PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Playwrights Horizons Theatrical Residency Program offers excellent practical experience and training for a career in the arts. Being a resident at Playwrights Horizons enables you to work side by side with some of the top professionals in the American theater. Residencies are offered in Directing, Stage Management, Casting, Literary Management, Musical Theater, Marketing, and Production Management.

Because our residents provide invaluable support to the running of our institution and are treated like staff members, a residency at Playwrights Horizons will give you marketable experience in your chosen field as well as professional contacts that will help you get a "foot in the door." Indeed, we're most proud of the fact that many alumni of our residency program have gone on to become some of the most active directors, writers, composers, and arts administrators in theater. In addition, many current staff members were residents at one time—including Tim Sanford, our Artistic Director.

"Working at Playwrights has enriched my understanding of writing as a craft and deepened my skills as a reader of plays, while also providing significant insight into the inner workings of a high profile literary department."
- Kimber Lee, 2009 summer Literary Resident

"Certainly the most significant element of my experience at Playwrights Horizons is the relationships I have procured with staff members, writers, actors and directors. Everyone has taken a sincere interest in welcoming me into the industry and encouraging me to consider myself an integral part of the staff."
- Alessandra Hirsch, 2008/9 Casting Resident

"I can’t imagine a better way to spend an introductory year in New York City; I had the chance to work with an amazing set of stage managers, to learn first-hand about the day-to-day operations of an Off-Broadway theater, and to have a place to call home while navigating my first year in a new city."
- Kate Davis, 2007/08 Stage Management Resident

"I have had several internships in the arts, and I have never had such a fantastic experience. The development staff at Playwrights gave me responsibility and treated me with trust and respect; I worked hard and saw results for that work."
- Emily Cole, 2010 Development Resident

Residencies are available on one of two bases: SEASONAL or SUMMER. Seasonal Directing and Stage Management Residencies begin as early as the end of July depending on show schedules. All other Seasonal positions run August through May. Summer residencies are only available in Casting, Literary Management, Marketing, and Development, as we are not in production during those months.

RESIDENT POSITIONS
Following are descriptions of each of the Playwrights Horizons residencies. Please choose one and indicate whether you are applying for a summer or seasonal position when making your application.

Development:
The resident will be an integral member of a five-person development department and will assist in the preparation of grant proposals, prospect research, special events, securing in-kind donations, and general administrative assistance. Resident will interact with donors and members of the Board of Trustees. Excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in your chosen field as well as professional contacts that will help you get a foot in the door of the theatrical industry. One part-time position is offered.

Directing:
The resident acts as an assistant to the director — performing research and attending auditions, production meetings, design meetings, rehearsals, and preview performances. Specific duties vary depending on the nature of the show and the needs of the director. Two positions are offered on a seasonal basis. Residents rotate shows, each working on two Mainstage productions and one Sharp Theater production.

Stage Management:
The resident acts as a second assistant to the Equity Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager throughout each show's four week rehearsal period, tracking properties, blocking, scheduling, script changes, prompting, etc. During technical rehearsals and the run of the show, the resident works backstage. Two positions are offered on a seasonal basis. Residents rotate shows, each working on two Mainstage productions and one Sharp Theater production.

Casting:
The resident acts as an assistant to the Casting Director and Casting Associate, helping to coordinate and run auditions. Specific duties include communicating with agents and artists, preparing audition materials, maintaining casting files, and attending casting meetings, readings, and plays. One position is offered.

Literary Management:
In addition to general administrative tasks, the resident assists the Literary Manager and Literary Assistant in evaluating and responding to script submissions, maintaining the playwright database, coordinating in-house readings, and scouting readings and productions. One position is offered.

Musical Theater:
The resident assists the Director of Musical Theater with evaluating musical theater submissions, coordinating in-house musical readings, scouting readings and productions, and general administration of the musical theater office. One part-time position is offered.

Marketing:
The resident will be an integral part of a four-person Marketing Department. The resident will assist with online target market research, oversee and execute mailings, acknowledge subscription purchases, and serve as dept. liaison with subscriber base, perform data analysis, complete simple graphic design projects, and act as liaison with press rep.
One position is offered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the application deadline?
The deadline for Summer Residencies is March 1.  The deadline for Seasonal Residencies in Stage Management and Directing is April 1.  All other Seasonal Residency applications are due May 1.

I'm interested in multiple Residencies. Can I apply to more than one?
You may express interest in more than one residency in your cover letter. However, each residency varies a great deal, and we find that the most successful applicants are ones who find themselves drawn to a specific area of arts administration or production and are able to articulate their suitability for one specific Residency.

What about interviews?
A residency is a big commitment, so on-site interviews are required and let you get to know us.

Are the residencies full-time?
Yes. On average, residents work 5 days per week during normal business hours. When involved with a show, production residents work the 6 day rehearsal/ performance schedule.

Are the residencies paid?
Yes. Positions pay a $35 daily stipend that helps offset the basic costs of food and transportation. Other benefits include numerous free or deeply discounted tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.

Can I work a second job to support myself?
Possibly. Strong consideration should be given to the financial implications of being a full-time resident. Production positions may allow time for outside work during the down periods between shows.

I'm not from New York. What about housing?
Housing is the single biggest headache for all New Yorkers. Past residents have found affordable housing by staying with relatives or friends, finding a share, house-sitting, etc. Where there's a will there's a way. We offer advice as best we can. If you don't have housing prospects already, you should be prepared to deal with it before committing to a residency.

Is prior experience required?
We look for people who have demonstrated a passion for working in the arts and who are at a point in their careers/education to strongly benefit from the experience we offer.

PODCAST


Listen to a podcast (11 min) with five 2009/10 Season Residents (Directing, Literary, Casting, Musical Theater, and Stage Management) as they discuss their experiences at Playwrights Horizons.  A co-production by 2009/10 Season Marketing Resident Courtney Beam and 2010 Summer Resident Justin Wildung.

HOW TO APPLY
Once you have decided which residency you're most interested in, please send your resume and cover letter to:

Ms. Briel Steinberg
Playwrights Horizons
416 West 42nd Street
New York NY 10036

FAX: (212) 594-0296

Or click here to send your resume via e-mail.

Please be sure to specify whether you want a position for the season (September - May) or summer (June - August). Thank you for your interest!