Theatrical Workforce Development Program Tech.
A free, three-year paid fellowship training the next generation of NYC theatre technicians — in partnership with I.A.T.S.E.
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 an alternative to training behind-the-scenes theatre technicians. Established in 2016, this program has transformed the landscape of technical theatre training. Our participants work hands-on in four disciplines while training with some of the industry’s top working professionals.
YEAR ONE
Training Year
Based at Roundabout, Tech Fellows train in scenic carpentry, lighting, sound, and wardrobe. Fellows observe Roundabout’s theatre professionals backstage at Broadway and off-Broadway theatres. Each Fellow is matched with an alumni of the program and an I.A.T.S.E. member for mentorships that continue throughout all three years. Fellows work approximately 25–29 hours a week with a fluctuating schedule.
YEAR TWO
Job Development Year
Training continues as Fellows become paid entry-level technicians. Fellows freelance at theatres across New York City, including Abrons Arts Center, Atlantic Theater Company, audible difference inc., New Victory Theater, Playwrights Horizons, The Public Theater, and more. Fellows also attend the USITT Conference in March.
YEAR THREE
Freelance Year
Fellows enter full time into the technical theatre workforce as independent working professionals with the guidance and support of Roundabout staff, their alumni, and I.A.T.S.E. mentors.
FAQ
Roundabout’s Theatrical Workforce Development Program is made possible through the generosity of Denise Littlefield Sobel, the Altman Foundation, and Capital One.
The Technical Fellowship receives additional support from the Pinkerton Foundation, the Solon E. Summerfield Foundation, M&T Bank, NYC’s Human Resources Administration and Center for Economic Opportunity’s joint support through the Work Progress Program, the New York State Department of Labor and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
Major funding to establish the Technical Fellowship’s Made in New York Stagecraft Bootcamp is provided by the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and NYC Department of Small Business Services.
We are grateful to those who contribute major support to Education at Roundabout’s many programs: Dr. Georgette Bennett, The Bok Family Foundation—Roxanne and Scott L. Bok Trustees, Herbert M. Citrin Charitable Foundation, Conard-Davis Family Foundation, Susan and Ed Forst, Freedom Together Foundation, Sylvia Golden, Geoff Greener, HedgeServ Corporation, The Kaplen Brothers Fund, Joele Frank and Larry Klurfeld, the Kors Le Pere Foundation, Jill and Barry Lafer, David and Anita Massengill, Kate and Bob Niehaus, Mitra and Daniel O’Neill, Katheryn Patterson and Tom Kempner, Samantha Rudin Earls and David Earls, Genci Sela – Phase 3, Jennifer and Owen Thomas, Tiger Baron Foundation, Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, Michael Tuch Foundation, Diane and Tom Tuft, Cynthia C. Wainwright and Stephen Berger, Liz and Ken Whitney, Johannes and Regis Worsoe, Emmy Zuckerman and Ed Bonfield.
TWDP is made possible by Roundabout’s Forward Fund Champions. We acknowledge the generous friends who support our many efforts to create a vibrant theatre company that reflects the communities we serve: Elizabeth Armstrong, Kevin Brown, Barbara and Peter Bye, Gina Maria Leonetti, Beryl Snyder, Denise Littlefield Sobel, and Liz and Ken Whitney
The contents of this web page were developed under grant H421F240164 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this web page may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this web page does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency.
