Next Stage Residency
Applications Open Autumn 2024
The Drama League Directing Residencies are designed to support the interrogative process of a director creating work that includes live performance. The residencies offer financial support for a multi-stage developmental process, rehearsal and administrative space, mentor support from the artistic staff of the partner companies, and the opportunity to share the findings of the process publicly.
The Next Stage Directing Residency is designed for early and mid-career directors to support a work they are attached to for possible future production — either a project they are directing, or one in which they are also a generative creator in other aspects (director-writer, director-designer, etc.).
The Residency will include three phases: pre-workshop planning with Drama League staff; creative exploration for five days with a company of up to four (4) additional collaborators at New York Stage and Film’s Summer Season in Poughkeepsie, NY; and a continued, later exploration of that work in New York City, resulting in either an open rehearsal or public reading. The Drama League and/or its partners will not be the producers of the project, nor producers of any public or private event in conjunction with this residency; the recipient is responsible for all production, contracting/hiring, or other needs in this regard.
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 or directors not born in the United States.
Please see our F.A.Q. page for eligibility questions
Residency Outline
Frequency
Offered every year
Recipients
One recipient each cycle
Award
Recipient receives $5,000 to cover expenses related to the Residency. Collaborating artists receive per diems as detailed in the timeline below.
Program Details
Please click on each date below for program timeline and details.
PRE-RESIDENCY PLANNING
The Recipient meets with Drama League staff to prepare for the process ahead, including script development, casting, and other elements.
EARLY EXPLORATION WEEK
The recipient and up to four (4) additional collaborating artists receive five (5) days of exploratory rehearsal at New York Stage and Film’s summer activities in Poughkeepsie, NY, on dates to be determined by The Drama League and NYSAF (not to exceed 40 hours of rehearsal). Travel to/from New York City and housing in Poughkeepsie, provided by The Drama League and NYSAF for all participants; baggage fees and in-city transportation are not provided. For this time period, the four (4) additional collaborating artists will receive a per diem of $100/day not to exceed $500/person, and a food allowance of $100.
INSPIRATION EXPERIENCE
Inspired by Twyla Tharp’s concept of “The Artist Date,” the Inspiration Experience is an opportunity for the Recipient to expand their exploratory investigation through a short experience inspired by the project itself. This might mean a visit to a local business or attraction, a facilitated conversation with an expert, or participation in a local event. The experience will be developed in conjunction with and facilitated by The Drama League.
DRAMA LEAGUE WEEK
The Recipient and up to four (4) collaborating artists receive five (5) days of rehearsal in the Drama League Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley Studio Lab in New York City, during one continuous week (M-F, 10am-6pm) to be scheduled with Recipient and The Drama League. The week culminates with a public sharing of the findings in an Open Rehearsal, Staged Reading, or Public In-Process Presentation. For this time period, collaborating artists will also receive a per diem of $100/day not to exceed $500/person. Travel to/from New York, baggage fees, in-city transportation, and housing are not provided, and is the responsibility of the Recipient and the collaborating artists.
Additional Benefits
- Access To Drama League Alumni Programming and Events
- Lifetime Drama League Artistic Membership
- VIP Pass to all publicly offered Drama League programming during Fellowship
QUESTIONS?
You may find your answer on our F.A.Q. page for artists,
which includes information about eligibility, application materials, and more.