Television and Film Directing Fellowship
A Program for Mid-Career Theater Directors
Applications Open Fall 2025
The trailer for the Emmy-nominated, Peabody Award-winning Disney+/Nat Geo series “A Small Light.” Drama League Television and Film Fellows NJ Agwuna and Justin Emeka served as shadow directors on five of the eight episodes in Prague and Amsterdam.
The Drama League Television and Film Directing Fellowships are an opportunity for mid-career theater directors interested in expanding their work to include film and television. The program offers learning opportunities, on-set shadowing experience, and introductions to film/tv mentors and professionals.
NOTE: All programs of The Drama League Directors Project have eligibility requirements. Please read our F.A.Q. page for full details before applying.
What is a "shadow director"?
Shadowing is the industry's gateway to directing, a rare opportunity to observe, up close, the process of a major studio production. Simply put, following an episodic director each day allows one to see how the job is done. Much of the industry views shadowing as a first-step requirement for a director; Drama League Fellows have shadowed on productions for CBS, NBC, ABC, Disney+, Nat Geo, Hulu, and more. Below, you'll find photos of 2021 Fellow Desdemona Chiang directing on the set of FIRE COUNTRY, and an interview where she discusses her long personal path to directing this episode. Photography courtesy of CBS.
Details
Program Duration
Four to six weeks (on location), chosen by the studio.
Program Frequency
Offered every year. Number of Fellowships vary per year.
Scholarship Prize
$850/week to cover on-location shadow directing assignment expenses, not to exceed six weeks ($3400-$5100 total, depending on weeks)
Health Insurance Reimbursement
Up to $750
Travel Coverage
Round-Trip Economy Airfare to/from set location of shadow directing assignment, from home city in the continental United States. In-City transportation, airport transfers, and baggage fees are not included.
Housing Coverage
For directors living more than 25 miles outside of the production area, if housing is not offered by studio/project, a supplement of $400/wk will be offered to the recipient. The securing of their own housing. is the responsibility of the Recipient.
Liability and Insurances
Recipient will not be an employee of TDL or its partners, instead a recipient of an educational program and will be considered as such under insurance policies.
Other Benefits
VIP Pass to all publicly offered Drama League programming during the Fellowship period; access to alumni-focused programs and events; and a lifetime Drama League Membership.
July-March (TBD by studio production, approximately 4-6 contiguous weeks, full-time, in person)
SHADOW DIRECTING ASSIGNMENT
During this time, the Fellows will be assigned to a project where they will shadow its director…either an episode of a television series, miniseries, or a feature film. The director will participate in preparation, production, and editing in consultation with the director, Drama League staff, and the Fellowship Mentor.
Fellowships
Residencies
See Current Artists
About the Drama League
The Drama League is the preeminent creative development home for directors, offering access and opportunity to them, their collaborators, and the audiences they inspire across the world in theater, film, television, online content, and anywhere live performance is found. Launched in 1916, The Drama League is one of the longest continuously-operating arts service organizations in the United States. To be a part of supporting future generations of artists, please visit dramaleague.org/membership.