Stagecraft Fellowship

JOB DESCRIPTION

American Stage Theatre Company's Emerging Artists Fellowship Program is a paid program for early-career arts administrators and theatre production practitioners. Participants are given practical learning experiences and independent and collective projects, all while working as a part of a team with American Stage staff and guest artists.

The Stagecraft Fellowship provides an opportunity to be a vital part and contributing member of the Production Department of a professional regional theater. This Fellowship would focus on the main concentrations of Technical Theatre providing training and mentorship opportunities, hands-on experience in and direct application of skills in but not limited to scenery construction, theatrical lighting, stage properties, and scenic painting.

The Stagecraft Fellowship would be an integral part of the theater company’s Production Department, focusing on serving the various areas of concentration in Technical Theater for the mainstage and outdoor musical production throughout the season. Assignments are designed to provide growth in responsibility and experience level depending on the resident’s developing goals, interests, and skill development. Production personnel are expected to follow safety procedures and maintain a clean and safe work environment.As a member of the Production Department, the Stagecraft Fellow will have the opportunity to attend department staff meetings and All Staff related meetings, including Equity, Diversity and Inclusion training.

Responsibilities would include, but are not limited to:

• construction, painting, and assembly of scenery

• assisting in the hang, cable, focus, and programming in the electrics department

• collecting and/or creating stage properties

• participating in the strike, change-over, load-in, and technical rehearsal process of shows throughout the season

Requirements for the role include:

• proficiency with common scene shop tools

• familiar with industry standards regarding scenic construction

• knowledge of standard theatrical lighting instruments

• common theatrical procedures, and industry standards

• ability to repeatedly lift, push, or maneuver 50-70 lbs, either alone or with assistance from others,

• ability to climb and work on ladders, manlifts, scaffolds, tension grid, and catwalks.

Application Deadline: Monday June 29th, 2026

(Applications submitted prior to deadline will be reviewed ahead of time)

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old by the start of the program

• BFA/BA or comparable experience in area of application

• Be able to commit to a season long program

• Reside in, or be able to relocate to, St. Petersburg or the Tampa Bay Area, housing is not included.

• Have a strong desire to work in their selected department

• Carefully read through the instructions and submit a thoughtfully completed application

• Is willing to embrace and abide by American Stage’s Professional Conduct Policy (link here)

COMPENSATION

Pay: $635/week stipend based on 35-40 hours of work per week (Housing is not included at this time)

Perks: Professional Development, networking opportunities, free tickets to American Stage productions, and more.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Attach the following

• Cover Letter Addressing the Following:

  • Why you want to work in this department at American Stage

  • What skills and experiences you bring to this department

  • What you hope to learn from this fellowship

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

• Two Letters of Recommendation
  
  The cover letter, resume, and two letters of recommendation should be submitted as one PDF titled "lastname_firstname.pdf" (i.e. knowles_beyonce.pdf).