The Drama League Film & TV Directing Fellowships
FILM & TV DIRECTING FELLOWSHIPS APPLICATION
Questions? Read our F.A.Q.
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Applications are now closed.
THE DRAMA LEAGUE FILM & TELEVISION DIRECTING FELLOWSHIPS
The Drama League Film and Television Directing Fellowships are a two-year opportunity for mid-career stage directors interested in expanding their work to include film and television. The program offers learning opportunities, on-set experience, introduction to film/tv mentors and professionals, and the opportunity to direct a short film that will premiere as part of DirectorFest before being submitted to festivals.
Set photo from 2019 alum Jaki Bradley's shadow assignment, "Council of Dads" on NBC. Photo by Gabriel Stelian-Shanks
The Drama League Film and Television Directing Fellowships are for stage directors in the middle stages of their professional career. Please see our F.A.Q. page for eligibility questions. Applications are encouraged from directors who identify as members of populations that have historically been denied equity, access, inclusion or belonging in the field and in society, who have been marginalized, underrepresented, and/or those whose paths to direction may have been nonlinear or nontraditional.
This Fellowship program is meant to provide a unique experience for a director who is a working director in the professional theatre industry, but seeks early first experiences in the related industries of television and film.
2018 Alum Mia Walker assistant directed an episode of "For the People" on ABC as part of her fellowship.
Fellowship Outline
Fellowship Duration
22 Months (not continuous)
May 2022-March 2024
Fellowship Frequency
Offered every other year (2022, 2024, etc.)
Fellowship Recipients
Two recipients each cycle
Scholarship Prize
$20,000 ($10,000 per year)
Health Insurance Reimbursement
Up to $10,000 ($5,000 per year)
Fellowship Timeline
Click each month for program details
August-March
August – March (Approximately 4-6 weeks, full-time, in person)
SHADOW DIRECTING ASSIGNMENT*
During this time, the Fellows will be assigned to a project where they will shadow its director…either an episode of a television series or miniseries, or a feature film. The director will participate in preparation, production, and editing in consultation with the director, Drama League staff, and the Fellowship Mentor.
*Travel to/from location of production provided; Housing provided for directors living more than 25 miles outside of the production area. In-city transportation is not included.
Summer TBD (approximately 1 week, full-time, in person)
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT: LOS ANGELES WEEK*
The Fellows travel to Los Angeles to meet with film and television artists and industry professionals.
*Travel to/from and Housing in Los Angeles provided for directors living more than 25 miles outside of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. In-city transportation is not included.
Late July – early August (approximately 2 days, full-time, in person)
SCRIPT WORKSHOP
Fellows explore in a two-day workshop their short film script with the writer, director of photography, actors, line producer, and Drama League staff, refining and shaping the work. Budgeting for final project begins under the guidance of mentors. May be held virtually or in person.
August (approximately 1 week, full-time, in person)
DIRECTING INTENSIVE and DIRECTORFEST GATHERING*
The Fellows and their DPs will travel to a retreat location for a four-day process workshop for camera tests, understanding their own directorial practice in this context, directing actors in site-responsive environments, supported by a mentor director. Following the Intensive, Fellows will gather in New York City for production preparation for DirectorFest.
*Travel and Housing provided.
Autumn TBD (approximately 1-2 weeks, full-time, in person; editing/post production varies, may be virtual):
SHORT FILM PRODUCTION*
Fellows will execute all elements of their short film, produced by The Drama League in the New York City area with a budget of $25,000. Fellows may enhance the budget if they so desire. This time includes auditions, pre-production, principal photography, editing, and post-production.
*Travel to New York provided. Housing is NOT provided for this time.
February TBD
DIRECTORFEST PREMIERE*
The finished films of the Fellows will premiere as part of DirectorFest in New York City, at a venue to be determined by The Drama League.
*Travel to New York provided. Housing is NOT provided.
March TBD:
FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS
The Drama League will fund up to $1,000 of festival admission fees for the short film.
Travel and housing expenses for some program activities
(see program description for details)
VIP Pass to all publicly offered Drama League programming during Fellowship
Access to Alumni Programming and Events
Peer-to-peer Mentorship from established director
Lifetime Drama League Artistic Membership
Opportunity to serve as a Drama League Awards Nominator for the length of the Fellowship Period
2021 Fellow Desdemona Chiang will shadow director Tony Phelan on an episode of "Grey's Anatomy."
You may find your answer on our F.A.Q. page for artists,
which includes information about eligibility, application materials, and more.
The Drama League Fellowships are career-transforming opportunities for stage directors focusing on creative learning, skill building, and career development.
The Drama League Residencies develop and incubate director-led projects for live performances, utilizing the resources of The Drama League in New York City.
See Current Fellows
& Residents
See Our Alumni
ALUMNI LIST HERE
About the Drama League
The Drama League is a home for stage directors, and a platform for dialogue with, and between, the audiences they inspire. Founded in 1916, the organization is one of the longest-running, continuously operating arts service organizations in the United States. To support its programs for artists, or to become a member of its community, please visit www.dramaleague.org.