The Observership program is currently on a hiatus. There will be more information to share about the program in the fall of 2022. Updated: 8.17.22

Please read this entire page BEFORE contacting the Foundation.

For Applicants:

I applied to the program last year.  Do I need to apply again?
Yes.  Your application is valid for one season only.

I have applied in the past.  Do I need to submit a new letter of recommendation?
Yes.  Please submit a new letter of recommendation every year you apply.

Who should I ask to recommend me for this program?
Obtain a letter of recommendation from someone who can attest to the fact that you are pursuing directing or choreography as a career path and someone who knows your work as an artist.  A recommendation from someone who knows you, your work, and your work ethic is what we’re looking for, not a successful friend of a friend.

When can I start to apply for Observership opportunities?
Applicants accepted to the Observership class may apply to all opportunities for that Observership year. Once you are accepted into the class, you will automatically be informed of any upcoming opportunities.

I’d like to work on a specific production.  How should I set up this Observership?
SDCF staff select Observership opportunities by balancing a number of criteria: musicals and plays; classics, revivals, and new works; locations in New York City, New York State, and regional theaters across the U.S.; first-time mentors and former mentors; opportunities for directors, choreographers, and director/choreographers, among other considerations.

Please do not contact us with a proposed production – this is not the way the program works. Candidates may not set up Observerships for themselves and absolutely may not use their admittance into the program to reach out to directors, choreographers, or theater venues in an effort to set up opportunities under the guise of this program. If SDCF learns of any such behavior (and we will, because we all talk to each other), the Observer will be removed from the program.

A director/choreographer who I have been trying to work with for years says they will hire me as an assistant but they don’t have funding for me.  Can I do this through the Observership program?

Please see above. Unfortunately, we can’t use the Observership program for help with this.

Will I be the assistant on the production?
Nope!  As an Observer, you are guaranteed access to watch the creative process unfold. Participation beyond observing, if any, is at the sole discretion of your Mentor.

If I am accepted into the Observership class, do I need to move to New York?
Nope!  We have opportunities all over the country in addition to opportunities in New York.  If you apply and are selected for an opportunity in New York, you will need to be in New York only for the length of the project.  We offer a travel stipend to all our Observers to help offset travel and housing costs.

If I am accepted into the Observership class, how long am I committed to this program?
Accepted candidates are eligible for all Observership opportunities for their Observership year, from July 1 to June 30.  However, you will only apply to those opportunities that suit your interest and schedule.  We understand that most applicants have many projects and jobs requiring differing time commitments.  This is a flexible program that can fit with the rest of your life.  If you apply and are selected for a project, your commitment is from first rehearsal through opening night.  This is typically a period of four to twelve weeks; details about each specific time frame will be announced on a project by project basis.

If I am accepted into the Observership class, am I an Associate Member of SDC?
No. But! If you complete an Observership and you are not already an Associate Member, SDC will waive the initiation fee and first year of dues for an Associate Membership.

If I am not a Member of SDC, do I have less chance of an Observership?
Absolutely not!  SDCF is a separate organization from the Union and the majority of our applicants and Observers have no SDC affiliation.  Union membership has no bearing on either the evaluation or selection processes.

Do you have any tips on applying to the program?

Answer each question directly and specifically. Format your resume so that it is uncluttered on the page and easy to read.

For Potential Mentors:

A theatre has hired me to direct a production, but there is no money for my assistant.  Can I hire my assistant as an Observer on the production?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide funding to hire your assistant.  If you would like to have an Observer on the production, we will solicit applications from all those in our current Observership class and we will select finalists for you. To start the process of posting an Observerhip opportunity, please contact SDCF Program Associate Dani Cattan at dcattan@sdcfoundation.org. It’s always best to email as soon as you have a project lined up so we have ample time to set up an Observership opportunity.