The Drama League Directors Project

APPLICATION PORTAL

+++ TO BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION, VISIT THE LINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE +++

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the artist development programs offered by The Drama League Directors Project. All of our programs are open for specific periods of time, usually between late September and early January; any programs open at this moment will be listed at the bottom of this page. If you have questions, please email artistic@dramaleague.org. The programs are:

DIRECTING FELLOWSHIPS

APPLICATION LINKED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE, IF CURRENTLY OPEN

• Drama League Stage Directing Fellowships (program info)
• FutureNow Fellowships (for director/playwright teams, program info)
• Rose Stage Directing Fellowship (program info)
• Television and Film Directing Fellowships (program info)

THERE IS ONE UNIVERSAL APPLICATION FOR ALL FELLOWSHIPS. Each program has separate guidelines, timelines and processes, which are detailed at the "program info" links above. Before applying, please read all of the information provided at these links and the Applicant F.A.Q. thoroughly. The application fee supports our ability to process applications with this technology and consider all candidates who wish to apply. If the application fee is a barrier, fee waivers are available for anyone who requests one. You may request a fee waiver by emailing artistic@dramaleague.org. 

DIRECTING RESIDENCIES

APPLICATIONS LINKED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE, IF CURRENTLY OPEN

• Beatrice Terry Directing Residency (program info)
• Next Stage Directing Residency (program info)
• (Re)Envision Directing Residency (program info)
• (Re)Engage Directing Residency (program info)

Each program above has separate applications, guidelines, timelines and processes. These programs have also changed significantly from previous cycles. Before applying, please read the program information, eligibility requirements, and the Applicant F.A.Q. thoroughly. The application fee supports our ability to process applications with this technology and consider everyone who wishes to apply. If the application fee is a barrier, however, fee waivers are available for anyone who requests one. You may request a fee waiver by emailing artistic@dramaleague.org. 

DIRECTING ASSISTANTSHIPS

APPLICATIONS LINKED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE, IF CURRENTLY OPEN

• Irene Gandy Directing Assistantships (program info)

Each program above has separate applications, guidelines, timelines and processes. These programs have also changed significantly from previous cycles. Before applying, please read the program information, eligibility requirements, and the Applicant F.A.Q. thoroughly. The 2026 Application for the Irene Gandy Directing Assistantships is free for all applicants.

OTHER INITIATIVES

• Most programs of The Drama League accept applications every year, usually in the autumn. The two-year programs of The Drama League, including the Stage Directing Fellowships, accept applications every other year. Please see their respective program pages for information.
• The Drama League's International Directors Exchange is by invitation only. To inquire, please email artistic@dramaleague.org. 
• The (Re)Engage Directing Residency is open to alumni of The Directors Project. Information can by found here.
• Services provided by The Drama League for directors, as opposed to Programs, vary by initiative. Studio Rentals, Director Referrals, the Ta(l)king Direction Podcast, and Workshops are open to everyone. Pathway Chats are open to Directors Project Alumni and Drama League Members. More information can be found under the Services tab on our homepage.

The Drama League Directors Project welcomes everyone to apply for its programs. It advances career opportunities and development for directors working in the creative sector and related fields. We believe it is important to offer these opportunities to as wide a range of artists as possible; we encourage all directors, including members of underinvested communities, those who have historically been underrecognized in leadership, and those whose paths to direction may have been nonlinear or nontraditional, to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, Black, Indigenous, Latino/Latina, Asian-American/Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern/North African, South Asian, Southeast Asian, biracial, mixed-race, Global Majority, LGBTQIAA2+, women, non-binary, and disabled directors, as well as directors from rural or non-urban localities. This also includes directors both nationally and internationally. Everyone!