Fellows and Interns
“We will break the cycle of exclusion and disengagement among our young people that keeps them from considering the theater as a realistic career option.”
— Zelda Fichandler, Founding Artistic Director of Arena Stage
Allen Lee Hughes Fellowship and Internship Program
The goal of Arena Stage's fellowship and internship program is to cultivate the next generation of theater professionals by providing the highest standard of training through immersion in the art and business of producing theater. Successful candidates for both programs are highly motivated individuals who have arts-related experience and training, as well as a passion for the exploration of the human condition through the dramatic forms.
The program offers personalized training and in-depth, hands-on experience with seasoned professionals in artistic and technical production, arts administration, arts education and community outreach. All fellowship and internship programs are also supplemented with the following:
- Mentorship from a senior staff member
- Professional development workshops
- Monthly meetings with directors, designers and senior staff administrators who provide insight into the overall management of the theater
Season Fellowship Information
How to Apply
Fellowships are designed for recent graduates (undergraduate or graduate) and career changers interested in pursuing a career in the professional theater. Fellowship positions vary depending on the season, but season positions are generally available in the following areas: Arts Administration, Artistic Development, Communications, Community Engagement, Development, and Technical Production.
Fellowships are only available for full-time, full-season commitments of 30-44 weeks.
Compensation: Weekly stipend of $300.00 and a health, dental and vision insurance package.
Housing: Not provided.
How to apply: Email the following required documents to Training Programs Manager, Sean-Maurice Lynch at smlynch@arenastage.org. Subject line: Arena Fellowship
- Fellowship application
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Diversity Statement
- Unofficial Transcript
- Writing Sample (For administrative, artistic development, and community engagement applicants only)
Fellowship Disciplines
Development Fellow – assists in all areas of fundraising, including individual giving, corporations, foundations and Board relations; drafts grant proposals and donor correspondence; researches prospective donors; assists with the preparation and execution of donor mailings; provides support for special events and offers overall administrative support to the team. Candidate should have excellent written and interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently on multiple projects and interest in donor relations and individual giving.
Events Fellows – The candidate will work directly with the Mead Center Events and Rentals staff to provide support on all aspects of event planning and management. This position fields and processes event inquiries, drafts contracts, and leads site tours for potential clients. During events, the fellow will coordinate with caterers and vendors, assist with event load in and help facilitate event operations. The ideal candidate should have a background in event execution, excellent written and verbal communication skills, be comfortable working on both independent and collaborative projects, ability to keep a calm demeanor in challenging situations and have a passion for events management. Knowledge of theatrical productions or arts management a plus. The position requires a flexible schedule with the ability to work nights and weekends. Some events may run outside of the hours of public transportation. This position requires standing and walking as well as the ability to lift 30 lbs.
Stage Management Fellow – experiences the entire process of putting together a production in the realm of stage management, including the rehearsal process, the production and technical process and the performance run process. Duties will vary by show and stage management team, but will include preparing schedules, preparing notes and other paperwork, assisting in rehearsal duties and assisting in backstage duties. Candidate should have extensive exposure to stage management in their educational program, preferably in both study and application and show a demonstrated interest in stage management
All 2018/19 Artistic Development positions have been filled.
Community Engagement and School Program Fellow – assists the School Programs Manager with administration of the D.C. Ticket Partnership (Arena Stage’s subsidized ticket program for D.C. public school students), including scheduling, lesson planning, curriculum material assistance and teaching in-school workshops connected to main-stage productions; researches and writes at least five student study guides for main-stage productions; assists with administration for Actors Arena (Arena Stage’s professional actor development program); serves as a teaching artist for the Voices of Now devised theater program during the school year.
Stage Management Fellow – experiences the entire process of putting together a production in the realm of stage management, including the rehearsal process, the production, and technical process and the performance run process. Duties will vary by show and stage management team but will include preparing schedules, preparing notes and other paperwork, assisting in rehearsal duties and assisting in backstage duties. Candidate should have extensive exposure to stage management in their educational program, preferably in both study and application and show a demonstrated interest in stage management
Summer Internship Information
How to Apply
Summer internships are appropriate for college students, graduate students, recent graduates, or career changers. Summer internships vary depending on the season, but positions are generally available in the following departments: Casting, Community Engagement, Development and Production. The casting summer internship is a volunteered position.
Dates: Summer internships are full-time and require an 8-12 week commitment between June and August
Compensation: Weekly stipend of $200 distributed the last Thursday of every month worked
How to apply:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Diversity statement
- Unofficial Transcript
- Writing Sample (For administrative, artistic development and community engagement applicants only)
Submissions for the 2018/19 summer internship applications are now closed.
Summer Internship Disciplines
Development Intern – assists in all areas of fundraising including individual giving, corporations, foundations and board relations; drafts grant proposals and donor correspondence, researches prospective donors, assists with the preparation and execution of donor mailings, provides support for special events and offers overall administrative support to the team. Candidate should have excellent written and interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently on multiple projects and particular interest in donor relations and individual giving.
Finance Intern – supports the Business Department and has the opportunity to learn the nuts and bolts of running a theater and performing arts center, making sure all payments to vendors and artists are made on time and expenses tracked accurately across all departments. Tasks include processing invoices and purchase orders in the accounting software, assisting with account reconciliation both income and expenses, and providing administrative support to the business office. Candidate should possess acute attention to detail, exceptional interpersonal skills, be comfortable working in Excel, be able to work independently and think analytically. A great attitude and willingness to learn is a must; course work or experience in accounting or bookkeeping helpful, but not required.
Management Intern – works on special projects in support of the Executive Director, including budget analysis, contract development, board relations and corporate and foundation research; observes senior staff, Board and committee meetings. Candidate should have a strong interest in not-for-profit leadership, the ability to work independently and the willingness to tackle a variety of projects.
Casting Intern – assists the Artistic Associate and Casting Director with auditions that take place over the summer. This is a great opportunity to see how all elements of the casting process work from scheduling actors to preparing audition documents to serving as a monitor and observing auditions to assisting the creative team at every step along the way. This is a part-time commitment requiring an average of 20 hours/week, but a flexible schedule is necessary, as the volunteer will need to be available whenever auditions are scheduled. No casting experience is required but directing, producing, stage management or other experience working in the rehearsal hall “across the table” from actors is preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and creative problem-solving skills are required.
Production Intern – assists the production management and general management teams in daily operations of the production office; helps facilitate the needs of current productions, events and building operations; assists with preparation for the upcoming season and the planning and execution of rental and internal events involving production. Candidates must show a demonstrated interest in theatrical management and/or production and have excellent written and oral communication skills, thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change quickly.
Education Programs Administration Intern – provides administrative support for Arena Stage's summer education programs: Camp Arena Stage and the Arena Stage Academy's Musical Theater Training Company (MTTC); assists with program registration, student and parent communication, preparation of materials, daily on-site assistance to guest artist faculty for the MTTC program, event support and other duties as assigned. This is a non-teaching position; however, there are opportunities for observation of classes, rehearsals and planning sessions with guest artists and teachers. Candidate should have basic computer skills. Familiarity with American musical theater canon and/or ability to read music is helpful, but not required.
Teaching and Community Outreach Intern – splits time between teaching at Camp Arena Stage, a summer multi-arts (theater, dance, music, filmmaking and visual art) camp for ages 8–15, and helping to plan and implement a variety of community outreach workshops. Successful candidate must have some teaching experience and enjoy working with young people from diverse backgrounds.
Meet Allen Lee Hughes
A lighting designer and teacher of lighting design, Allen Lee Hughes has a B.A. from Catholic University and a M.F.A. from New York University. He received the USITT Distinguished Achievement Award in Lighting Design for 2003. He is the recipient of the 1997 Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration and the recipient of two Helen Hayes Awards in Washington and nominated eight other times. His work has been seen at major theaters throughout the country, including the McCarter Theatre, Seattle Rep, Long Wharf Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Guthrie Theatre, Hartford Stage, Mark Taper Forum, Steppenwolf, Kennedy Center, Denver Center and Alliance Theatre. His dance designs include works for American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Ballet Tech, Hartford Ballet and Pilobolus Dance Theatre. He has served as an associate artist at Arena Stage, where the fellows program has been named in his honor. Hughes is an associate arts professor at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
2018/19 Fellows
ANNA'LE HORNAK
Senior Literary Fellow
APRIL MONU
Community Engagement Fellow
BRANDI LAVIGNE
Leadership Office Fellow
CAMERON "CAM" APPEL
Company Management Fellow
CAROLINE DOWDEN
Marketing Fellow
CATON HAMRICK
Costumes Fellow
DALIA ASHURINA
Directing Fellow
JENNIFER "JENNIE" WEYMAN
Development Fellow
JJ HERSH
Stage Management Fellow
LAUREN MILLER
Community Engagement Fellow
MALEK MAYO
Casting Fellow
SAMANTHA "SAMI" SCHNEIDER
Media Relations Fellow
VENUS GULBRANSON
Lighting Fellow
ANNA'LE HORNAK
Senior Literary Fellow
ANNA'LE HORNAK (Senior Literary Fellow) is a dramaturg and playwright originally from just outside of Philadelphia. She received her B.A. in English and Theatre from Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. She has presented her academic work at several undergraduate conferences and has received recognition for production dramaturgy and student leadership from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and from her alma mater. After completing undergrad, she served as Artistic Resident at Luna Stage Company in West Orange, NJ for the 2016-2017 season, and at the Theatre Communications Group as an intern in the Research, Policy, and Collective Action department. She spent this past season serving as Artistic Development Fellow at Arena Stage, working on the world premieres of Sovereignty and Snow Child, and spent this past summer tracking script changes on Dave. She is delighted to return to Arena as Senior Literary Fellow this year.
APRIL MONU
Community Engagement Fellow
APRIL MONU (Community Engagement Fellow) is a recent graduate from the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.A in English and Theatre Performance Studies. While at Maryland, she was an active member of Kreativity Diversity Troupe and served as a Liaison for Maryland’s Second Season repertoire. She is thrilled to take part in the Allen Hughes Program at Arena Stage for the 2018/2019 season as a Community Engagement Fellow!
BRANDI LAVIGNE
Leadership Office Fellow
BRANDI LAVIGNE (Leadership Office Fellow), originally from a tiny town near Lewiston/Auburn, Maine, is an Arts Administrator, and graduate of Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts. Her experience at organizations such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, College Light Opera Company, and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center has fostered a love of learning and passion for a variety of art forms. Brandi is a world traveler, having recently made the ambitious choice to visit 10 cities in 7 countries over the course of a 3-week trip to Europe. After graduating with her Bachelor’s Degree in Arts & Entertainment Management and Theatre, with a minor in Psychology, Brandi is excited to continue a career in the arts, engaging with new, relevant works which inspire social activism and change. Brandi is thrilled join Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. as a Leadership Office Fellow for the 2018-2019 season.
CAMERON "CAM" APPEL
Company Management Fellow
CAMERON "CAM" APPEL (Company Management Fellow) is a recent graduate of The George Washington University where she majored in Political Science and minored in Theatre. She spent the majority of her time there working with the student theatre company Forbidden Planet Productions in various technical roles, and lastly as Technical Director. Cameron was also involved in the Theatre and Dance Department at GW, as well as with Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. She has interned across the District at Studio Theatre, theatreWashington, and on Capitol Hill, as well as back home in New York in Columbia University's School of Professional Studies. Cameron is thrilled to continue her time in Washington working for Arena Stage and helping to make the magic happen!
CAROLINE DOWDEN
Marketing Fellow
CAROLINE DOWDEN (Marketing Fellow) graduated in May, 2018 from American University with a B.A. degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communication and a minor in Theatre. During her time at AU, Caroline was the Health Editor for the University magazine, The American Word, a member of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) and a member of the University Choir. She has also held several marketing and arts administrative internships at The American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE), Ford's Theatre, The New 42nd Street, Inc./New Victory Theater, and Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. This summer, Caroline returned to AATE to work as a coordinator for its National Conference. In her free time, Caroline loves to travel, cook, and explore D.C. She is ecstatic to join Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater as a member of its 2018-19 Allen Lee Hughes Fellowship Program and is looking forward to a wonderful season.
CATON HAMRICK
Costumes Fellow
CATON HAMRICK (Costumes Fellow) is a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where she received a B.F.A. in Theatre Design with a focus in Costumes. While there, she draped and constructed costumes for multiple VCU productions, including Morticia from The Addams Family, the Lady of the Lake from Spamalot, Elle from Legally Blonde, and The Witch from Into the Woods. She also designed costumes for VCU's production of Boy Gets Girl. Caton supplemented her time in school with working backstage at The Altria, dressing for travelling Broadway shows The Lion King and Newsies. Outside of school, Caton completed an internship at The Public Theater in NYC, where she was able to construct and alter costumes for Shakespeare in the Park's Julius Caesar and A Midsummer's Night Dream, as well as Hamlet and the From Hair to Hamilton Gala. She is honored and very excited to be joining Arena Stage this season!
DALIA ASHURINA
Directing Fellow
DALIA ASHURINA (Directing Fellow) is elated to be in D.C. and joining Arena Stage for their 2018/2019 season! She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.A. in Drama, minor in Political Science, and honors in Directing. Her favorite directing credits at UCI include: Machinal, by Sophie Treadwell and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin. She spent a summer in Toronto working at No Strings Theatre Company, teaching and creating musical theatre for both children and adults. Last summer, she spent some time in Colorado Springs, acting in the annual THEATREWORKS outdoor Shakespeare festival. While living in Los Angeles, she directed various productions and staged readings of new plays with Playwright's Arena, INK Fest, Orange County Playwrights Alliance, and The Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble. She also served as assistant director on productions with Center Theatre Group and Cornerstone Theater Company.
JENNIFER "JENNIE" WEYMAN
Development Fellow
JENNIFER "JENNIE" WEYMAN (Development Fellow) recently completed her MA in Musicology this past spring at the University of Maryland with her thesis, "'The Biggest Con in History': American Myth-Making in the Stage and Screen Adaptations of Anastasia." Prior to receiving her Masters, she earned a BM in Music Education from James Madison University in 2014, where she served for three years on the executive board of the JMU Chapter of the American Choral Director's Association. She then taught elementary music for two years with Loudoun County Public Schools prior to returning to graduate school. Yet Jennifer's involvement with the Capitol Hill Chorale (CHC), where she has served on the Board of Directors since 2017, brought her back to arts administration. In the midst of completing her thesis, she organized CHC's 25th Anniversary Gala, which in turn led to her placement as the Development Fellow with The Washington Chorus. Jennifer is thrilled to begin her next venture with Arena Stage, ensuring the arts are supported and thriving here in our nation's capital.
JJ HERSH
Stage Management Fellow
JJ HERSH (Stage Management Fellow) Hersh is a proud graduate of University of California Santa Cruz. They graduated in 2016 with a double major in Theater Arts and Environmental Studies. They stage managed and assistant stage managed a variety of shows during their time there in addition to producing a 24-Hour Theater Festival. During their time at University of California Santa Cruz, they were an active member of the blues dancing community. After graduating, they spent two years teaching while stage managing at small theaters around San Francisco and then spent a brief time working as a stage manager at California’s Great America amusement park. They are thrilled to be working with Arena Stage this season helping amazing works of theater come to life.
LAUREN MILLER
Community Engagement Fellow
LAUREN MILLER (Community Engagement Fellow) is a recent graduate of Texas Tech University with an MFA in Theatre Performance and Pedagogy. She received her BA in Theatre and Elementary Education from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC. Her interests lie in voice and movement work, teaching, and directing. As an artist, she is excited by works that explore the "grey" areas, helping blur the lines of our extremely black and white society. Lauren is enthralled to be combining her interests in her work at Arena Stage, giving individuals a safe place to express their own thoughts and feelings through the arts.
MALEK MAYO
Casting Fellow
MALEK MAYO (Casting Fellow) a Baltimore native, received his B.A. in Theatre Arts from Clark Atlanta University. While in Atlanta, he’s worked to become the in-house assistant director for Kenny Leon’s Theatre Company. His most recent projects includes King Hedley II, Holla If You Hear Me, and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. Mayo is thrilled to contribute to the communities of DC as a 2018/2019 Allen Lee Hughes Casting Fellow!
SAMANTHA "SAMI" SCHNEIDER
Media Relations Fellow
SAMANTHA "SAMI" SCHNEIDER (Media Relations Fellow) is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she attended the School of Media and Journalism with a focus in broadcast news. She produced and created content for two news shows while at UNC and worked as the media producer for the UNC theatre group, Pauper Players. Samantha was also a member of the UNC Phi Mu Gamma Lambda chapter and performed in various productions with the Kenan and Pauper theatre companies. Outside of school Samantha worked with the North Carolina CBS news and marketing teams, as well as the marketing and public relations teams at the Durham Performing Arts Center. She has also enjoyed teaching at Stage Door Dance in Raleigh for the past five years. Samantha is very excited to be a part of the Allen Hughes Fellowship and continue to grow in this industry!
VENUS GULBRANSON
Lighting Fellow
VENUS GULBRANSON (Lighting Fellow), is a graduate of Idaho State University with a BA in Theatre—emphasis in lighting design and electrics, where she spent most of her time serving as the master electrician and assistants for professional guest designers. Venus also designed for local dance concerts and smaller productions at The Stephens Performing Arts Center. After graduating, Venus worked for The Santa Fe Opera for two summer seasons, and the Pacific Conservatory Theatre in the off-season. Venus is excited to travel across the country and experience life and theatre in a whole new environment. She hopes to inspire others through theatre the way it inspired her years ago.
Arena Stage is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Arena champions diversity throughout the organization and in the community and strongly encourages applications from members of traditionally underrepresented groups.