2050 Administrative Fellowships

The 2050 Administrative Fellowship program is a sister program to our successful 2050 Artistic Fellowship, which supports emerging playwrights and directors. Replacing our old internship program, the fellowship represents one of several NYTW initiatives to address the economic barriers that may prevent talented individuals from pursuing careers in the theatre.

For over 20 years, NYTW has honed an inclusive fellowship program for emerging theatre makers with a multiplicity of perspectives. These fellowships have taken many forms, supporting playwrights, directors, designers and administrators.

The 2050 Fellowship is named in celebration of the U.S. Census Bureau’s projection that by the year 2050, there will be no single racial or ethnic majority in the United States. This projection provokes thoughts at New York Theatre Workshop about the transformations that will take place in the American landscape—technologically, environmentally, demographically, economically and artistically—now and in the future. They are a catalyst for broader questions about the direction of our field. But we’re not waiting for the year 2050 to make the change we wish to see. Instead, we’re working to reflect our evolving and beautifully diversifying society now—to ensure there’s space for those who will lead us into the future to build the skills they need now.

We’re seeking enthusiastic candidates who are underrepresented in theatre administration. We encourage applicants with a unique perspective inclusive of race, color, religion, familial status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age and physical ability to apply. We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work, on and off stage. NYTW is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), and all qualified applicants will receive consideration.

As a 2050 Administrative Fellow, you will: 

  • Commit to a yearlong paid part-time fellowship in one field of interest including Artistic Workshop, Development, Education & Engagement, Executive, Finance & Operations, Literary, Marketing, Producing and Production Management
  • Work with the department head and their team in the respective area of focus.
  • Receive a comprehensive onboarding NYTW and the fellowship program.
  • Develop a personalized fellowship plan in partnership with their supervisor.
  • Take on significant responsibilities in your department, including day-to-day tasks and long-term collaborative and individual projects.
  • Participate in monthly seminar meetings to discuss your work, share ideas, meet other professionals in the field and receive specialized career-development training.
  • Participate in brown bag lunches with members of the NYTW staff and invited guests and attend industry networking and social events.

It’s our hope that the 2050 Administrative Fellowship will address not just historic biases in our industry, but also economic barriers that prevent aspiring professionals from pursuing careers in the theatre. Fellows are considered part of the staff, receive hourly pay plus an additional monthly stipend. NYTW is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), and all qualified applications will receive consideration.

Graduates of the 2050 Administrative Fellowship have gone on to positions at companies and organizations like Atlantic Acting School, Ars Nova, Big Beach Films, Broadway & Beyond Theatricals, Clear, Creative Artists Agency, FourthWall Theatrical, Jujamcyn, Maestra Music-Get To Work, Marvel Studios, MCC Theater, Miranda Family Fund, NewYork-Presbyterian, New Victory Theater, No Guarantees, Octopus Theatricals, Oye Group, People’s Theatre Project, Playwrights’ Horizons, Rattlestick Theater, Signature Theatre, Sundance Institute, The Bushwick Starr, The Drama League, The Perelman Performing Arts Center, The Playwrights Realm, The Public Theater, The Telsey Office, Thompson Turner Productions, positions at NYTW and other organizations.

The 2050 Administrative Fellows Program is partially supported with funds from the Axe-Houghton Foundation.

Click here to watch the Virtual Info Session. 

2024/25 Season Application Timeline

Application Deadline: March 27, 2024
Application Review: Mid-April
Candidate Interviews: Late April/May
Fellowship Offers: Late May
Fellowship Orientation: September 9–10, 2024
Fellowship Conclusion: August 22, 2025

APPLY HERE BY MARCH 27 @ 11:59PM ET

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you offer internships?

The 2050 Administrative Fellowship has replaced our previous internship program. However, this expanded paid fellowship is similar in scope to our prior full-season internships. If you are seeking a hands-on learning experience and are available for a yearlong commitment (20-30 hrs./week), we encourage you to apply.

Will the Fellowship take place in-person or remotely this year?

Our hope is that the 2050 Administrative Fellowship will take place in-person this year starting in September. We will update candidates should our circumstances not allow for the program to proceed as planned. Note: If accepted into the program, all candidates must be available to travel to NYC at their own expense to participate in the Fellowship and must be willing and able to relocate to the NYC metro area for the duration of the program year. NYTW is unable to provide housing, relocation or further employment assistance. However, Fellows will receive a $500 monthly stipend which can be used to offset housing, living or personal professional development expenses.

What are the details of the 2050 Administrative Fellowship?

NYTW will accept up to eight 2050 Administrative Fellows this season. These fellowships will entail a yearlong commitment from September to August.

As a 2050 Administrative Fellow, you will:

  • Commit to a yearlong paid part-time fellowship in one field of interest including Artistic, Development, Education & Engagement, Executive, Finance & Operations, Marketing, Producing, and Production Management.
  • Work directly with the department head and their team in the respective area of focus.
  • Attend a two-day intensive seminar where you’ll be introduced to the fellowship program, meet NYTW staff, and begin to develop your fellowship goals and plans.
  • Take on significant responsibilities in your department, including day-to-day tasks and long-term collaborative and individual projects.
  • Participate in monthly seminar meetings to discuss your work, share ideas, meet other professionals in the field and receive specialized career-development training.
  • Participate in brown bag lunches with members of the NYTW staff and invited guests and attend industry networking and social events.
What are the 2050 Administrative Fellowship job descriptions?

ARTISTIC WORKSHOP
Artistic Workshop Fellow works collaboratively with the entire Artistic department and closely with the Artistic Producing staff, providing producing and administrative support for all artistic and workshop programming. The Fellow helps to facilitate NYTW’s readings and workshop programming; assists with the coordination of all departmental events; participates in Artistic staff meetings; and reads proposals and attends readings on behalf of NYTW. The Fellow also assists with the coordination of NYTW’s summer residencies, which include company management responsibilities. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple projects at once are essential. The artistic producing fellow will also have an opportunity to support literary and casting work.  This Fellowship is an ideal opportunity for a candidate interested in artistic direction, artistic producing and learning how a non-for-profit theatre functions through the lens of an artistic department.

DEVELOPMENT
The Development Fellow works directly with the Development staff to learn the ins and outs of fundraising at a non-for-profit theatre company by assisting with all facets of the department including individual giving, grant writing, and benefit and event planning. The Fellow will gain an understanding of data collection and reporting, prospect research, and cultivation strategies. Strong communication and organization skills are required. Completion of coursework in development and experience with fundraising databases are a plus. This fellowship is an ideal opportunity for a candidate interested in learning about day-to-day operations and strategic fundraising at a development department within an arts institution.

EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT
The Education and Engagement Fellow works closely with the Education and Engagement staff to facilitate, document and evaluate all education and engagement initiatives, including in school classroom residencies, student matinees, student mentoring workshops, masterclasses, audience engagement activities and community-based programs, including Open Mic Nights. The Fellow has the opportunity to participate in lesson planning activities with NYTW teaching artists and to observe, assist, and lead workshops across all programs, including Mind the Gap— NYTW’s flagship intergenerational playwriting and devising program—and Youth Artistic Instigators program. The Fellow also assists in the creation of study guide materials for our season’s productions, contributes to online dramaturgical and educational resources and attends occasional readings. This fellowship is an ideal opportunity for a candidate interested in pursuing a career in arts education within schools, theaters, or community-based settings.

EXECUTIVE
The Executive Fellow works with the Artistic Director, Executive Director, Chief of Staff, and Executive Assistant to learn how a not-for-profit theatre company is run from a leadership perspective. The Fellow will become familiar with each department within NYTW through its relationship to the Directors and gain an understanding of the role of management at an ambitious not-for-profit arts institution by completing special projects and research projects both department-specific and organization-wide. The Executive Fellow assists in the planning of full staff, Board of Trustees, Board Committee, and cross-departmental meetings and attends these meetings as well, often taking notes and minutes. The Fellow collaborates closely with the Chief of Staff on organization-wide initiatives, Board-specific projects, and communication with NYTW Trustees. The Fellow also works closely with the Executive Assistant to ensure smooth communication between the Directors and NYTW’s various constituents, including drafting correspondence and materials for the Artistic and Executive departments. Strong written communication, time management ability, organizational skills, and discretion are required. This fellowship is an ideal opportunity for a candidate interested in not-for-profit arts management.

FINANCE & OPERATIONS
The Finance and Operations Fellow assists the Internal Operations staff with financial reporting, including the preparation and maintenance of financial statements, accounts receivable and payable processing, box office and development reconciliations, and other day-to-day operations. The Fellow will work often in Microsoft Excel and NYTW’s financial and ticketing databases. They will also have the opportunity to explore special projects in the Finance and Operations fields, which could include start to finish objectives involving research, planning, organizing, and execution. Candidate should be organized, independent, detail-oriented, and able to handle discreet information. This is an ideal fellowship for a candidate seeking a career in not-for-profit finance, operations, or human resources.

LITERARY
Literary Fellow works collaboratively with the entire Artistic department and closely with the Literary staff, engaging in dramaturgical conversations to identify work that interests NYTW. Responsibilities include reading and evaluating scripts and applications; attending readings and productions; scouting for generative artists and writers and writing coverage reports; researching and providing dramaturgical support for current and upcoming seasons; maintaining the invitations’ database, help in facilitating the reader’s group, corresponding with script readers; supporting the 2050 Artistic Fellowship application process; admin support to the artistic department at large; and occasionally corresponding with artists and agents. The Fellow also attends weekly readings; and participates in Artistic staff meetings. Candidates should have a sense of NYTW’s aesthetic and a strong writing background. The Literary Fellow will also have an opportunity to support artistic producing and casting work. This Fellowship is an ideal opportunity for a candidate interested in literary management, artistic direction, and learning how a non-for-profit theatre functions through the lens of an artistic department.

MARKETING
The Marketing Fellow works closely with the Marketing staff to gain hands-on experience and practical skills in all aspects of the Marketing department’s responsibilities. The Fellow assists full time staff with a variety of marketing activities including brainstorming and developing audience engagement strategies for social media, online and grassroots marketing; customer service experience shadowing the box office staff; member retention and cultivation campaigns; the planning and execution of special events; data analysis projects; and maintaining press and advertising archives. The Marketing Fellow frequently collaborates with other departments and Fellows to execute the branding and aesthetic of the organization for special projects. The Marketing Fellow gains experience with graphic design software, box office and ticketing platforms, and an understanding of advertising and audience development strategies for one of the country’s leading Off-Broadway theatres producing challenging and exciting work. This fellowship is an ideal opportunity for a candidate seeking a career or looking to gain experience in marketing, audience services, digital content creation, and data analytics within a performing arts organization.

PRODUCING
Producing Fellow works directly with the Producer to gain relevant experience and immediately applicable skills for a career in producing or arts management, including budgeting, contract administration, payroll, and company management. The Fellow will also learn the ins and outs of communication with all major theatrical unions; attend meetings with leaders in the field; and special projects as they arise. Candidates should have strong attention to detail and a desire to learn about theatrical management. This Fellowship is ideal for an individual seeking a degree in producing or arts administration.

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
The Production Management Fellow works closely with the Production staff, getting hands-on experience assisting in the daily operations of a very active department. The Fellow conducts research into all aspects of production, assists in the management of production and institutional budgets, helps coordinate physical needs for NYTW mainstage productions as well as auxiliary workshops and readings, and conducts general administrative duties within the production department. The Fellow also receives ample opportunities to interact with top designers, stage managers, and crew members, including access to production meetings and rehearsals. Candidates should be well-organized and interested in learning the day-to-day coordination of all scenic, lighting, costume, and sound needs for NYTW productions.

What makes a competitive applicant?

We’re seeking enthusiastic candidates who are underrepresented in theatre administration. We encourage applicants with a unique perspective inclusive of race, color, religion, familial status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age and physical ability to apply. We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work, on and off stage. NYTW is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), and all qualified applicants will receive consideration.

What is the application process?

All interested candidates must submit the following materials by the announced deadline:

  • Online application form
  • A personal statement addressing your unique perspective, experiences, values and goals (750 word limit)
  • A résumé or CV that lists any theatre, administrative or relevant experience
  • Two professional references

After reviewing applications, NYTW will begin sending out interview invitations to select candidates. Fellowship interviews will take place in mid-April only. Candidates must be available for a Zoom interview during the interview period. Fellowship decisions will be announced by mid-May.

Can I apply to multiple departments?

Yes, every applicant is encouraged to apply to two departments. Please be sure to indicate both in your online application form and in your personal statement which two departments you wish to be considered for.

What should I address in my personal statement?

Your statement should answer the following questions:

  1. How do your experiences and values align with the goals of the 2050 Fellowship to diversify the field of theatre administration?
  2. What about NYTW specifically appeals to you?
  3. What specific skills can you bring to each of the departments you are applying for?

Your statement should not exceed 750 words and must be submitted along with your other supporting materials through our online application form.

What are you looking for in a professional reference?

Your professional reference should be someone who knows you well in a professional or academic capacity. This could be a past or recent supervisor, teacher, mentor, or collaborator.

Do I need to live in New York City to apply?

We accept applications from candidates not currently living in New York City; however, applicants must be available to travel to NYC at their own expense for the Fellowship and also must be willing and able to relocate to the NYC metro area for the duration of the program year. NYTW is unable to provide housing, relocation or further employment assistance.

Are non-U.S. citizens eligible to apply?

Yes; however, international applicants must take full responsibility for arranging their travel, travel documents, and housing accommodations. Inquire with the U.S. Embassy or the consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence about visa application procedures. Receipt of fellowship payment is dependent upon the type of visa secured. If awarded a 2050 Administrative Fellowship, you must provide Employment Eligibility Verification as detailed on Form I-9, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in order to receive the Fellowship stipend. If you cannot provide appropriate documentation, we will be unable to offer payment.

What happens if I'm invited to interview?

Candidates will be contacted in mid-April to schedule a fellowship interview. This interview will be conducted through Zoom. Fellowship decisions will be announced in mid to late May.

When is the 2050 Administrative Fellowship Orientation?

The two-day intensive seminar takes place September 11–12, 2023 from 10am-6pm. All Fellows must complete this seminar before the start of their yearlong fellowships.

How much do 2050 Administrative Fellows get paid?

At present, Fellows are paid $20/hr.

Further questions?

Direct all inquiries to adminfellowship@nytw.org. At this time, we’re unable to respond to phone calls.