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Professional fellowships
What types of fellowships do you offer?
introduction to the program
Berkeley Repertory Theatre offers an 11-month 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 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. Additionally, all fellows serve as mentors for Berkeley Rep’s annual Teen One-Acts Festival.
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. For their participation in the fellowship program, fellows receive credit from San Jose State University.
Please note: If the fellowship involves driving, the applicant must have an acceptable driving record as approved by our insurance representatives. All fellowships are contingent upon passing a criminal background check.
Sorry, we do not offer summer fellowships, nor fellowships in acting.
fellowship descriptions
Artistic and Administrative fellowships
Artistic and Administrative fellowships
Bret C. Harte Young Director / Producer (Artistic Administration)
The Young Director / Producer fellowship is designed for a person whose ultimate goal is to serve as a producer of either non-profit or commercial theatre. The fellowship will provide opportunities to observe and participate in almost every department at Berkeley Repertory Theatre while being mentored by the Artistic and Managing Directors. An ideal candidate is self-motivated with a demonstrated interest in the art of producing, particularly within a larger institution. We are looking for someone who is self-directed, shows discretion, possesses an innate ability to learn by synthesizing information and thrives in a project-based learning environment. Please note that while there will be significant interaction with members of the artistic staff, this is not a strictly artistic fellowship.
Company 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. This is an ideal fellowship for an enthusiastic candidate seeking to learn about the operations of multiple departments. The fellow will learn the basics of artist hospitality, including arranging artist travel to and from Berkeley as well as their accommodation while in residence. The fellow will also develop skills in event planning by assisting with company-wide events, and learn about general theatre management while assisting with the preparation and maintenance of budgets and administration-related projects as required throughout the season. Prerequisites: A high degree of personal organization, strong interpersonal skills, discretion, 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 the implementation of a fundraising plan for the Theatre and the process of cultivating and stewarding individual and institutional donor relationships. 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, including fundraising from corporations, foundations and individuals. 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 student matinee series, docent talks and outreach workshops 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 a fellowship focusing on the administration of arts education programs, not on developing teaching skills. 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 and digital, including posters, ads, brochures, programs, signage and other collateral. The fellow will hone his/her design skills and learn how to take a project from conception through production, gaining practical experience in a fast-paced environment. By the end of the fellowship, the fellow will have created several high-quality portfolio pieces and will be well-trained for a full-time job in design. As the graphics fellow is part of the marketing department, the fellow will also learn arts marketing practices and participate with other members of the department in marketing events. Prerequisite: Experience in graphics and layout programs is required (InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator). Applicants: please submit samples of work or a link to your online portfolio along with your application.
Peter Sloss Literary / Dramaturgy
This fellowship involves mentored training in intensive reading and critiquing of play submissions, maintaining a script library, writing for the program 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
Berkeley Rep’s marketing and communications department functions as a full-service agency with one client—Berkeley Rep. The marketing fellow will learn the process of identifying, cultivating and retaining an annual audience of 250,000 subscribers and single ticket patrons, as well as supporting our development department and School of Theatre. Activities in the department range from the strategic (e.g. branding, campaign planning, creative development) to the tactical (e.g. pricing, inventory management, budgeting) to the mundane (mailings, filing, reporting). Departmental activities include but aren’t limited to advertising, promotions, community outreach, event planning, media relations, direct mail and viral marketing. In this department, where the scope of learning is great, ample opportunities exist for a motivated fellow to work as part of a team and independently, enabling her/him to pursue interests and develop skills relevant to the Theatre’s needs. Prerequisites: superior communication, careful organization, attention to detail and proficiency with Microsoft Office products. Intellectual curiosity and personal initiative are essential. Box office experience is desirable.
Production fellowships
Costumes
The costumes fellow trains closely with the Costume Director and staff in all of the workings of a professional costume shop. Through hands-on experience, the fellow learns from nationally-recognized designers and artisans. Depending on the fellow’s interests and skills, he/she may explore areas such as costume construction, wig making, costume painting, distressing and shopping for a modern show. Ideal candidates have basic sewing skills and an interest in creating and/or designing theatrical costumes.
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, creating and updating the production calendar, transporting artistic personnel, facilitating various rentals and special events for the Theatre, tracking expenses and assisting other departments. The fellow keeps notes during production meetings, department meetings and technical rehearsals, assists on facility rentals and applies what they have learned as production manager for the Teen One-Acts Festival. 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 driver’s 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 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. Applicants must submit a portfolio or link to an online portfolio for review (digital format is preferred), including a sample of figure drawing or portraiture. 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.
Harry Weininger Sound
The Berkeley Rep sound fellowship offers training in audio production at a professional level. Mentored by the Sound Supervisor and Sound Engineer, the fellow will learn about system design, signal flow, automated and non-automated mixing boards, wireless microphones, recording, intercom systems, repairing equipment, rigging and how to collaborate with other departments. From sound effects-heavy shows to full-on musicals, the fellow will be exposed to many different kinds of productions. Equipment that the fellow will get hands on experience with includes Meyer Sound loudspeakers, Meyer/LCS systems, Yamaha digital mixing boards and Figure 53 Qlab. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in engineering as well as design, experience setting up and running shows, PC and Mac familiarity and strong organizational skills.
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 13/14 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 email or ONE envelope, if possible.
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 email to fellowship@berkeleyrep.org.
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 email 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 are 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? Email the Berkeley Rep fellow coordinator at fellowship@berkeleyrep.org. No phone calls, please. 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 generally 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.
fellows at berkeley rep have worked with many of these artists
DirectorsChristopher Bayes PlaywrightsBill Cain Scenic designersChristopher Acebo |
Costume designersSonya Berlovitz Lighting designersKevin Adams Composers, arrangers and sound artistsBilly Joe Armstrong and Green Day Projection / video designersMaya Ciarrocchi |
be a berkeley rep fellow
Check out what recent fellows have to say about Berkeley Rep’s 11-month fellowship program.
The Fellowship Program is generously supported by
where are they now?
A fellowship at Berkeley Rep can open doors to work at theatres all over the country.
Here’s what some of our recent former fellows are up to after completing their fellowships:
- Individual Giving Associate at Berkeley Rep
- Education Manager at Berkeley Playhouse
- Assistant to the Publisher at Heydey Books
- Production Manager at Market Road Films
- Director of New Play Development at Crowded Fire
- Freelance Equity Stage Manager
- Company Manager at Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts
- Overhire Scenic Artist and Set Designer
- Outreach and Communications Associate at Reel Link Films
- Assistant Director of Marketing at Court Theatre
- Box Office Manager at Beach Blanket Babylon
- Freelance Lighting Designer
- Production Manager at Bay Area Children’s Theatre
- Literary Associate at Berkeley Rep
- MFA student in playwriting at UC San Diego
