Directing, Design, Technical Direction & Stage Management Training
Berkshire Theatre Festival, now Berkshire Theatre Group performing on four stages offers Assistantships in Directing, Design, Stage Management, and Technical Direction. Applicants for this program need to be aspiring students wanting to further their theatre careers with hands-on professional training. Those students in the Assistantship program will work alongside production interns in their particular field, as well as a chance to put what they have learned into practice. The Assistantship Program tuition for 2012 is $1,000 for Directing Assistantships and $700 for Design, Stage Management, and Technical Direction Assistantships. This tuition does include housing, meal plan and the following benefits.
Directing Assistantship
The directing assistantship was the perfect way for me to start to transition from the college world to professional theatres. It provided a comfortable learning environment where I got to observe, ask questions, and deal directly with the actors giving notes and helping rehearse some scenes.
– Dawn Loveland, Directing Assistantship
- Assist a professional director in one production in at the Main Stage, Unicorn Theatre, Colonial Theatre or The Neil Ellenoff stage.
- Direct a staged reading attended by Berkshire Theatre Group audience or direct the Acting Apprentices in their showcase for the Artistic Director and other company artists.
- Attend Master class on Director/Designer process and their relationship in creating a production.
- Observe production meeting process.
- Musical Theatre Directing Assistantships are available.
Design Assistantship
The Design Assistantship program at Berkshire Theatre is an unforgettable experience. It nurtures your desire to design while you are, simultaneously, assisting top designers on Main stage shows.
- Morgan Stokes, Costume Design Assistantship
- Design a theatre for youth production in scenery or costumes.
- Assist Colonial Theatre, Fitzpatrick Main Stage or Unicorn Theatre designers.
- Attend Master classes on Designer process.
- Receive a one-on-one portfolio review with professional working designers.
- Observe production meeting process.
Stage Management Assistantship
Because of the wide variety of first-hand experience and master classes offered through the program, the Berkshire Theatre Stage Management Assistantship provided me with an invaluable opportunity to develop my skills as a stage manager.
- John Grassey, Stage Management Assistantship
- Stage Manage a theatre for youth production.
- Attend Master classes on Stage Management process.
- Receive a one-on-one prompt book review from union stage manager.
- Observe production meeting process.
Technical Direction Assistantship
- Learn drafting skills in AutoCAD and hand drafting.
- Assist Technical Director with drafting.
- Attend Master classes on Technical Director/Designer relations.
- Observe production meeting process.
How to Apply
- Cover letter with current address, phone number, and e-mail address
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
Particular application materials for:
- Directors: DVD, You Tube link, or photos of most current directing project and a page describing the type of directing work that most intrigues you. Upon receipt of all materials BTG will contact you for a one-on-one interview. Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail once all their materials have been received.
- Designers: Design portfolio.
The final deadline for all materials is March 16, 2012. Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail once all their materials have been received.
To apply as a Directing Assistantship, send materials to
Liz Zieminski
General Manager
111 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
To apply as a Design, Stage Management, or Technical Director Assistantship, send materials to
Peter Durgin
Director of Productions and Facilities
111 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Frequently Asked Questions
Is room and board included?
Yes. Assistantships are housed in dormitory style housing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided for Assistantships as part of their tuition.
What is the performance schedule?
Each theatre runs on a nightly basis with eight performances a week. The productions last about three weeks and do not run in rep.
Do I need a car?
We encourage you to bring a car if you are able to. Public transportation is available in the Berkshires but not readily accessible. Transportation to and from performances, class, and work calls will be the assistantships’ responsibilities.
Do people return to BTF?
Interns from past years are often promoted when openings are available.
