Theatrical Workforce Development Program

The Theatrical Workforce Development Program (TWDP) breaks down the barriers that prevent certain young adults from joining the technical theatre field, empowering a new generation of diverse, passionate theatre professionals while building a model for similar programs throughout the industry. Technical theatre offers skill-based middle-class lifelong careers in both union and non-union jobs that do not require college degrees. 

TWDP is an eleven-month paid industry-customized training/fellowship program followed by two years of structured job placement and retention support, offering an alternative pathway to good careers for young adults who may not currently be ready for college. Training begins with a 6-week essential skills boot camp, followed by 10 months of hard skills technical training. This extended training and placement timeframe was customized for the sector to meet employers’ safety and skill requirements. 

Participants will receive a year of full-time training at Roundabout in our education spaces and theatre venues. Throughout the training program, participants will receive participation pay, reimbursed travel, one-on-one semi-weekly mentorship with an IATSE professional, access to IATSE members-only training workshops, and retention support services through The Door. Students will attend Roundabout’s and other professional on and off-Broadway productions to see the final product of the work.

RECRUITMENT CYCLE

Recruitment for the Theatrical Workforce Development Program is annual, with an early spring application deadline. Reach out in December or January to learn the times of upcoming information sessions.

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