Signature Theatre Arts and Diversity Fellowship

Description

Signature Theatre, one of New York’s leading Off-Broadway theatres, is seeking one fellow for an approximately eight-month, full-time, temporary position spanning three productions: King of the Yees, Miles For Mary, and Angela’s Mixtape. Working closely with Signature staff, the fellow will receive hands-on training and provide administrative and logistical support across General and Company Management, Production, Marketing, Development, Artistic, and Operations. The fellowship combines structured departmental rotations, mentorship, professional development, and a final project.

About Signature

Signature Theatre is an artistic home for storytellers. By producing several plays from each resident writer, Signature offers a deep dive into their bodies of work. Founded in 1991 by James Houghton, Signature serves its mission by hosting our distinctive playwright residencies at our home at The Pershing Square Signature Center, a three-theatre facility on West 42nd Street designed by Frank Gehry Architects. The Center supports and encourages collaboration among artists, cultural organizations, and local communities by providing free, public access throughout the space. In addition to its three theatres, the Center features a studio theatre, a rehearsal studio and a public café and bar. Since its founding, Signature has received over 100 awards and in 2014 became the first New York theatre to receive the Regional Tony Award.

EDIA

Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theatre field and aligning with Signature theatre’s institutional goals and priorities focused on playwrights, community and access are strongly encouraged to apply.

Signature is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility and welcomes candidates who have demonstrable experience advocating for underrepresented communities.

Please read our commitment to creating a theatre focused on EDIA at signaturetheatre.org

Position Summary

This is an entry-level position for someone interested in a career in theatre administration, production, or artistic leadership. Selection will be based on demonstrated interest and commitment to the arts and the ability to explain how the fellowship will support the applicant’s growth. Résumés should focus on meaningful experiences, responsibilities, and achievements and may include professional, academic, or personal pursuits. Traditional theatre experience is not required. The fellowship will begin no later than Friday, October 23, 2026, with an earlier start possible based on availability, and continue through Sunday, June 20, 2027. 

Eligibility

• Interest in a career in theatre administration, production, or artistic leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to the arts.
• At least 18 years old and authorized to work in the United States.
• Based in, or willing to relocate to, New York State for the duration of the fellowship.

Responsibilities

The fellow will participate in structured rotations across three productions, learning how departments adapt budgets, schedules, company support, marketing, and outreach to each show’s needs. The fellow will be supervised by the Marketing Manager of Audience and Community Engagement and receive training from department-specific mentors. Responsibilities will develop as the fellow gains experience and will include supervised administrative support, participation in meetings, audience and community engagement, and work on an agreed final project.

Departments include:

• Artistic
• Production
• General & Company Management
• Marketing & Audience Development
• Development and Fundraising
• Operations, Community Engagement, and Audience Services

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship will run from October 23, 2026 through June 20, 2027, spanning King of the Yees, Miles For Mary, and Angela’s Mixtape. Through structured departmental rotations, the fellow will gain hands-on experience in general and company management, production, marketing, development, and community engagement.

The fellow will join King of the Yees during its performance run, then participate in preparation, rehearsals, performances, and closeout for the subsequent productions. This continuity will allow them to apply lessons from one show to the next and learn how departments adapt to different artistic, company, and audience needs.

Assignments will reflect the production calendar and the fellow’s interests, with ongoing mentorship, regular check-ins, and increasing responsibility under staff supervision. The fellow will also develop and present a final project that demonstrates their learning across the three productions.

Professional Development

The fellow will meet weekly with an assigned mentor, maintain a learning log, and receive monthly check-ins and a midpoint review. Department-specific training, job shadowing, and professional development will build industry knowledge and career readiness throughout the eight-month fellowship.

Topics include:

• Résumé and portfolio building, interview preparation, and career planning
• The Off-Broadway professional landscape and theatre operations
• Culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Arts
• Producing theatre, including contracts, union agreements, budgets, and play development
• Audience Development and Community Engagement
• Event planning and theatre marketing strategies

Networking

The fellow will be paired with a member of Signature’s leadership team for ongoing career coaching and will build working relationships with staff and community partners across the three productions.

• Participation in networking events with industry professionals, alumni, and partner organizations.
• Job shadowing with Signature staff across departments.
• Opportunities to meet industry leaders and prepare for future employment.

Live Project Assignment

The fellow will select a project with their mentor early in the fellowship, develop it across the three productions, and present the results to staff near the end of the program.

The project will allow the fellow to apply their learning and showcase their skills. The fellow will receive feedback throughout the project and complete a final evaluation and handover. Possible projects include:

• An accessibility review with recommendations for audience services.
• Support for a staged reading or workshop, where scheduled.
• A marketing and audience development plan.
• A community engagement initiative.

Before Applying

• Familiarize yourself with Signature’s artists, programming, staff, history, and mission at signaturetheatre.org.
• Think through artists and works that excite you – ones you have seen, heard, and/or read
• Think through your personal strengths and areas where you are looking to grow your knowledge further through an opportunity like this fellowship

To Apply

Applicants will be asked to upload a résumé and respond to the following questions, with a maximum of 250 words per answer. These responses serve as your personal statement. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by Signature’s leadership team.

1. Why are you interested in an eight-month fellowship at Signature Theatre supporting King of the Yees, Miles For Mary, and Angela’s Mixtape?
2. What skills and experiences will you bring to this role?
3. What skills and experiences are you hoping to gain upon completing the fellowship?
4. Please share details of a challenging moment you have had during a moment of collaboration. How did you handle the challenge, and what did you learn from the experience?
5. What was an experience that shaped your views about theatre and inspired your interest in working in the arts?

Compensation and Additional Resources

• $22.00 per hour for 40 hours per week throughout the approximately eight-month fellowship.
• The daily and weekly work schedule will be agreed upon hiring. Signature’s office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the fellowship may include occasional evening hours related to productions and events.
• Structured departmental training and job shadowing across all three productions, including preparation between shows.
• Weekly mentorship, monthly goal-setting check-ins, and midpoint and final evaluations.
• Professional development, networking opportunities, résumé or portfolio review, and interview preparation.

Considerations

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, affectional preference, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health decisions, pregnancy, disability, genetic predisposition, age, military, or veteran status, marital or familial status, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.