Observerships

The Center Theatre Group Observership Program is a paid opportunity for diverse early-career theatre artists to sit in on a professional rehearsal process at one or more of our three theatres. The program may be especially beneficial for aspiring directors, but is also open to designers, technicians, stage managers, playwrights, producers, and actors. 

This year’s cadre will be made up of exclusively trans and non-binary people to support our brand-new production of A Transparent Musical! There may also be additional opportunities to observe other rehearsals that are scheduled during the term of the Observership cycle.

Over the course of the program, a small group of Observers will learn what goes on in a professional rehearsal room, guided by a teaching artist. Then, the group will spend time in rehearsals, observing the process at several different phases. At the end of the Observership, each participant will provide written feedback about the production to A Transparent Musical creative team. 

Program Requirements 

The Spring 2023 Observership Cycle will run from April 11–May 21, 2023. Participants will attend weekly rehearsals for A Transparent Musical, with an optional rehearsal for an additional production TBD. Each rehearsal observation session will be up to 6 hours, which includes time in the rehearsal room, and preparation, discussion and reflection outside the rehearsal room. In addition to the rehearsal observations, there will be 2 cadre meetings with the teaching artist at the beginning and conclusion of the Observership. The stipend will be $700 for approximately 45 program hours.

Eligibility

This program is open to:

  • Current undergraduates OR graduate students at two-year or four-year colleges and universities;
  • People who have graduated from a two-year or four-year colleges or universities with an undergraduate degree within the last 12 months (cannot be masters or PhD graduates);
  • OR people who have pursued an alternate path to formal education (examples: military veterans, students at technical or trade schools, people who went directly into the workforce after high school). 

People who hold masters or doctoral degrees, people with extensive professional and/or paid experience in live theatre, people who no longer identify as early-career, and people who do not demonstrate adequate availability to meet the requirements of the program will not be considered, nor will students who do not address the Diversity Requirement. We encourage students with nontraditional career and educational paths to apply.

How To Apply

Applications for our Spring 2023 Observership cycle are now open and will close on Monday, April 10th.

Every applicant must submit:

All applicants must be curious about pursuing a career in live theatre, must have some demonstrated interest in the area in which they are applying (inside or outside of a school setting), and must have strong availability for the duration of the Observership period. International students may apply as long as they have a social security number. All applicants must be over 18, but there is no upper age limit. 

Please email all three items as separate PDF or Word attachments. Do not link to a Google document and do not submit any materials as images. You may sign the application electronically. We will acknowledge receipt of all applications. Do not submit multiple copies of the same application.

Submit all materials to us via email at Observerships@CTGLA.org. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials early, and we cannot accept applications after the deadline.

Diversity Requirement

Center Theatre Group’s Observerships are intended specifically for people who self-identify as a member of a group currently underrepresented in theatre production and artistic careers. 

The Spring 2023 Observership application is only open to trans and gender-expansive applicants.

Heath And Safety

Center Theatre Group is committed to following current State, County, and CDC guidance for reducing the spread of COVID-19. All Center Theatre Group staff are required to be fully vaccinated, and all program participants are required to be fully vaccinated to participate, per the program application. Observers will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 as well as a booster shot for those eligible prior to Orientation, to participate in in-person program-related events. “Full vaccination” means that either 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose of FDA-authorized double-dose vaccines or that 14 days have passed since receiving the sole dose of an FDA-authorized single-dose vaccine. Learn more at CTGLA.org/Safety.

Observers might be required to take COVID-19 tests prior to select program related events; tests will be provided by the program.

Compensation

This is an educational program compensated with a stipend, and Observers are not being hired by Center Theatre Group. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Program Director Nico Rosario at Observerships@CTGLA.org.