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 off-Broadway, regionally, and at academic institutions around the country. They have served as associate directors on and off Broadway 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 will serve as Assistant Director on two to three Roundabout productions ranging 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. In between assistantships the Fellow will work in the literary office, viewing and reviewing theatre in the city. The Directing Fellow will receive:

• 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.

In addition to the above, the Directing Fellow will be paid a full-time salary of $600 per week, plus overtime as applicable, for the entirety of the season-long program (approximately mid-August—September 2023 through June 2024). This is a benefits-eligible position. They will also be given a professional development fund to see additional shows of their choice.

CONTACT

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