The Drama League is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 Directors Project.
The program is a suite of fellowships, residencies, and assistantships for emerging and established stage directors. The upcoming season offerings include two new director-led play development residences, partnerships with over a dozen theatre companies, and a national training accelerator for early-career directors at Carnegie Mellon University.
“To impact the future and address the real-world complications of this moment, artists need expanded resources and support,” said Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks in a statement. “Alongside our partners, The Drama League is resolutely committed to providing more tools, deeper resources, meaningful mentorships, and career-progressing opportunities, to ensure directors entertain, illuminate, and transform the world.”
“The Drama League is boldly expanding opportunity for directors at a time when arts funding is shrinking,” added Executive Director Bevin Ross. “We are increasing our own investment in artists, but we cannot do it alone. The future of theatre in America depends on visionary philanthropy, and we call on all of our supporters to join us at our October 27 Gala and give generously to ensure directors can thrive for generations to come.”
This year, Lincoln Center Theater has joined the lineup of theatres partnering in the 2026 Drama League Stage Directing Fellowships, which offer emerging directors $100,000 scholarships and two years of opportunities to observe, assist, and direct at some of America’s most exciting theatre companies. The 2026-2028 participating theatres include Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Lincoln Center Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, New York Stage and Film, Playwrights’ Center, and Red Bull Theater.
The FutureNow Fellowships, a partnership with Chautauqua Theater Company, will expand to support pairs of director and playwright collaborators, who will develop a new play that will culminate in a workshop production at CTC’s Roe Green Theater Center, under construction and scheduled to open in summer 2026.
The Drama League also announced the directors who will be Directors Project Assistant Directors as part of the Irene Gandy Directing Assistantships. This year's cohort will include Lili-Anne Brown (The Wild Party, Dreamgirls) Melissa Crespo (O.K.!, Once), and Timothy Douglas (The Color Purple, Primary Trust).
Visit DramaLeague.org.
