2026–27 Directing Fellow
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 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
- Headshot session
The Directing Fellow is paid a full-time salary, plus overtime as applicable, for the entirety of the year-long program (starting late-August). 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 [email protected]. 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.
The Leon Levy Foundation, founded in 2004, is a private foundation created from the Estate of Leon Levy by his wife and Founding Trustee, Shelby White. The Foundation continues Leon Levy’s philanthropic legacy and builds on his vision. Since its inception, the Foundation has made grants totaling over $600 million.
The Leon Levy Foundation supports the preservation, understanding and expansion of knowledge in the Ancient World, Arts and Humanities, Nature and Gardens, Neuroscience, Human Rights and Jewish Culture.
Roundabout Theatre Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to represent individuals from all walks of life in its workforce. We want our employment community to be a representation of the diverse world we live in. As such, we strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply, and we ensure that every candidate who applies for a position at Roundabout Theatre Company is treated equally and fairly without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status and any other factor prohibited by law. We believe diversity in our teammates is paramount to our success as a not-for-profit theatre serving all communities in New York.
For administrative career opportunities, visit our TWDP Admin program.
For technical theatre career opportunities, visit our TWDP Tech program.