administration.
Trinacria Theatre Company is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to strengthening community, cultural exchange, and placemaking through arts initiatives, based in the beautiful rural mountain village of Pezzolo in Sicily. Through residencies, festivals, and training programs, Trinacria offers immersive experiences that engage artists with local culture and international creative communities.
The Trinacria’s University Training Program provides students the opportunity to receive professional training to directly support the company’s annual Trinacria Festival Residency which brings international artists from all over the world to Pezzolo for a 3-week residency, culminating in presenting their work at the Trinacria Arts Festival. Participants in the training program will train to be a Company Manager, gaining hands-on experience in logistical coordination, artist support, intercultural engagement, creative production, and community building.
This program includes:
- Pre-residency professional training in areas such as company management, CPR, mental health first aid, and anti-racism facilitation.
- Approximately one-month in Pezzolo, Sicily, where students live and work alongside international artists, engage with the local community, and contribute to the annual Trinacria Arts Festival.
- Mentorship from experienced theatre professionals and the opportunity to develop leadership, organizational, and intercultural communication skills.
- Language immersion and cultural engagement that complements academic studies in Italian language and culture.
There is a $1,500 fee to participate in the program. This includes housing, three meals a day, local ground transportation, health & medical insurance, pre-residency training, and one-to-one mentorship. Only 1 - 2 students will be selected for this opportunity.
Students from all academic departments are welcome to apply; we are particularly keen to hear from BIPOC students and others who have been historically underrepresented in the arts.
Key dates
- Virtual information session: Tuesday, February 10 at 3:30pm EST
- Register here to receive the Zoom link: https://forms.gle/Xez4jfb3iQ5CGps77
- Not able to attend live? No problem - simply RSVP “no” and we’ll send you the recording afterward
- Application deadline: Friday, February 27
- Pre-residency training: Scheduled virtual sessions between April - early July
- Program dates in Sicily: July 20 – August 13, 2026
This program represents a unique blend of professional training, cultural immersion, and creative adventure in Sicily, enriching both academic and real-world understanding of Italian culture through arts and community.
Learn more and apply: www.trinacriatheatre.com/training