About
We are committed to training the next generation of creative, passionate arts professionals by building pathways to careers in the arts for candidates underrepresented in the field of directing. Inspired by the trailblazing directorial career of Kenny Leon, this Fellowship is designed for early to mid-career directors who are looking to deepen their practical experience of working within a professional theatre organization while honing their craft, developing newfound skills, and building a network with industry leaders.
The Kenny Leon Assistant Director Fellow will work closely with a director on one of the Alliance Theater’s productions during the (24-25) season. The qualifying candidate will have the opportunity to meet with Artistic Directors Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Chris Moses, to artistically match the candidate with an upcoming production. They will join virtual pre-production meetings and join the company in person for rehearsals, and tech. The Kenny Leon Assistant Director Fellow will gain an intimate look into how Directors synthesize dynamics between all creative departments and manage time within truncated rehearsal processes. The fellow will report directly to the BOLD Associate Artistic Director.
Qualified program candidates will possess:
- A degree in directing or 2-4 years equivalent experience is highly recommended
- A compelling connection to the Alliance’s mission and purpose
- A willingness to learn and passion for the directing process
- Effective communication skills and attention to detail
- The ability to take direction and work both independently and collaboratively
- Flexible availability during pre-production that may include some nights and weekends
- Full-time, in-person commitment during rehearsals, tech and previews through opening
- Google Business Suite, Microsoft Office Suite proficiency helpful
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Attend virtual designer meetings during pre-production (approx. 1 hour/week)
- Assist director with all day-to-day rehearsal and performance responsibilities
- Partner with Stage Management to facilitate understudy rehearsals
- Collaborate with other departments in the support of audience engagement events, marketing and donor events associated with their assigned show
- Bi-Weekly mentorship check-ins with Artistic Director Tinashe Kajese-Bolden during rehearsal
- Attend a one-on-one meeting with Kenny Leon, scheduled by the Alliance theater
- The approximate commitment for the fellowship can range from 10-12 weeks (Pre-Production to Opening)
Compensation
- The Kenny Leon Directing Fellow is paid $3,000 for the entirety of the process
- 2 Comps for Opening Night of contracted show
- 2 Comps for First Preview of all Alliance Theatre shows in the calendar season
- 1 Free professional development class/workshop (i.e., Acting for the Camera, Scene work, Improv etc. as available)
- 1 Free parking pass for rehearsal and tech period
Applications are especially welcome from directors who identify as members of populations that have historically been denied equity, access, inclusion or belonging in the field and in society, who have been marginalized, underrepresented, and/or those whose paths to direction may have been nonlinear or nontraditional. This includes, but is not limited to, Black, Indigenous, Latine (Latino/Latina), AAPI (Asian American/Pacific Islander), MENASA (Middle Eastern/North African/South Asian), Biracial, Mixed-Race, Global Majority, LGBTQIAA2+, non-binary directors, disabled, and/or immigrant directors.
