City Theatre Launches New Directing Observership Program

City Theatre has announced the launch of a formal Directing Observership program starting this fall for the 2015-16 season. Through this new initiative, City Theatre aims to support the career development of early-career talent by allowing outstanding emerging directors to interact and work with teams of talented artists from across the nation at a leading regional theatre.

"I am thrilled to formalize and enhance the experience for emerging directors at City Theatre," says Artistic Director Tracy Brigden. "By providing early-career directors with the opportunity to work with some of the nation's leading artists we are helping to build the next generation of theater-makers here in Pittsburgh and beyond."

In order to be considered, applicants must have sustained directing experience and/or prior assistant directing experience, and a clear desire to strengthen their skills as an artist and leader. Candidates should be able to fully participate in the rehearsal process - typically during the day, six days a week for 4-5 weeks. In exchange, the Directing Observership gives participants experience and training in a professional rehearsal room by observing the rehearsal process of a City production, including access to all rehearsals, tech, and design meetings. Participants will also gain insight into the company's day-to-day producing activities - including marketing, audience engagement, fundraising, and event planning - and receive a stipend.

"Since relocating to Pittsburgh this spring, I have had the chance to witness firsthand the rich talent pool that calls the city home," says Artistic Producer Reginald L. Douglas, who will oversee the observership. "I am delighted to engage local artists more deeply with our work, our artists, and our mission through the expansion of this program. It is my hope that participants will gain a deeper understanding of how a professional theatre company works, and foster invaluable skills that will strengthen both their individual artistic practice and our greater artistic community."

Interested parties should submit a resume, one-page cover letter detailing their interest and experience, and contact information for a professional reference via email to: rdouglas@citytheatrecompany.org by Friday, August 21, 2015. No applications will be considered after that time.

Furthering City Theatre's focus on supporting and developing local talent, the submission policy for play consideration has recently been revised to better accommodate Pittsburgh-based playwrights.

"Our new submission policy is specifically focused on connecting on a deeper level with Pittsburgh's incredibly rich arts community," says Director of New Play Development Clare Drobot. "It is inspiring to foster a conversation about new play development on both a local and national level. I look forward to announcing more exciting new play news in the coming seasons."

City Theatre accepts full-length script submissions from literary agents only. City will however, now accept queries from local writers (based in the greater Pittsburgh area) between June 1st and September 1st each year. Due to limited staff resources, scripts without literary agent representation from beyond the Pittsburgh region (100 miles or more), or local scripts submitted outside the window noted above, cannot be read. Agent submitted full-length scripts are accepted year-round. Additionally, City Theatre no longer accepts submissions by mail. Please send to: submissions@citytheatrecompany.org for consideration. Additional information for full submission requirements can be found on City's website.

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