You are currently processing an exchange. Remove Code Cancel Order

Theatre isn’t just what you see onstage. There’s a whole other world behind it filled with many different career paths backstage!

Having partnered with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E), Roundabout Theatre Company has delivered this new alternative to training behind-the-scenes theatre technicians.

Established in 2016, this program has changed the landscape of technical theatre training. Our participants, ranging from 18-24 years old, will work hands-on in four disciplines while training with some of the industry’s top working professionals.

YEAR ONE – TRAINING YEAR

Based at Roundabout, participants will receive training in multiple areas of technical theatre including carpentry, lighting, audio and wardrobe. Participants will observe Roundabout's theatre professionals backstage in Broadway and off-Broadway theatres. Each trainee will also be matched with an I.A.T.S.E. mentor for a mentorship that will continue throughout all three years of the program. Participants will work approximately 25-29 hours a week with a fluctuating schedule. 

YEAR TWO – JOB DEVELOPMENT YEAR

Training continues as participants become paid entry-level technicians. They will freelance at theatres across New York City, including at one of our employment partner theatres which include,  Abrons Arts Center, Atlantic Theater Company, New Victory Theater, Playwright Horizons, and The Public Theatre. 

YEAR THREE – FREELANCE YEAR

Participants continue their training and enter full time into the technical theatre workforce as independent working professionals with the guidance and support of the Roundabout staff and their I.A.T.S.E. mentors.

Technical theatre professionals are in high demand. The technical theatre skill sets our participants learn are transferable--a wealth of career opportunities exists in film, television, sports, events, and music. The possibilities are endless!

WHAT DOES IT COST?

There is no fee for this program. In fact, each trainee is paid an hourly wage of $16/an hour during the first year. During the second year, the trainee will be employed by one of our employment partners. In the final year, the trainee will transition into the workforce full time.  

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Applicants must be current NYC residents, 18–24 years of age, with a high school diploma or equivalent. They should also be legally eligible to work in the U.S. Additional requirements include an ability to: Lift up to 50 lbs.; Work in dark spaces with loud noises; stand for up to two hours at a time; be comfortable traveling throughout the 5 boroughs. People of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Recruitment for Cohort 7 will begin in May 2024. Information sessions will be offered in May and June, and the program will start in September 2024. All interested candidates are required to attend an information session.  

At the information session, you’ll get more details about the program, have an opportunity to meet with current Fellows, and participate in a sample training class. Please note that attending an information session is a required first step in the application process.

Information Sessions

Virtually - Zoom

Tuesday, May 14, 2024: 3:30PM—5:30PM

In-person

Friday, May 24, 2024: 6:00PM—8:00PM
Friday, May 31, 2024: 3:30PM—5:30PM
Monday, June 3, 2024: 6:00PM—8:00PM

All in-person information sessions will take place at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theater, 111 West 46th St, New York, NY 10036. 

RSVP HERE

Theatres and Live Entertainment Venues Seeking to Partner

To learn more about how your theatre company can partner with Roundabout for training, over hire, or employment opportunities with the TWDP Fellows, please contact twdp@roundabouttheatre.org or call 212.719.9393, ext. 8179.

THE DOOR PARTNERSHIP

The Door is an unparalleled model for youth development, offering a comprehensive range of integrated services to 11,000 New York City youth annually across our four New York City locations, including our lower Manhattan and South Bronx youth centers and two supportive housing sites on the Lower East Side. The Door’s on-site charter high school, Broome Street Academy (BSA), has 330 students and prioritizes applicants who are experiencing housing instability or have been involved in the child welfare system. Learn more at www.door.org.

MORE INFORMATION

If you have questions about the program, please contact twdp@roundabouttheatre.org or call 212.719.9393, ext. 8179.

TWDP IN THE NEWS

  

Roundabout’s Theatrical Workforce Development Program (TWDP) is made possible through the generosity of Denise Littlefield Sobel, the Altman Foundation, Capital One, the Pinkerton Foundation, the Solon E. Summerfield Foundation, Con Edison, NYC’s Human Resources Administration and Center for Economic Opportunity’s joint support through the Work Progress Program, and by the New York State Department of Labor with the support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.   

Major funding to establish the Made in New York Stagecraft Bootcamp is provided by the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and NYC Department of Small Business Services.    

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and National Endowment for the Arts.

We are grateful to those who contribute to Education at Roundabout’s many programs: Lisa Alexander-Taylor, Cynthia and Ron Beck, Mary and Chris Behrens, The Bok Family Foundation—Roxanne and Scott L. Bok Trustees, Jenny Brorsen and Richard DeMartini, the Herbert M. Citrin Charitable Foundation, The Durst Organization, Susan and Ed Forst, The Golden Family, Liz and Steven Goldstone, the Gray Foundation, Jeanne and Tom Hagerty, the JPB Foundation, The Kaplen Brothers Fund, Kors Le Pere Foundation, Jill and Barry Lafer, Gess and Pamela LeBlanc, the Julia C. Levy Education Fund, David and Anita Massengill, The Mustang Foundation, Katheryn Patterson and Tom Kempner, the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Samantha Rudin Earls and David Earls, Mary Solomon, Jennifer and Owen Thomas, Diane and Tom Tuft, Johannes and Regis Worsoe, and Cynthia C. Wainwright and Stephen Berger.  

TWDP is made possible by the Champions for Inclusive Theatre and Roundabout’s Forward Fund. We acknowledge the generous friends who support our many efforts to increase representation and inclusion in all aspects of theatre: Elizabeth Armstrong, Bank of America, Eugene and Joann Bissell and the Lillian Lincoln Foundation, Kevin Brown, Barbara and Peter Bye, Ginger McKnight Chavers, Ford Foundation, Jill and Barry Lafer, Gina Maria Leonetti, Iva Mills, Beryl Snyder, and Denise Littlefield Sobel.