Fellowships and Internships
Listed below is a compilation of fellowships and internships for theatre directors.
Note: All information is directly from each organization's web-site. For more specific details check out the organizations web-sites directly.
Clubbed Thumb
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APPLICATIONS: Applications typically open up in June for the following season. For specific dates check the Clubbed Thumb website by clicking the link above.
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"A five month new play directing intensive, under the guidance of Clubbed Thumb alumni artists Anne Kauffman and Ken Rus Schmoll, in collaboration with Playwrights Horizons Theater School. "
The Drama League
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Applications are accepted in January each year. Check the Drama League web-site for specific dates.
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Classical Directing Fellowship
The Drama League Classical Directing Fellows will enjoy summer residencies at three of America’s leading theatrical homes for classical work – The Old Globe, The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, and Shakespeare & Company – assisting on mainstage productions and directing in their educational and touring programs.
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Fall Directing Fellowship
An immersion for four directors in directing opportunities in the professional theatre, both regionally and in New York City, culminating in a festival of their work Off-Broadway.
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Hangar Directing Fellowship
A practicum in artistic leadership of a regional theatre, where fellows lead a resident acting company in programming, directing, and producing the second stage season at the Hangar Theater in Ithaca, NY.
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The Leo Shull New Musicals Fellowship
The Leo Shull Fellowship for New Musicals places an early-career director as part of the creative teams of two new musicals at SigWorks, the developmental workshop and festival at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA. The fellow is also mentored by Sigworks director Joe Calarco before returning to New York to direct their own presentation of new musical scenes.
Eugene O'Neil Theatre Center
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APPLICATIONS: Applications are accepted in January. Check the Eugene O'Neil web-site for specific dates.
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"The program is 18 months of hands-on, practical experience. It connects early-career directors to a vast network of new writers, expands access to professional support services, and provides laboratory-like environments for observation and experimentation, equipping tomorrow’s stage directors with the skills, knowledge, and network to advance new play development and production around the country."
Manhattan Theatre Club​
APPLICATION: Due on April 1st each year. Application includes cover letter and resume.
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THE SAMUEL J. FRIEDMAN DIRECTING ASSISTANTSHIP
THE JONATHAN ALPER DIRECTING FELLOWSHIP
Playwrights Horizons
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Upcoming Deadlines
(Applications are due approximately the same time each year. For specific dates check the Playwrights Horizons web-site.)
January: Applications accepted for all fellowships
March 1: Applications due for Directing and Stage Management fellowships
March 15: Applications due for all other fellowships
For more information, please contact Karl Baker Olson at kbakerolson@phnyc.org.
Stage Directors and Choreogaphers Society (SDC)
SDC offers Fellowships and have an Observership program. The deadlines vary so make sure to sign up for their bulletin to receive up to date information.
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OBSERVERSHIP PROGRAM
"The Observership Program provides early to mid-career directors and choreographers paid opportunities to observe the work of master directors and choreographers as they create productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway and at leading regional theatres across the country. SDCF Observers may have access to the entire rehearsal process from first rehearsal through opening night. Observers will have the invaluable opportunity to observe first-hand the techniques, disciplines, approaches and insights of master artists as they create new productions and revive classics."
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FELLOWSHIPS
Kurt Weill Fellowship
Only those in that year’s SDCF Observership Pool may apply.
Traube Fellowship
Only those in that year’s SDCF Observership Pool may apply.
Charles Abbott Fellowship
Emerging to mid-career Directors and Director/Choreographers with enough experience to serve as an Assistant Director may apply.
Reginald Denham Fellowship
Female SDC Members and Associate Members in good standing may apply.
Sir John Gielgud Fellowship
Emerging to mid-career Directors and Director/Choreographers with enough experience to serve as an Assistant Director may apply.
Mike Ockrent Fellowship
Emerging to mid-career Directors and Director/Choreographers with enough experience to serve as an Assistant Director may apply.
George C. Wolfe Fellowship
SDC Members and Associate Members in good standing with at least 6 years professional lead experience may apply.
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Williamstown Theatre Festival
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APPLICATIONS: Must be post-marked January in year. For specific dates check the Williamstown Theatre Festival web-site.
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A part of the Williamstown Theatre Festival’s commitment to nurturing new work and the next generation of theatre artists, the Fellowship Program is one of the only director-driven developmental initiatives in the country. At the heart of the program are the prestigious Boris Sagal and Bill Foeller Directing Fellowships. Annually, WTF awards these fellowships to two up-and-coming directors, challenging them to create ambitious and ground-breaking new work in the vibrant and safe atmosphere of the Festival.