The first cohort of fellows to take part in Roundabout Education’s Theatrical Workforce Development Program (TWDP) have all found techinical jobs within the professional theatre industry. TWDP’s mission is to train a new, diverse generation of stagehands, riggers, electricians, sound engineers, carpenters, hairstylists, makeup artists, and wardrobe workers and to break down the barriers that prevent young adults from joining the theatre industry.
The fellows have found jobs at Roundabout Underground, within the props department at The Public Theater, the sound and wardrobe departments at Atlantic Theater Company, and at St. Ann’s Warehouse, among others.
The first group of TWDP graduates is made up of: Saa’r Comedie, Cathy Dawes, Samuel Grady, Erika Juarez, Ajalon Glover, Moesha Perez, Cassidy Piraino, Isaac Grivett, Natalie Soto, Rashell Marcelino, Aaliyah Stewart, and Emery Reyes.
The program provides a group of up to 20 high school graduate fellows each year with a living wage, relevant skills and industry knowledge, work experience, access to theatre venues, and resources and support services. The initiative includes three years of training, job placement, and one-on-one mentorship with top industry professionals.
TWDP is in partnership with the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the youth development non-for-profit, The Door.
If you are a young adult interested in applying to TWDP, or if you are an organization that would like to become an employment partner, visit RoundaboutTheatre.org/TWDP for more information.
