Production fellowships

Costumes

This fellowship trains closely with the costume director and staff in 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, they may explore areas like 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

This fellowship receives hands-on learning experience working with lighting designers from all over the country for the mainstage season. In addition, the fellow assists the Lighting Supervisor in all areas of electrics, which includes using industry-standard software such as VectorWorks, Spotlight, and Lightwright, building practicals, hanging, focusing, and running of shows. Opportunities may exist to assist/design/mentor for the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre. Ideal candidates have an interest in both design and electrics.

Production Management

This fellowship is immersed in all areas of the production management process at a professional regional theatre, through mentorship by the Director of Production and Production Manager. This includes learning about leadership and management principles, creating and negotiating contracts, budgeting, expense tracking, creating and updating schedules, note taking, and assisting on facility rentals and events. This fellowship track includes the opportunity to take on small rentals, special events, and School of Theatre events such as the summer intensive and the high school theatre festival as the lead project manager, liaising between the production departments and various other stake holders. The ideal candidate is a creative problem-solver who has broad knowledge of technical theatre, excellent communication skills, and thrives in a team atmosphere.

Properties

This fellowship provides hands-on training in properties construction, carpentry, crafts, soft goods, welding, painting, research/shopping, and administration. Applicants should have a strong work ethic, problem solving, and good communication skills. Ideal candidates are flexible and have a creative personality, and have a valid driver’s license. Applicants must submit a digital portfolio for review.

Scenic Art

This 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. Ideal candidates will have strong drawing and color-mixing skills. Applicants must submit a digital portfolio, including a sample of figure drawing or portraiture.

Scenic Construction

This fellowship is focused on the hands-on development of skills in scenic construction and working in a professional production shop. The fellow will learn to face challenges as a builder, welder, theatrical rigger, automation technician, 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 Peet’s Theatre.

Harry Weininger Sound

This fellowship offers training in audio and video production at a professional level. Mentored by the Sound and Video supervisor, the fellow will learn about system design, signal flow, automated and non-automated systems, wireless microphones, recording, intercom systems, repairing equipment, rigging, video playback systems, projection equipment, cameras, troubleshooting, and how to collaborate well with colleagues. From challenging dramas to large-scale musicals, the sound fellow will be exposed to many different styles of production. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in engineering as well as design.

Stage Management

This fellowship focuses on the stage management process working under the guidelines of the League of Resident Theatres and Actors Equity Association Collectively Bargained Agreement. This fellow will work with local and out of town AEA union Stage Managers and Assistant Stage Managers as part of the stage management team on 3–4 shows per season. In most instances, this role will be a part of the full process, starting with production meetings, into the rehearsal and technical rehearsal process, and remaining with the show through runs and understudy rehearsals. Based on interest and the demands of each show, fellows may have the opportunity to shadow the Calling Stage Manager in the booth or follow different tracks on the show. The fellow may also rotate off a show after opening and into another area of interest such as stage operations, props, or production management.