NextGen Theater Leaders

NextGen Theater Leaders

The rising leaders of The Drama League’s NextGen Theater Leaders Board come together to make a real impact while enjoying what they love most, live theater! Their shared goal: raise $100,000 each year to fuel The Directors Project and support the next generation of visionary stage directors.

Why? Because directing opportunities are shrinking nationwide and The Drama League’s NextGen Board are stepping up to help keep creative careers growing and thriving. The members of the NextGen Board know that when they lift up directors, the entire industry benefits!

 

Think of the NextGen Board as part fundraising squad, part leadership lab, and part community that is a place to build skills, expand your network, champion directors, and be a visible ambassador for the art of directing.

 

NextGen Theater Leaders: Member Expectations

  • 4 quarterly Zoom planning calls (led by rotating member committee)
  • Attend at least 2 events annually
  • Optional additional committee-led activities
  • Voting Membership — $250 (June 1)
  • Awards VIP Individual Ticket — $750 (April 1)
  • Gala After-Party Ticket — $350 (October 1)
  • Attend meetings Quarterly (zoom) and key events
  • Support fundraising and outreach
  • Serve as a fundraising ambassador for the Directors Project
  • Nominations Announcement — mid-April
  • Awards Ceremony — 3rd Friday in May
  • Fall Gala After-Party — mid-October
  • Behind-the-scenes Awards access
  • Networking with board, donors, and industry leaders
  • Leadership development
  • Peer cohort + social events
  • Public recognition and website listing


How to Join

Annually, 20 early- and mid-career professionals with a passion for theater are invited to join the NextGen Theater Leaders! This dynamic, mission-aligned group is an opportunity for emerging leaders and arts advocates to support the theater industry, build your professional network, and get insider access to exciting events. Members grow as ambassadors for The Directors Project, develop leadership and fundraising skills, gain recognition and visibility, and become part of a vibrant peer cohort of like-minded theater lovers, while making an impact on the American Theater.

The Drama League review process evaluates candidates based on their mission alignment, fundraising potential, leadership capacity, and advocacy commitment. The application includes: Written application form, Interview, and Term start onboarding on or around June 1 annually. Each cohort includes no more than 20 people from June 1 – May 31. Please email membership@dramaleague.org for more information. 

NextGen Theater Leaders

Inaugural Cohort is now forming for 2026-2027.