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Professional fellowships
What types of fellowships do you offer?
introduction to the program
Berkeley Rep provides a year-long fellowship program for serious-minded, highly motivated individuals who are ready to embark upon a professional theatre career. Fellows are directly exposed to the Theatre’s daily operations and given the opportunity to provide support for the award-winning company’s ambitious and innovative body of work. They learn alongside an accomplished company of artists, administrators, guest directors and designers. Click here to see a few of the artists and theatre professionals with whom past fellows have worked.
While at Berkeley Rep, fellows are encouraged to fulfill as many career-building goals and objectives as possible, gaining both practical experience and professional contacts through the program. In addition to their specialized training, participants gain additional insight into the art and operations of a professional regional theatre through regularly-scheduled seminars led by guest speakers and members of the Theatre’s senior staff. Topics will include in-depth explorations of how Berkeley Rep operates as an institution, relevant issues affecting theatres both locally and nationally and post-fellowship career planning.
Berkeley Rep seeks applicants who have already acquired basic training and experience in their field and are ready for the next step toward a career in professional theatre. Ideal candidates should be willing to engage in the creative process, eager to test the limits of their own ingenuity and ready to join a professional, artistic community. Our goal is to help our fellows transition successfully from life as a college or university student into the world of theatre professionals. The most successful participants demonstrate initiative, perseverance and a drive to get the most out of their short but valuable time in Berkeley.
The fellowship program requires an 11-month commitment. Fellows generally begin in August or September and conclude in June or July. They are given a monthly allowance to help cover expenses, including transportation. Limited housing is available for out-of-state applicants.
Sorry, we do not offer summer fellowships, nor fellowships in acting.
fellowship descriptions
Artistic and Administrative fellowships
Artistic and Administrative fellowships
Bret C. Harte Directing (Artistic Administration)
The Bret C. Harte Directing fellowship rigorously examines the rewards and challenges of artistically leading a major regional theatre. Through daily interaction with members of Berkeley Rep’s artistic staff and direct mentorship by the Artistic Director, the fellow is involved in departmental activities and closely observes the full collaborative process from original concept through design and production. The fellow has the opportunity to read and critique scripts, observe rehearsals, attend artistic staff meetings, discuss season planning and organize events around the plays (e.g. Page to Stage). The fellow also assists other artistic staff members in various projects ranging from correspondence to scheduling season casting with the Casting Director. The fellow may serve as an assistant director on one or two shows during the season, depending on the needs of the shows.
Company / Theatre Management
Berkeley Rep’s company management team serves as the primary point of contact between visiting theatre artists, Berkeley Rep staff and the Berkeley community. As such, this is an ideal fellowship for an enthusiastic candidate looking to learn about the ins and outs of several different departments. The fellow will learn the basics of artist hospitality, including arranging artists’ travel to and from Berkeley as well as their accommodations while here. Fellow will also develop skills in event planning, while assisting with company-wide events such as closing night parties, general management duties including contracting artists and preparing budgets and administration-related projects as required throughout the season. Prerequisite: A high degree of personal organization, strong interpersonal skills, facility with Excel, a valid drivers’ license and a willingness to roll with the punches.
Development / Fundraising
Essential to anyone wishing to pursue a career as a non-profit theatre administrator is a knowledge of fundraising. The development fellowship focuses on teaching the process of cultivating and stewarding individual and institutional donor relationships through special events. Under the guidance of the Theatre’s special events manager, the fellow will learn all aspects of planning and executing donor benefit and fundraising events, culminating in the opportunity to execute events independently. The fellow will also gain a broad perspective on all other aspects of the development department. Candidates should have a strong interest in developing a career in arts administration. Prerequisite: Computer experience is required.
Education
This fellowship provides an opportunity for an individual to learn the inner workings of a multi-faceted theatre education program. Programming at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre includes classes for youth and adults, a theatre youth group for teenagers, a monthly series for families, a student matinee series and many community outreach programs in local schools. The fellow will learn the full range of skills necessary for success in an arts education career through participating in mentored projects focusing on marketing, programming, advocacy, community outreach and evaluation. Projects will be designed to grow in size and responsibility throughout the fellowship, depending on the fellow’s developing goals, interests and skill level. While the fellow will have access to classes and interact with faculty members and students regularly, this is an administrative—not teaching—position. Prerequisite: A working knowledge of basic Microsoft Office software.
Graphics / Web / Publications
The graphics fellow is mentored by the art director on the process of marketing materials for print, including posters, ads, brochures, programs, signage and other collateral. The fellow will hone his/her layout skills and learn how to prepare projects for professional printing. Exposure to general arts marketing practice is also a part of this fellowship which provides a smooth transition from arts training to practical experience in a fast-paced environment. By the end of the fellowship, the fellow will have created several high-quality portfolio pieces. Prerequisite: Experience in graphics and layout programs is required (InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator).
Peter Sloss Literary / Dramaturgy
This fellowship involves mentored training in intensive reading and critiquing of play submissions, maintaining a script library, overseeing script readers and other occasional projects. The fellow will have opportunities to provide dramaturgical support including writing and research. Applicant should be extremely organized, personable and possess a strong background in writing, as well as knowledge of dramaturgy and theatre. Candidates should submit, in addition to their other application materials, two samples of critical writing (at least one must be about a play).
Marketing / Box Office
Berkeley Rep’s marketing and communications department functions as a full-service advertising agency with one client—Berkeley Rep. The marketing/box office fellow will learn the process of identifying, cultivating and retaining an annual audience of 150,000 subscribers and single-ticket patrons. Activities in the department range from the strategic (e.g. campaign planning and creative development) to the tactical (e.g. research, mailings, reporting), and include advertising, promotions, community outreach, media relations, direct mail and viral marketing. The fellow will learn, among other things, how to create sales reports, newspaper listings and house seat logs. In this department, where the scope of learning is great, ample opportunities exist for a motivated fellow to work independently, enabling her/him to pursue interests and develop skills relevant to the Theatre’s needs. Prerequisite: This position requires strong communication, careful organization, attention to detail and proficiency with Microsoft Office products. Box office experience is desirable.
Production fellowships
Costumes
The fellow works closely in hands-on processes with nationally recognized
designers and artisans. This fellowship is targeted toward specific
experiences based on long-term career goals of recipient. All facets of
a professional costume shop are open for exploration.
Lighting / Electrics
The fellow receives hands-on learning experience working with the lighting designers for the mainstage season, and assists the Master Electrician using industry-standard software AutoCAD, VectorWorks, Spotlight and Lightwright. In addition, the fellow is involved in all areas of electrics, including building practicals, hanging, focusing and running of shows. Some opportunities may exist to design for the School of Theatre and rental groups. Ideal candidates have a background and interest in both electrics and design.
Production Management
The production management fellowship offers training in production management at a professional theatre. Through mentorship by the Production Manager and Associate Production Manager, the fellow will learn the process of contracting designers, scheduling tech rehearsals, coordinating designer travel and housing, transporting artistic personnel, facilitating various rentals and special events for the Theatre, tracking expenses and assisting other departments. The fellow attends production meetings, technical rehearsals and assists on facility rentals. Ideal candidates should display a broad knowledge of technical theatre, as well as organizational and computer skills. Prerequisite: Candidates must have a valid driver’s license.
Properties
This fellowship provides hands-on training in properties construction, carpentry, crafts, soft goods, research/shopping and administration. Applicants should have previous prop/prop-related experience, a strong work ethic, good communication skills and valid drivers license. A flexible, creative personality is essential. Applicants must submit a portfolio for review (digital format is preferred). Due to the large numbers of applications received, portfolios may not be returned in a timely fashion. Please do not send original artwork.
Scenic Art
The scenic art fellowship follows the time-honored tradition of learning-by-doing. The scenic art fellow will learn the skills and techniques to enable them to participate as a full member of the of scenic art team. Applicants with painting experience outside the realm of theatre, as well as those hoping to pursue a career in scenic design, are encouraged to apply. Please submit a portfolio (or a link to an online portfolio) for review. Due to the large numbers of applications received, portfolios may not be returned in a timely fashion. Please do not send original artwork. Prerequisite: Strong drawing and color mixing skills are required.
Scenic Construction
This fellowship is about the hands-on development of skills in scenic construction, working in a professional production shop. The fellow will learn to face challenges as builder, welder, theatrical rigger, scenic automator and draftsperson. The fellow works with state of the art equipment to transform raw materials such as woods, metals and plastics into complex scenic elements. The scenic construction aspects of the fellowship will take place in the scene shop facility, with scenic installations in our Roda theatre fly house and fixed-grid Thrust space.
Sound
The sound fellowship provides a comprehensive overview of audio engineering and sound design installation for a professional theatre environment. With the Berkeley Rep Sound Engineer(s), the fellow is involved in the planning, installation, maintenance and technical rehearsals of all Berkeley Rep productions. The fellow will learn to operate the house and ancillary sound systems of the Theatre, maintain and repair equipment and help with the upkeep of Berkeley Rep facilities’ audio and video systems. Other opportunities are determined on a show-by-show basis and may include assisting guest sound designers, recording and editing material for shows and events and acting as engineer/operator for show runs or rehearsals. The fellow will also work with the School of Theatre on their productions.
Stage Management
The stage management fellowship provides a unique opportunity to learn all aspects of the work of Actors Equity Association (AEA) stage managers. Beginning with attendance at production meetings, the fellow takes part in the rehearsal process, technical rehearsals and in many instances will stay with a production through the completion of the run. This demanding fellowship involves the fellow in every facet of the production. Computer and word processing skills are an asset.
current availability
We are no longer accepting applications for Season 10/11 fellowships.
how to apply
Applications are accepted no earlier than January 1 and ALL materials must be received by April 1 for positions beginning the following August. Telephone and personal interviews are generally held in late April and early May. Additional interviews will be held if openings occur during the season. Please send all application materials in ONE envelope.
Please do not call to check on the status of your application. However, if your situation has changed and you have accepted employment elsewhere, we would appreciate an e-mail, a letter or a phone call.
Click here for an application form. (PDF opens in new window)
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Please make sure that your application includes ALL of the following items. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application form
- Please make sure that all items are completed and that you include your address and phone number for the summer months.
Personal statement
- This statement should be 500 words or less and include the following: your career objectives and how you expect to achieve them, what you expect from a Berkeley Rep fellowship, your experience and/or education in theatre, the qualities you possess that recommend you as a candidate for a fellowship and how you heard about Berkeley Rep’s fellowship. Your personal statement should reveal information about yourself that may not be represented in your resume or recommendations.
Resume
- A resume of education, theatre experience, training and any related work.
Three letters of recommendation
- It is preferred that these letters be enclosed with your application materials, though they may be submitted separately from the rest of your application, and must be received by the April 1 deadline.
We will not consider incomplete applications for any fellowship.
Please mail ALL items to:
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Attn: Fellowship Coordinator
2025 Addison Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
Or, you may e-mail all items to fellowship@berkeleyrep.org.
other important information
Academic credit
If your school would like to translate your fellowship experience into academic units, Berkeley Rep is happy to work with your school advisor. Please provide any paperwork with your application.
Living expenses
Berkeley Rep provides a small stipend to assist with daily expenses, including transportation. The stipend is $4,400 (total), disbursed equally over the 11 months of the fellowship.
Housing and transportation
Housing in Berkeley is available for a limited number of fellows for the duration of the program. We’re unable to accommodate living partners (or pets). Housing is within walking distance of the Theatre. Berkeley and the Bay Area have excellent public transportation—buses and trains. We recommend managing without a car since it is difficult to park in Berkeley. There are car-sharing consortiums for those who need occasional access to a car.
International applicants
Berkeley Rep is only able to accept applicants who have taken care of the necessary documents to work in the United States (i.e. visas, green cards, citizenship, etc.). The Theatre cannot sponsor or assist applicants in the visa application process. For more information, please contact the United States embassy in your country.
Affirmative action
Berkeley Rep is an equal opportunity employer and believes strongly in affirmative action. Berkeley Rep’s staff reflects the diversity of the Bay Area and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply.
Contact information
Questions? E-mail the Berkeley Rep fellow coordinator at fellowship@berkeleyrep.org. For more information on how to apply, please see “How to Apply.”
frequently asked questions
Do you offer fellowships in acting or directing?
We do not offer acting or directing fellowships; however, we do offer classes in both areas at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre.
Do you offer summer fellowships?
Berkeley Rep’s season runs August—June, which does not allow us to offer summer fellowships. All fellowships are 11 months unless otherwise arranged.
Can I participate in the fellowship during my college winter break?
Our fellowships generally run August—June. Occasionally, additional interviews will be held if openings occur during the season. Please check “Current Availability.”
What kind of education do I need to have?
The fellowship at Berkeley Rep is aimed for applicants looking to make the jump from the academic world to the professional world of theatre. While a college degree is not required, we ask that applicants have some practical knowledge and experience in theatre. We do not accept high school students.
How do you decide which fellows will get housing?
Housing is primarily granted on a first-come, first-served basis. However, we attempt to favor out-of-town fellows over local fellows.
Can I hold a job during my fellowship?
For maximum learning opportunities, all Berkeley Rep fellowships are designed around the regular workings of the Theatre and often take up 40+ hours per week. The Berkeley Rep fellowship and stipend are designed to cover basic living expenses. While it is possible to hold a part-time job with some fellow positions, we strongly recommend against it. Applicants should secure independent funds for other expenses they may incur during their fellowship. There are also limited possibilities to obtain minimal paid work through Berkeley Rep itself.
Should I include a portfolio with my application?
Please check the description of the fellowship for which you are applying for specific requirements.
Who should I have write my letters of recommendation?
Ideally, your recommendation letters should be written by people who know you and your work well. Employers, professors, supervisors and mentors are usually the best. These should be people who have seen your past work and can speak of your potential for future work. These do not need to be theatre professionals since most skills can cross over career lines.
What are personal references; are they the same as my letters of recommendation?
Personal references could be colleagues, mentors or former employers that may speak to your character. These people usually know you on a more personal level. They should not necessarily be the same individuals that write your letters of recommendation and in most cases are not.
fellows at berkeley rep have worked with many of these artists
DirectorsJo Bonney PlaywrightsDavid Adjmi Scenic designersChristopher Acebo |
Costume designersSonya Berlovitz Lighting designersKevin Adams Composers, arrangers and sound artistsBilly Joe Armstrong and Green Day Projection designersLeah Gelpe |
The 2010/11 Fellowship Program is generously supported by
