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 the technical theatre disciplines of scenic-carpentry, lighting, sound, and wardrobe. Fellows observe Roundabout's theatre professionals backstage in 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 will continue throughout all three years of the program. Tech 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 our employment partners theatres which include, Abrons Arts Center, Atlantic Theater Company, audible difference inc., New Victory Theater, Playwright Horizons, The Public Theater, and more. Fellows also attend the United States Institute of Theatrical Technology (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 the Roundabout staff, their Alumni and I.A.T.S.E. mentors.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
There is no fee for this program. In fact, each Fellow is paid an hourly wage of $16.50/an hour during the first year. During the second year, Fellows are employed by one of our employment partners. In the final year, the Fellow will transition into the workforce full time.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
The Theatrical Workforce Development Program: Tech is best suited for participants ages 18–24, and applicants must be current NYC residents 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.
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.
How to Apply
Recruitment for Cohort 8 begins March 2025. All interested candidates are required to attend an information session to receive a 2025 application. Training for Cohort 8 will begin in September 2025.
Virtual Information Sessions:
Friday, March 28 from 6pm–8pm
Thursday, May 13 from 3:30pm–5:30pm
In-person Information Sessions:
Wednesday, April 23 from 3:30pm–5:30pm
Wednesday, April 30 from 6pm–8pm
Thursday, May 22 from 6pm–8pm
At the information session, you learn 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.
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.
For arts administration opportunities, visit our TWDP Admin program.
TWDP IN THE NEWS
Roundabout’s Theatrical Workforce Development Program is made possible through the generosity of Denise Littlefield Sobel, the Altman Foundation, Capital One, and Con Edison.
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 with the support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and the National Endowment for the Arts. 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 all who contribute to Education at Roundabout’s many programs, including lead gifts from: The Bok Family Foundation—Roxanne and Scott L. Bok Trustees, Capital One, Samantha Rudin Earls and David Earls, the Freedom Together Foundation, the Gray Foundation, Jeanne and Tom Hagerty, The Hearst Foundations, HedgeServ Corporation, The Kaplen Brothers Fund, the 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, the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, the SHS Foundation, Mary Solomon/GSGives, Jennifer and Owen Thomas, the Tiger Baron Foundation, Diane and Tom Tuft, Cynthia C. Wainwright and Stephen Berger, Johannes and Regis Worsoe, and Emmy Zuckerman and Ed Bonfield.
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, Denise Littlefield Sobel, and Liz and Ken Whitney.