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.

"I remember getting the phone call... asking me to be a Directing Resident at Playwrights and feeling like a door had opened; but like a cool door, with a polished sheen and a velvet rope. Now, a year later, I'd be remiss to evaluate my experience as anything less than enriching and inspiring."
- Moritz von Stuelpnagel, 2003/04 Directing Resident

"Superb stage managers were not all I had the pleasure of working with; the opportunity to witness exceedingly talented writers, directors, designers, actors and crew honing their respective crafts before my eyes was always a delight. Not to mention the utterly fantastic and supportive Playwrights Horizons administrative staff. I am truly unable to express the amount that I learned not only about myself and my role as a stage manager, but also about the New York Off-Broadway community."
- Annette Adamska, 2006/07 Stage Management Resident

"I was guided through the entire gamut of casting – from finessing agent relations (always tricky) to setting up auditions, putting out breakdowns and running casting sessions. This internship was no ‘get me a coffee with cream; affair – but rather an opportunity to bring my own ideas to the table and a chance to feel as though I was a contributing member of a team. I felt useful. I felt vital."
- Duncan Stewart, 2005/06 Casting Resident

"In only one summer, I’ve learned so much more than I ever imagined I would. The marketing skills and theatrical knowledge I will take from my residency are invaluable. Now I can truthfully say that I have more than just an idea of how Off-Broadway works – and not just in the marketing department, but in all aspects."
-Nicole Capatasto, 2007 Summer Marketing Resident

Residencies are available on one of two bases: SEASONAL or SUMMER. Seasonal residencies typically begin in late August or early September and last until May or June. Summer residencies are only available in Casting, Literary Management, and Marketing & Development since 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.

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 & Dramaturg 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 & Development:
The resident will split time between a four-person Marketing Department and a six-person Development Department. The resident will assist with online target market and development prospect 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.

Production Management:
The resident will be an integral member of a seven-person Production Department. Resident responsibilities will include rotating assignments in all areas of theatrical production: scenery, costumes, sound, properties, lighting, as well as production, facility, and general management. One position is offered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the application deadline?
The deadline for summer residencies is March 1, and the deadline for seasonal residencies is 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 (10 min.) created by 2007/08 season Marketing Resident Rebecca Keren Eisenstadt in which she interviews five other season residents about their experiences at Playwrights Horizons.

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!