Purpose
The stage manager is the actor’s advocate, show’s guardian, and production’s liaison for all aspects of the production. They ensure the director’s vision is realized while creating a safe working environment for all. Too often, the stage manager is a White person even on a production where most of the cast and creative team are Black, Indigenous, or persons of color (BIPOC). After actively listening to the needs of our BIPOC artist community, a through line surfaced: I wish there were more stage managers sitting at the table who looked like me.
To help correct this imbalance, the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA has created a Fellowship Program for those in early career level Stage Management. One person per season will be selected to spend a year in residence working in the Stage Management department. This is the program's fourth year.
Structure
Application
Candidates must 1) identify as a BIPOC theatre maker, 2) have a MFA in Stage Management or BFA/BA and commensurate experience, and 3) be willing to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia for the duration of the fellowship.
Selection
A diverse panel of professional stage managers and theatre leaders will select the final candidate. These panelists will also serve as a resource to the Fellow during their time in residence.
Experience
The selected Fellow will spend a season in residence working in the stage management department at the Alliance Theatre. They will work as a stage manager or assistant stage manager on our Hertz Stage (LORT D) and/or Coca-Cola Stage (LORT B). At least one Coca-Cola Stage production will likely be a commercially enhanced, world premiere musical with a Broadway creative team. Our commercially enhanced musicals have involved Broadway legends like Kenny Leon, Casey Nicholaw, Jessica Stone, and Jerry Mitchell. Industry leaders, including our Artistic Directors Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Christoper Moses and regional theatre artistic directors (Susan Booth, Michael John Garcés, Kent Gash), often direct our Hertz Stage productions. This structure will expand the Fellow’s network in the local and national theatre communities. The Fellow will be on a minimum of 35 -weeks of Equity (LORT) contracting with contributions made to Health and Pension and will receive a relocation stipend.
Dates
Fellowship Residency: July 2024 – June 2025
Key dates to submit applications for the 2025-2026 residency will be announced soon.
For questions, please contact lawrence.bennett@alliancetheatre.org.
Special thanks to National Vision for their support of this program.
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