Roundabout Directing Fellowship

This program was created in 2017 as a launchpad for the next generation of directors. It focuses on underrepresented talent, and is a balance of hands-on learning with the season’s directors and development of the Fellow’s own craft.

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

The Roundabout Directing Fellowship has been established to provide development opportunities, resources, and career assistance to early career directors in the American Theatre, defined here as those who have not yet directed a production at a major off-Broadway or regional theatre. The Fellowship was created specifically to foster new relationships with, and to create a launchpad for, artists who have traditionally been denied equitable opportunities in the theatre industry. To that end, we actively encourage and seek applications from underrepresented groups, inclusive of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, and disability status.

The Fellowship is ideally suited to a candidate seeking experience as an assistant director on productions large and small, mentorship from established artists, immersion in a not-for-profit institution, independence to pursue their own projects, and introductions to artistic leaders across the industry. The Fellowship will select one director for a season-long commitment, providing them time and support while working alongside some of the foremost artists in the field.

Since their time at Roundabout, past Fellows have gone on to direct on Broadway, off-Broadway, regionally, and at academic institutions around the country. They have served as associate directors on and off Broadway, on national tours, and have taken further steps in their freelance careers after deepening their networks through the Fellowship. Our goal is to support and advance the next generation of directors for the American Theatre by providing them with a foundation on which they can build lasting careers in the industry.

THE FELLOWSHIP SEASON

During their season, the Roundabout Directing Fellow serves as Assistant Director on two to three Roundabout productions spanning Roundabout’s five spaces on and off Broadway. Productions will be chosen based on schedules and any possible tailoring to the specific interests of the Fellow. We aim for at least one of these assistantships to be on Broadway. The Fellow also works with the artistic office on literary efforts regarding script submissions and readings coverage. The Directing Fellow receives:

• An introduction to full Roundabout staff and affiliated artists
• A home base at the Roundabout offices, including a desk and access to a computer, printing, and office supplies
• The opportunity to meet with a variety of artistic professionals
• Space, casting, and literary resources for developmental workshops of two projects of their choosing
• Access to spaces when available for work and informal readings
• The chosen Directing Fellow will have the option of also participating in Leon Levy Roundabout Directors Group throughout the season.

The Directing Fellow is paid a full-time salary of $640 per week, plus overtime as applicable, for the entirety of the season-long program (approximately mid-August through June). This is a benefits-eligible position. They also have access to a professional development fund to be used during their season for theatre tickets, research, theatre-related travel, or any other expense that may qualify as furthering their work as an artist.

CONTACT

All questions concerning application process, requirements, or materials should be sent by email to DirectingPrograms@roundabouttheatre.org. No phone calls, please.

Support for Roundabout's Directing Programs is generously provided by The Tow Foundation.

Support for the Directors Group and all of Roundabout's Artists in Residence programming is generously provided by the Leon Levy Foundation.