The Drama League Directors Project
Stage Directing Fellowships
A Partnership with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Lincoln Center Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, New York Stage and Film, The Playwrights’ Center, Red Bull Theater, and Carnegie Mellon University
2028 Application Opens September 2027
Bill Irwin, Thomas Middleditch, Amber Gray, Jessica Hecht, and Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz in Broadway's EUREKA DAY at Manhattan Theatre Club, the 2025 Tony Award winner for Best Revival of a Play. Drama League Stage Directing Fellow Zoë Adams served as Assistant Director as part of her Fellowship. Photo: Jeremy Daniel
TIMELINE
Each of the two Stage Directing Fellows follows a different timeline through the two-year program, as outlined below. The Drama League and its partner theater institutions determine the track selected for each recipient.
TIMELINE (Fellow Track One)/h6>
TIMELINE (Fellow Track One)/h6>
(Fellow Track One)/h6>
1. YEAR ONE | DIRECTORS PROJECT WEEK | New York, NY
1. YEAR ONE | DIRECTORS PROJECT WEEK | New York, NY
DATES: Mid-May. Approximately five days, in person, schedule TBD by The Drama League
DESCRIPTION: All Fellows begin with an intensive accelerator week of workshops, performances, learning opportunities, and private meetings with prominent artistic leaders, producers, directors, playwrights and other professionals. This culminates in attending The Drama League Awards, where the entire Directors Project cohort is formally introduced to the industry.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: One round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus fare (depending on distance) to/from is provided by The Drama League from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from New York City. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Housing provided for directors living more than 25 miles outside of the NYC metropolitan area. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
2. THE DIRECTORS PROJECT RETREAT AT CARNEGIE MELLON | Pittsburgh, PA
2. THE DIRECTORS PROJECT RETREAT AT CARNEGIE MELLON | Pittsburgh, PA
DATES: Early June. Approximately five days, in person, schedule TBD by The Drama League
DESCRIPTION: The recipient joins other Directing Fellows, professional actors, and acclaimed director/mentors in Pittsburgh for a technique-focused directing intensive, in residence at Carnegie Mellon University. As the Directing Fellows explore monologues and scenework with professional actors, the director-mentors offer feedback, guidance, and support in this process-first environment. The Retreat offers recipients a rare opportunity to consciously encounter and interrogate their own directorial practice, enjoying CMU’s safe, creative environment where they can take risks and experiment free from the pressures of production.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing for all participants is provided by Carnegie Mellon University. One round-trip economy airfare, train, car or bus (depending on distance) to Pittsburgh is scheduled and provided by The Drama League from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from the Pittsburgh metropolitan areas. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
3. DIRECTING ENGAGEMENT RED BULL THEATER | New York, NY
3. DIRECTING ENGAGEMENT RED BULL THEATER | New York, NY
DATES: Late June. 1-2 days in person, occasional virtual planning meetings prior
DESCRIPTION: In alternating years, each Fellow joins the artistic team of Red Bull Theater to co-direct the Short New Play Festival of new works, exploring artistic leadership in the context of this award-winning company. Track #1 will complete this experience in the first year of the Fellowship
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Travel to/from New York City provided for the rehearsal period (1-2 days). Other work is virtual. In-City Transportation, Baggage Fees, and housing are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
4. NEW WORK ENGAGEMENT NEW YORK STAGE AND FILM | Poughkeepsie, NY
4. NEW WORK ENGAGEMENT NEW YORK STAGE AND FILM | Poughkeepsie, NY
DATES: June-August. Approximately four weeks, in person.
DESCRIPTION: The Fellow joins the artistic department of New York Stage And Film as the Directing Fellow, to participate in their summer new work development activities. The fellow will return the following summer to the same institution, to grow as part of the team and, in the second year, develop a small project of their own as director.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing is provided. For NYSAF, one round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus (depending on distance) to airports in the NYC area is provided from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from NYC or Poughkeepsie. In addition for NYSAF, one round-trip train ticket from New York City to Poughkeepsie is provided if necessary. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
5. ARTISTIC ENGAGEMENT MANHATTAN THEATRE CLUB | New York, NY
5. ARTISTIC ENGAGEMENT MANHATTAN THEATRE CLUB | New York, NY
DATES: Late August-Early December (3 1/2 months), in person
DESCRIPTION: The Fellow joins the artistic department of Manhattan Theatre Club, and participates as a team member in the effective execution of their seasonal programming. The Fellow will return the following season to the same institution, to grow as part of the team and, in the second year, develop a small private or public reading, workshop, or project of the institution’s choosing, as director. During this time, the Fellows will spend time with the artistic, literary, production, and management teams, learning the interior workings of a modern theater company.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing for this engagement is not provided, and will be the responsibility of the Fellow. Regarding travel, one round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus (depending on distance) to airports in the NYC area is provided from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from NYC. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
YEAR TWO
YEAR TWO
6. YEAR TWO | DIRECTORS PROJECT WEEK | New York, NY
6. YEAR TWO | DIRECTORS PROJECT WEEK | New York, NY
DATES: Mid-May. Approximately five days, in person, schedule TBD by The Drama League
DESCRIPTION: The Fellows experience another accelerator week of workshops, performances, learning opportunities, and private meetings with prominent artistic leaders, producers, directors, playwrights and other professionals. This culminates in attending The Drama League Awards, where the entire Directors Project cohort is formally introduced to the industry.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: One round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus fare (depending on distance) to/from is provided by The Drama League from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from New York City. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Housing provided for directors living more than 25 miles outside of the NYC metropolitan area. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
7. THE DIRECTORS PROJECT RETREAT AT CARNEGIE MELLON | Pittsburgh, PA
7. THE DIRECTORS PROJECT RETREAT AT CARNEGIE MELLON | Pittsburgh, PA
DATES: Early June. Approximately five days, in person, schedule TBD by The Drama League
DESCRIPTION: The Fellows return to Carnegie Mellon University for their second technique-focused, process-led intensive under the mentorship of prominent directors. With a company of professional actors, the Fellows direct scenes and monologues, consciously encountering their own personal directorial practice, while attending seminars, discussions, and accelerating their network development.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing for all participants is provided by Carnegie Mellon University. One round-trip economy airfare, train, car or bus (depending on distance) to Pittsburgh is scheduled and provided by The Drama League from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from the Pittsburgh metropolitan areas. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
8. NEW WORK ENGAGEMENT NEW YORK STAGE AND FILM | Poughkeepsie, NY
8. NEW WORK ENGAGEMENT NEW YORK STAGE AND FILM | Poughkeepsie, NY
DATES: June-August. Approximately four weeks, in person.
DESCRIPTION: The Fellow returns to their New Work Engagement home company, supporting the Summer Season as a team member, and developing a small project of their own as director.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing is provided. For NYSAF, one round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus (depending on distance) to airports in the NYC area is provided from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from NYC or Poughkeepsie. In addition for NYSAF, one round-trip train ticket from New York City to Poughkeepsie is provided if necessary. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
9. DIRECTOR IN RESIDENCE THE PLAYWRIGHTS' CENTER | Minneapolis, MN
9. DIRECTOR IN RESIDENCE THE PLAYWRIGHTS' CENTER | Minneapolis, MN
DATES: Mid-August – Early November
DESCRIPTION: During this time, the Fellow joins the artistic staff of The Playwrights’ Center, observing and participating in the processes of new work development, playwright relationships, community engagement, and more.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing for this engagement in Minneapolis/St. Paul is not provided, and will be the responsibility of the Fellow. Regarding travel, one round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus (depending on distance) to airports in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area is provided from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation in Minneapolis/St. Paul are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
10. ARTISTIC ENGAGEMENT MANHATTAN THEATRE CLUB | New York, NY
10. ARTISTIC ENGAGEMENT MANHATTAN THEATRE CLUB | New York, NY
DATES: TBD, sometime between November – April (1-2 weeks approximately, to be determined by Recipient and Company)
DESCRIPTION: The Fellows return to their Artistic Engagement home company, to develop a small private or public reading, workshop, or project of the institution’s choosing, as director.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing for this engagement is not provided, and will be the responsibility of the Fellow. Regarding travel, one round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus (depending on distance) to airports in the NYC area is provided from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from NYC. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
11. DIRECTORFEST THE DRAMA LEAGUE | New York, NY
11. DIRECTORFEST THE DRAMA LEAGUE | New York, NY
DATES: February. approximately 1-2 weeks in person, significant virtual planning prior via Zoom.
DESCRIPTION: Both Fellows choose a project of their own to direct, in consultation with The Drama League and a producer, for a professional workshop ending in a public staged reading, attended by industry professionals. The Fellow will have the benefit of professional actors, casting directors, and more. After the presentation, The Drama League Artistic Staff will assist the Fellow in continuing relationships with industry attendees.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing and travel for DirectorFest is not provided, and will be the responsibility of the Fellow.
TIMELINE (Fellow Track Two)/h6>
TIMELINE (Fellow Track Two)/h6>
(Fellow Track Two)/h6>
1. YEAR ONE | DIRECTORS PROJECT WEEK | New York, NY
1. YEAR ONE | DIRECTORS PROJECT WEEK | New York, NY
DATES: Mid-May. Approximately five days, in person, schedule TBD by The Drama League
DESCRIPTION: All Fellows begin with an intensive accelerator week of workshops, performances, learning opportunities, and private meetings with prominent artistic leaders, producers, directors, playwrights and other professionals. This culminates in attending The Drama League Awards, where the entire Directors Project cohort is formally introduced to the industry.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: One round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus fare (depending on distance) to/from is provided by The Drama League from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from New York City. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Housing provided for directors living more than 25 miles outside of the NYC metropolitan area. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
2. THE DIRECTORS PROJECT RETREAT AT CARNEGIE MELLON | Pittsburgh, PA
2. THE DIRECTORS PROJECT RETREAT AT CARNEGIE MELLON | Pittsburgh, PA
DATES: Early June. Approximately five days, in person, schedule TBD by The Drama League
DESCRIPTION: The recipient joins other Directing Fellows, professional actors, and acclaimed director/mentors in Pittsburgh for a technique-focused directing intensive, in residence at Carnegie Mellon University. As the Directing Fellows explore monologues and scenework with professional actors, the director-mentors offer feedback, guidance, and support in this process-first environment. The Retreat offers recipients a rare opportunity to consciously encounter and interrogate their own directorial practice, enjoying CMU’s safe, creative environment where they can take risks and experiment free from the pressures of production.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing for all participants is provided by Carnegie Mellon University. One round-trip economy airfare, train, car or bus (depending on distance) to Pittsburgh is scheduled and provided by The Drama League from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from the Pittsburgh metropolitan areas. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
3. NEW WORK ENGAGEMENT BEREKLEY REPERTORY THEATRE | Berkeley, CA
3. NEW WORK ENGAGEMENT BEREKLEY REPERTORY THEATRE | Berkeley, CA
DATES: June-July. Approximately four weeks, in person.
DESCRIPTION: The Fellow join the artistic department of Berkeley Rep to participate in Ground Floor, their summer new work development activities. Each fellow will return the following summer to the same institution, to grow as part of the team and, in the second year, develop a project of their own as director.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing at BRT is provided. For this engagement, one round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus (depending on distance) to airports in the Berkeley area is provided from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from Berkeley. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
4. DIRECTOR IN RESIDENCE THE PLAYWRIGHTS' CENTER | Minneapolis, MN
4. DIRECTOR IN RESIDENCE THE PLAYWRIGHTS' CENTER | Minneapolis, MN
DATES: Mid-August – Early November
DESCRIPTION: During this time, the Fellow joins the artistic staff of The Playwrights’ Center, observing and participating in the processes of new work development, playwright relationships, community engagement, and more.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing for this engagement in Minneapolis/St. Paul is not provided, and will be the responsibility of the Fellow. Regarding travel, one round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus (depending on distance) to airports in the Minneaolis/St. Paul area is provided from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation in Minneapolis/St. Paul are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
YEAR TWO
YEAR TWO
5. YEAR TWO | ARTISTIC ENGAGEMENT LINCOLN CENTER THEATER | New York, NY
5. YEAR TWO | ARTISTIC ENGAGEMENT LINCOLN CENTER THEATER | New York, NY
DATES: Late January-Late April
(three months, in person)DESCRIPTION: The Fellow joins the artistic department of Lincoln Center Theater, and participates as a team member in the effective execution of their seasonal programming. The Fellow will return the following season, to grow as part of the team and, in the second year, develop a small private or public reading, workshop, or project of the institution’s choosing, as director. During this time, the Fellows will spend time with the artistic, literary, production, and management teams, learning the interior workings of a modern theater company.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing for this engagement is not provided, and will be the responsibility of the Fellow. Regarding travel, one round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus (depending on distance) to airports in the NYC area is provided from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from NYC. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
6. DIRECTORS PROJECT WEEK | New York, NY
6. DIRECTORS PROJECT WEEK | New York, NY
DATES: Mid-May. Approximately five days, in person, schedule TBD by The Drama League
DESCRIPTION: The Fellows experience another accelerator week of workshops, performances, learning opportunities, and private meetings with prominent artistic leaders, producers, directors, playwrights and other professionals. This culminates in attending The Drama League Awards, where the entire Directors Project cohort is formally introduced to the industry.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: One round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus fare (depending on distance) to/from is provided by The Drama League from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from New York City. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Housing provided for directors living more than 25 miles outside of the NYC metropolitan area. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
7.THE DIRECTORS PROJECT RETREAT AT CARNEGIE MELLON | Pittsburgh, PA
7.THE DIRECTORS PROJECT RETREAT AT CARNEGIE MELLON | Pittsburgh, PA
DATES: Early June. Approximately five days, in person, schedule TBD by The Drama League
DESCRIPTION: The Fellows return to Carnegie Mellon University for their second technique-focused, process-led intensive under the mentorship of prominent directors. With a company of professional actors, the Fellows direct scenes and monologues, consciously encountering their own personal directorial practice, while attending seminars, discussions, and accelerating their network development.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing for all participants is provided by Carnegie Mellon University. One round-trip economy airfare, train, car or bus (depending on distance) to Pittsburgh is scheduled and provided by The Drama League from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from the Pittsburgh metropolitan areas. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
8. DIRECTING ENGAGEMENT RED BULL THEATER | New York, NY
8. DIRECTING ENGAGEMENT RED BULL THEATER | New York, NY
DATES: Late June. 1-2 days in person, occasional virtual planning meetings prior
DESCRIPTION: In alternating years, each Fellow joins the artistic team of Red Bull Theater to co-direct the Short New Play Festival of new works, exploring artistic leadership in the context of this award-winning company. Track 2 will complete this experience in the second year of the Fellowship
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Travel to/from New York City provided for the rehearsal period (1-2 days). Other work is virtual. In-City Transportation, Baggage Fees, and housing are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
9. NEW WORK ENGAGEMENT BEREKLEY REPERTORY THEATRE | Berkeley, CA
9. NEW WORK ENGAGEMENT BEREKLEY REPERTORY THEATRE | Berkeley, CA
DATES: June-July. Approximately four weeks, in person.
DESCRIPTION: The Fellow returns to their New Work Engagement home company, supporting the Ground Floor as a team member, and developing a small project of their own as director.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing at BRT is provided. For this engagement, one round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus (depending on distance) to airports in the Berkeley area is provided from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from Berkeley. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
10. ARTISTIC ENGAGEMENT LINCOLN CENTER THEATER | New York, NY
10. ARTISTIC ENGAGEMENT LINCOLN CENTER THEATER | New York, NY
DATES: TBD, sometime between September – April (1-2 weeks approximately, to be determined by Recipient and Company)
DESCRIPTION: The Fellows return to their Artistic Engagement home company, to develop a small private or public reading, workshop, or project of the institution’s choosing, as director.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing for this engagement is not provided, and will be the responsibility of the Fellow. Regarding travel, one round-trip economy airfare, train, or bus (depending on distance) to airports in the NYC area is provided from any U.S. Continental city, if the Recipient lives more than 25 miles from NYC. Baggage fees, airport transfers, and in-city transportation are not provided. Travel arrangements are managed by The Drama League.
11. DIRECTORFEST THE DRAMA LEAGUE | New York, NY
11. DIRECTORFEST THE DRAMA LEAGUE | New York, NY
DATES: February. approximately 1-2 weeks in person, significant virtual planning prior via Zoom.
DESCRIPTION: Both Fellows choose a project of their own to direct, in consultation with The Drama League and a producer, for a professional workshop ending in a public staged reading, attended by industry professionals. The Fellow will have the benefit of professional actors, casting directors, and more. After the presentation, The Drama League Artistic Staff will assist the Fellow in continuing relationships with industry attendees.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Housing and travel for DirectorFest is not provided, and will be the responsibility of the Fellow.
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
The Drama League Stage Directing Fellowships provide a wide range of opportunities for emerging directors, creating multiple inflections into the American theatre landscape from which to build a thriving, successful career.
Providing significant financial support, health insurance reimbursement, creative retreats, network acceleration, and substantial experiences inside multiple theater companies, The Drama League Stage Directing Fellowships offer opportunities to observe creative processes, hone directing skills, assist established directors, and direct readings, workshops and projects throughout the two-year experience.
Through a partnership between eight internationally-renowned theater institutions, Fellowship recipients are given two full years of rare access to the inner processes of theatre-making. This extended period of support is curated to offer a strong foundation for growth, learning, and mentoring from some of the most visionary leaders in the field.
The Stage Directing Fellowships offer an incomparable on-ramp for talented emerging directors to fully participate in the American theatre.
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
NUMBER OF FELLOWSHIPS: Two (2), offered every other year
ELIGIBILITY: Before applying, visit the F.A.Q. page for full eligibility details
SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE: $100,000 for each Recipient ($50,000 per year of Fellowship), paid in 24 monthly installments over the course of the Fellowship
HEALTH INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT: Up to $10,000 (up to $5,000 per year of Fellowship)
TRAVEL AND HOUSING PROVISIONS: See Timeline
OTHER BENEFITS: VIP Pass to all publicly offered Drama League programming during the Fellowship period; access to alumni-focused programs and events; lifetime Drama League Membership
LIABILITIES 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.
ABOUT…
The Stage Directing Fellowships are the oldest initiatives of The Drama League Directors Project, launched in 1982. Founded as the Fall Fellowship, and briefly the New York Fellowships (before its expansion to multiple cities), the “SDF,” as it is sometimes referred to, is a foundational immersion into the field and into notions of artistic work, creative careers, and industry advancement. Alumni of the program include Tony Award winners Christopher Ashley, Pam MacKinnon, John Rando, Rebecca Taichman, Alex Timbers, and nominees Mark Brokaw, Anne Kauffman, Lila Neugebauer and Mortiz von Stuelpnagel.
FELLOWSHIP PARTNERS
