Department: Artistic

Status: Emerging Professional Resident

Compensation: $275/wk Stipend, $200 Relocation Stipend for relocating to Milwaukee Area, Housing plus Utilities, Milwaukee Bus Pass or 50% contribution to parking costs

Deadline to Apply: Preference will be given to applications that include all supplementary materials that are received on or before April 15. Applications received following April 15 will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Directing Residency Summary of Program

The primary objective of the Directing Residency is to create a bridge to the professional world by getting Residents in the rehearsal rooms and in conversation with our professional directors. Resident appointments mimic Equity outlines for a set of shows throughout the season which can vary from 25-31 consecutive weeks. This opportunity includes three components: assisting work, directing work, and professional mentoring.

Assisting Work: Directing Residents serve as Assistant Directors for Rep productions in the Quadracci Powerhouse, Stiemke Studio, and Stackner Cabaret theaters as well as for the annual production of A Christmas Carol. As ADs, Directing Residents participate as important components of the creative process with some of the most respected American and international directors working in theater today, learning valuable skills from and making important connections with their principal directors.

Directing Work: As part of their AD responsibilities, Directing Residents supervise the understudy process for the production to which they are assigned, scheduling and leading daily understudy rehearsals throughout the rehearsal period. The work of the AD and understudy cast is showcased and reviewed at an understudy run shortly following the opening of each production, and directors receive feedback from the Line Producer of each show as well as the Artistic Staff. 

Professional Mentorship:  In addition to their close work with visiting directors, directing EPRs have a staff member that will check in several times throughout the year, as well as monthly group check-ins. These meetings often focus on helping the director articulate their vision and strengths, preparing for pitches, tackling preproduction work, and navigating challenges in the rehearsal room.

Dates of Participation:  Each year the Residency dates change based on the dates of the theatrical season, and the need for EPRs in and around specific productions. In the 2023/24 Season, the Emerging Professional Residency starts in October and ends in March, but there are exceptions. Milwaukee Rep works hard to make it possible for EPRs to take that next gig.

General Qualifications for the EPR program:

- Demonstrated skills needed for chosen department

- Good communication skills

- Resilient work ethic

- A level of maturity and self-sufficiency to work in a professional theater environment

- Consistently able to arrive on-time and and ready for work

- Initiative to embrace relevant learning opportunities

Application Materials Required
THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN A SINGLE .DOC or .PDF DOCUMENT AND UPLOADED AS A SINGLE FILE WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

1. Resume

2. Current headshot

3. Cover Letter(500 words or less) that answers the following questions:

• Why are you seeking a Directing Residency at Milwaukee Rep at this point in your career?
• What are your artistic strengths and what skills do you hope to improve?
• How will you use your time in the EPR program to develop your professional skills?

4. Writing Sample (500 words or less) 
Pick one of the following plays from the 2023/24 Season and write as if you were the director addressing your creative team and actors on the first day of rehearsal about your vision for the piece and how you will accomplish it.

Titanic music and lyrics by Maury Yeston; book by Peter Stone?
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare?
Seven Guitars by August Wilson?
God of Carnage by Yasmin Reza

5. Contact Information for Two (2) Professional References that can speak about your work

6. One (1) Letter of Recommendation Please note, the person writing your Letter of Recommendation should differ from your Professional References.