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Program Overview
Every year, OYL invites 10-12 college students interested in furthering their practical study in performing, directing, stage management or design to join the company for a 4 week residency in Greece. Apprentices work together as the Junior Ensemble of the OYL Theater Company. The Junior Ensemble spends 3 weeks building, rehearsing and designing a piece based on a classical myth, culminating in a week of performances that will travel throughout the villages of Zagorohoria. Under the guidance and mentorship of OYL’s artistic director, performers and designers, these young theater artists experience the process of theater making from the ground up, while engaging with the culture and beauty of Northern Greece.
 About One Year Lease
OYL, now in it's 10th year, is a non-profit ensemble theatre company dedicated to creating ambitious, thought provoking, and bold productions of classic texts, adaptations there of, and new work.
Founded in 2000, OYL has produced over 16 shows and internationally toured 6 productions. The Company is comprised of 7 actors, 4 designers, and 2 dramaturgs that come from the United States, Greece, Australia, and New Zealand. OYL is based in NYC and every year travels to Greece for a summer retreat. During this time the company focuses on strengthening the ensemble, developing new work, and reading plays.
The Apprentice Program
The Apprentices will spend 3 weeks rehearsing and designing a play. The last week that play will tour to local villages. During the residency Apprentices have the opportunity to observe the OYL rehearsals as well as join OYL for the readings of plays. Apprentice rehearsals will be attended by OYL Artistic Director and Actors to offer guidance and feedback. Daily Scene study classes will be led by a Professional Actor/teacher. OYL furthers Apprentice growth by pairing each student with an OYL mentor. These mentors will meet with his/her apprentice several times a week to have an open discussion on anything from process to working professionally. Daily Greek lessons facilitate the apprentice’s communication skills with village residents. . Once a week the Apprentices will get to practice their Greek with the local children who they will lead in theatre games. Twice a week OYL and the Junior Ensemble come together for working dinners, where there is the chance to discuss all things theatre, from furthering the dialogue about the days work, to the business of theatre, to past experiences.
A Day in the Life of an OYL Apprentice
Run parallel to OYL’s process, a typical day for the Junior Ensemble looks like this:
11am join OYL actors for outdoor Yoga
12:15pm-1:15 Greek lesson
1:30pm-2:30 Scene Study
2:30pm-4pm Lunch/free time
4-5 Observe OYL rehearsals or mentor meetings
5pm-9pm Rehearsal
9pm Dinner
The Location
The OYL retreat takes place in the Zagorohoria region of Northern Greece in the Village of Papingo. Papingo is part of the Vikos-Aoos National Park and is a place like no other. Apprentices will be able to explore the area and surrounding regions of Northern Greece with guided hikes, horseback riding, and day trips to sights such as the Theater at Dodoni.
2010 Course Description
Apprentices will be looking at the myth of Thyestes. Patriarchs of the House of Atreus, famous from the Oresteia, the story of Thyestes and his brother Atreus gives us critical insight into the roots of this tragic family, as well as a dark glimpse into the human impulse towards revenge and punishment. The coordinating scene study to this project will be chosen from the Oresteia. This will allow the Apprentices to deepen their understanding and familiarity with the House of Atreus and the far reaching affects of the initial act of violence portrayed in Thyestes, at the same time allowing Apprentices to explore and practice their craft.
Applications accepted throughout the year and admission is on a rolling basis.
 For more information and to apply to the program please use the links in the menu bar on the left, under Apprenticeships.
Thoughts from Past Apprentices
Nicole Wood, Acting Apprentice, 2009
“I did not know what an impact my experience with One Year Lease had on me until I returned to the states. I now approach any text, prose or playwright, with the same excitement and confidence that it can be done that I watched the members of OYL bring everyday for the entire month. My concept of what theatre can encompass has greatly widened thanks to the OYL process of experimentation and discovery.”
Tracy Rosenthal, Acting Apprentice, 2008
“The communal nature of the [apprenticeship]—as we lived, ate, and relaxed as well as worked together—provided a safe and loving environment for me to both push my physical and emotional boundaries while training and give my input to the company’s projects, as did the sheer beauty of our isolated location in Papingo. Exploring the mountains on hikes, traveling to neighboring communities, swimming in the local water hole, eating at traditional Greek tavernas, all contributed to the vibrancy of work we did, and made what would have been an amazing apprenticeship an absolutely spectacular life experience. “
Poornima Kirby, Acting Apprentice, 2008
“ In working on "The Bald Soprano," I watched Ianthe and OYL take one idea and play with it, push it, turn it, try it, change it and try it again with a persistence - a faith in it - that I've never encountered in a rehearsal process before. I've been used to directors who will throw out an idea if it doesn't work on the first or second try. Their fear of wasting time on something that doesn't work prevents them from actually exploring an idea until it gives up it's secret. OYL taught me that even a so-called mistake can yield so many riches if you give it room to spin itself out. I learned the value of commitment.”
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