The Drama League Stage Directing Fellowships
THE DRAMA LEAGUE
STAGE DIRECTING FELLOWSHIPS

A partnership with Manhattan Theatre Club, McCarter Theatre Center, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education, Keen Company, New York Stage and Film, and Red Bull Theater
The Drama League Stage Directing Fellowships provide a wide range of opportunities for emerging and rising directors, creating multiple avenues for future success in the theater industry. Providing significant financial support and health insurance reimbursement, creative retreats, network development, and residencies at multiple theater companies, The Drama League Stage Directing Fellowships also offer opportunities to direct readings and productions throughout the two-year experience.

The Drama League Stage Directing Fellowships are for stage directors in the early- and mid-career stages of their professional career. Please see our F.A.Q. page for eligibility questions. 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.
Fellowship Outline
Fellowship Duration
24 Months Total
May 2024-April 2026
Fellowship Frequency
Offered every other year (2024, 2026, etc.)
Fellowship Recipients
Two recipients each cycle
Scholarship Prize
$100,000 ($50,000 per year)
Health Insurance Reimbursement
$10,000 ($5,000 per year)
Fellowship Timeline
Year One
Click each month for program details
Mid-May (approximately five days, full-time, in person)
PROFESSIONALS WEEK (NYC)
Fellows begin with an intensive accelerator in New York City for three days of workshops, learning opportunities, and private meetings with prominent artistic leaders, producers, directors, and other professionals. This is immediately followed by the Directors Conference, two days that include the entire Directors Project Cohort, with opportunities to grow networks and build skills. The Conference culminates in the Drama League Awards, where the cohort is formally introduced to the industry.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: One (1) Round-Trip Economy Airfare Ticket to New York City from city in the continental United States will be provided for Recipients living more than 25 miles outside of NYC metropolitan area. In-City Transportation and Baggage Fees are not provided. Housing provided for directors living more than 25 miles outside of NYC metropolitan area.
June (mix of virtual/in person)
DIRECTING ENGAGEMENT: RED BULL THEATER (NYC)
One of the two Fellows joins the artistic team of Red Bull Theater to assist in the execution of, and direct half of the plays in the Red Bull Short Play Festival of new works, exploring directorial practice in the context of this award-winning company. The Fellow will join the artistic team virtually for pre-production, casting, and then in person for 1-3 days in New York City for rehearsals and performances.
NOTE: The Fellow not directing this year’s Short Play Festival will direct SPF in Year Two of the Fellowship, alternating years. (See Year Two below.)
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Air travel, housing, baggage fees, in-city transportation, and housing for the 1-3 rehearsal period are not provided for this engagement.
Late June to early August (time commitment varies, in person)
NEW WORK DEVELOPMENT ENGAGEMENT:
NEW YORK STAGE AND FILM (Poughkeepsie, NY) and
BERKELEY REP GROUND FLOOR (Berkeley, CA)
One of the Fellows travels to assist on developmental projects as a Directing Fellow at New York Stage And Film’s Summer Season, while the other Fellow travels to assist on developmental projects as a Directing Fellow for the Ground Floor Festival at Berkeley Rep. (In Year Two, the Fellows will travel to work at the other institution during this time. See Year Two below.)
NYSAF TRAVEL/HOUSING: One (1) Round-Trip Economy Airfare Ticket to New York City and ground travel to Poughkeepsie from city in the continental United States will be provided for Recipients living more than 25 miles outside of Poughkeepsie area. In-City Transportation and Baggage Fees are not provided. Housing will be provided by New York Stage and Film.
BERKELEY REP TRAVEL/HOUSING: One (1) Round-Trip Economy Airfare Ticket to the San Francisco/Oakland metropolitan area from city in the continental United States will be provided for Recipients living more than 25 miles outside of the area. In-City Transportation and Baggage Fees are not provided. Housing will be provided by Berkeley Rep.
August (approximately five days, full-time, in person)
DIRECTING INTENSIVE (Cambridge, NY)
The Fellows will participate in a process-first directing workshop in the theaters, rehearsal spaces, and outdoor grounds of Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education in Cambridge, NY, directing scenes with professional actors and deepening their own directorial practice, supported by a mentor director, representatives of The Drama League, Hubbard Hall, and Keen Company.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: One (1) Round-Trip Economy Airfare Ticket to New York City from city in the continental United States and ground travel to/from Cambridge, NY will be provided for Recipients living more than 25 miles outside of the area. In-City Transportation and Baggage Fees are not provided. Housing is provided for all Recipients by Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education.
August-December (continuous, part-time, mix of virtual/in person, approximately 3-4 months)
DIRECTOR-IN-RESIDENCE EXPERIENCE:
MANHATTAN THEATRE CLUB or McCARTER THEATRE CENTER
During this time, the two Fellows will follow separate tracks to join the artistic staff of either Manhattan Theatre Club or McCarter Theater Center. (One Fellow will be assigned to each theater.) During their time in residence, the Fellow observes and participates in the processes of season curation, new work development, production execution, community engagement, and more. The Fellow will have an assisting opportunity during this time (to be scheduled), and return to this theater at the end of their Fellowship experience (See Year Two Below).
NOTE: Travel, Baggage Fees, In-City Transportation, and Housing are not provided for this experience, and are the responsibility of the Fellow. Housing advice will be offered, if needed, by The Drama League and the theaters.
Year Two
Click each month for program details
Mid-May (approximately five days, full-time, in person)
DRAMA LEAGUE PROFESSIONALS WEEK
For their second Professionals Week, Fellows have a curatorial role in designing experiences that can accelerate their own creative and professional growth.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: One (1) Round-Trip Economy Airfare Ticket to New York City from city in the continental United States will be provided for Recipients living more than 25 miles outside of NYC metropolitan area. In-City Transportation and Baggage Fees are not provided. Housing provided for directors living more than 25 miles outside of NYC metropolitan area.
June (mix of virtual/in person)
DIRECTING ENGAGEMENT: RED BULL THEATER (NYC)
One of the two Fellows joins the artistic team of Red Bull Theater to assist in the execution of, and direct half of the plays in the Red Bull Short Play Festival of new works, exploring directorial practice in the context of this award-winning company. The Fellow will join the artistic team virtually for pre-production, casting, and then in person for 1-3 days in New York City for rehearsals and performances.
NOTE: The Fellow who did not direct the Short Play Festival in Year One will do so this year. (See Year One above.)
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Air travel, housing, baggage fees, in-city transportation, and housing for the 1-3 rehearsal period are not provided for this engagement.
Late June to early August (time commitment varies, in person)
NEW WORK DEVELOPMENT ENGAGEMENT:
BERKELEY REP GROUND FLOOR (Berkeley, CA) and
NEW YORK STAGE AND FILM (Poughkeepsie, NY)
One of the Fellows travels to assist on developmental projects as a Directing Fellow for the Ground Floor Festival at Berkeley Rep, while the other Fellow travels to assist on developmental projects as a Directing Fellow at New York Stage And Film’s Summer Season. (The Fellows will have the alternate experience during this time that they had during Year One.)
NYSAF TRAVEL/HOUSING: One (1) Round-Trip Economy Airfare Ticket to New York City and ground travel to Poughkeepsie from city in the continental United States will be provided for Recipients living more than 25 miles outside of Poughkeepsie area. In-City Transportation and Baggage Fees are not provided. Housing will be provided by New York Stage and Film.
BERKELEY REP TRAVEL/HOUSING: One (1) Round-Trip Economy Airfare Ticket to the San Francisco/Oakland metropolitan area from city in the continental United States will be provided for Recipients living more than 25 miles outside of the area. In-City Transportation and Baggage Fees are not provided. Housing will be provided by Berkeley Rep.
To Be Scheduled Post-February With Fellow (time TBD)
DIRECTING OPPORTUNITY:
MANHATTAN THEATRE CLUB (New York, NY) or
McCARTER THEATRE CENTER (Princeton, NJ)
Fellows will begin their preparations to direct an enhanced presentation with their Year One Residency company, either Manhattan Theatre Club or McCarter Theatre Center, in consultation with the companies and The Drama League. The directing opportunity will be public but developmental in nature, and not a Mainstage production of either company.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Travel, Baggage Fees, In-City Transportation, and Housing are not included for this opportunity, and are the responsibility of the Fellow.
TENTATIVE: PROGRAM DETAIL NOT SET FOR 2024-2025 CYCLE
DIRECTORFEST
Fellows will engage in design and production meetings, professional auditions, rehearsals and performances of a short one-act production.
TRAVEL/HOUSING: Fellows will not be required to be in residence in New York City for this entire period…roughly for auditions and rehearsals. Travel, Baggage Fees, In-City Transportation, and Housing in New York City are not provided for this experience, and are the responsibility of the Fellow.
Additional Benefits
- Travel and housing expenses for some program activities
(see program description for details) - VIP Pass to all publicly offered Drama League programming during Fellowship
- Opportunity to serve as a Drama League Awards Nominator for the length of the Fellowship Period
- Access to Alumni Programming and Events
- Lifetime Drama League Artistic Membership
- Tickets to theatre series productions at partner theaters
- Theatre Communications Group Membership

QUESTIONS?
You may find your answer on our F.A.Q. page for artists,
which includes information about eligibility, application materials, and more.
See Current Fellows
& Residents
About the Partners
The Drama League Stage Directing Fellowship is a partnership between The Drama League of New York, Inc. (Gabriel Stelian-Shanks, Artistic Director), Berkeley Rep (Johanna Pfaelzer, Artistic Director); Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education (David Snider, Artistic Director); Keen Company (Jonathan Silverstein, Artistic Director); Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director); McCarter Theatre Center (Sarah Rasmussen, Artistic Director); New York Stage And Film (Liz Carlson, Interim Artistic Director); and Red Bull Theater (Jesse Berger, Artistic Director).
The Drama League is a creative and career development home for directors, and a platform for dialogue with, and between, the audiences they inspire in theater, television, film, opera, online, and anywhere live performance is found. Launched in 1916, the organization is one of the longest continuously-operating arts service organizations in the United States. To support its programs for artists, or to become a member of its community, please visit www.dramaleague.org.
The 2022-23 season marked Lynne Meadow’s 50th Anniversary as Artistic Director of MANHATTAN THEATRE CLUB. Meadow was joined in summer 2023 by Chris Jennings, MTC’s new Executive Director. MTC’s mission, which Meadow created in 1972 and has implemented over five decades of award-winning theatrical productions, is to develop and present new work in a dynamic, supportive environment; to identify and collaborate with the most promising new as well as seasoned, accomplished artists; and to produce a diverse repertoire of innovative, entertaining, and thought-provoking plays and musicals by American and international playwrights. Since 1989, MTC Education, which uses the power of live theatre and playwriting to awaken minds, ignite imaginations, open hearts, and change lives, has also been an important corollary to MTC’s work, reaching thousands of students and educators worldwide each season. Since its beginnings on East 73rd Street in New York City, MTC has grown from a small off-off-Broadway showcase theatre into one of the country’s most prestigious and award-winning producing companies, creating over 600 world, American, New York and Broadway premieres. MTC productions have earned 7 Pulitzer Prizes, 28 Tony Awards, 50 Drama Desk Awards and 49 Obie Awards amongst many other honors. MTC has homes on Broadway at its Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) and Off-Broadway at New York City Center (131 West 55th Street). MTC is an anti-racist organization that respects and honors all voices, and upholds the values of community and equity. www.manhattantheatreclub.com
An independent not-for-profit performing arts center located between New York City and Philadelphia on the campus of Princeton University, McCarter is a multi-disciplinary creative and intellectual hub offering theater, music, dance, family programs, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages that inspires conversations, connections and collaborations in our communities. McCarter leads with the values of justice and joy, and seeks beauty in belonging. Celebrated for developing new work and winner of the 1994 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, world premieres include Christopher Durang’s Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike (Tony Award winner, Best Play), Tarell Alvin McCraney’s The Brother/Sister Plays, and Emily Mann’s Having Our Say. McCarter’s presented series has featured hundreds of renowned artists including Alvin Ailey, Yo-Yo Ma, Audra McDonald, David Sedaris, The Moth, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Roseanne Cash, Lake Street Dive, Samara Joy, and many more. McCarter and Princeton University share a successful history of unique partnerships and creative collaborations. To learn about McCarter’s history, the 23/24 season, community and education programs, visit www.mccarter.org
Berkeley Repertory Theatre has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre. Known for its ambition, relevance, and excellence, as well as its adventurous audience, the nonprofit has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968. Over 5.5 million people have enjoyed nearly 500 shows at Berkeley Rep, which have gone on to win six Tony Awards, seven Obie Awards, nine Drama Desk Awards, one Grammy Award, one Pulitzer Prize, and many other honors. Berkeley Rep received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 1997. To formalize, enhance, and expand the processes by which Berkeley Rep makes theatre, The Ground Floor: Berkeley Rep’s Center for the Creation and Development of New Work was launched in 2012. The Berkeley Rep School of Theatre engages and educates some 20,000 people a year and helps build the audiences of tomorrow with its nationally recognized teen programs. Berkeley Rep’s bustling facilities — which also include the 400-seat Peet’s Theatre, the 600-seat Roda Theatre, and a spacious campus in West Berkeley — are helping revitalize a renowned city. www.berkeleyrep.org
Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education is a thriving arts center in Cambridge, NY, dedicated to developing, promoting, and sustaining the cultural life of their rural community. Hubbard Hall is an arts incubator, a training ground for artists, a magnet for artistic activity, a safe haven for risk-taking, an economic driver for their region, and the beating heart of their community. Since 1878 Hubbard Hall has developed, produced, and presented theater, music, opera, dance, and the visual arts and in recent years has become a world-class development center for new work. Since 1977, Hubbard Hall’s current nonprofit has engaged thousands of artists, students, and audience members. As a training ground for both young and seasoned artists, Hubbard Hall continues to develop a new generation of artists and audiences while providing opportunities for individuals to take new risks and stretch beyond their comfort zone. www.hubbardhall.org
Keen Company is a Drama Desk and Obie Award-winning Off-Broadway company creating theater that connects. In intimate productions of plays and musicals, we celebrate the complexities of hope and the joys of the human condition, provoking identification, reflection, and emotional connection. In intimate productions of plays and musicals, the company tells stories about the decisive moments that change us. Through our educational arm, Keen Teens, we raise the quality of plays written for the high school stage and provide a free professional training program for teens. On-stage Keen champions the impact of integrity, and we uphold that same mission backstage. It is important to our company, and our work, that everyone feels safe, valued, and inspired to do their best. www.keencompany.org
New York Stage and Film is a not-for-profit company dedicated to both emerging and established artists in the development of new works for theater, film and television. Since 1985, New York Stage and Film has played a significant role in the development of new stories, provided a home for a diverse group of artists free from critical and commercial pressures, and established itself as a vital cultural institution for residents of the Hudson Valley and the New York.
Red Bull Theater brings rarely seen classic plays to dynamic new life for contemporary audiences, uniting a respect for tradition with a modern sensibility. Named for the rowdy Jacobean playhouse that illegally performed plays in England during the years of Puritan rule, it was the first London theater to reopen after the Restoration. This bold spirit is central to Red Bull’s identity. With the Jacobean plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries at its cornerstone, Red Bull Theater is New York’s home for dynamic performances of great plays that stand the test of time as well as new works that are in conversation with the classics. Red Bull Theater delights and engages the intellect and imagination of audiences. A diverse and inclusive home for artists, scholars and students, Red Bull strives to make the work accessible and welcoming to all theatergoers. Red Bull Theater believes in the power of great classic stories and plays of heightened language to deepen understanding of the human condition and in the special ability of live theater to create unique, collective experiences. Red Bull recognizes the timeless capacity of classical theater to illuminate the events of our times while keeping a rich and vital tradition thriving. Founded in 2003 with a production of Shakespeare’s Pericles, Red Bull Theater has been acclaimed by The New York Times as “a dynamic producer of classic plays.” Time Out New York agreed, naming Red Bull “the most exciting classical theater in New York.” In its 20-year history, Red Bull Theater has produced 24 Off-Broadway productions and over 200 Revelation Readings of rarely seen classics, serving 5,000 artists and providing quality artistic programming to an audience of 65,000. The company’s unique programming has received ongoing critical acclaim, and has been recognized with Lortel, Drama Desk, Drama League, Calloway, Off Broadway Alliance, and Obie nominations and awards. www.redbulltheater.com