Professional Residencies

Acting Residents work closely with Milwaukee Rep’s in-house artists and acclaimed guest directors and actors on a variety of productions during their full-season residency. While the role in which a given Acting Resident functions can change with each production, the focus never strays from acting: there are no technical or administrative responsibilities attached to Acting Residencies. 

The primary objective of the Acting Residency is to create a bridge to the professional world by getting residents in the rehearsal rooms and preparing them for their next career steps.  This includes three components: understudy/onstage work, workshops and auditions, and professional mentoring.

Understudy and Onstage Work: Actors understudy roles in Milwaukee Rep’s 2021/22 Season, and also play ensemble roles as available. Through these assignments, Acting Residents have an opportunity to share the experience and knowledge of working professionals, to build relationships with those professionals, and to develop their own practice with the support and guidance of Milwaukee Rep artists. Understudy runs performed shortly after openings allow EPRs to showcase their work for fellow Milwaukee Rep company members.

Workshops and Auditions: Throughout the season, Acting EPRs participate in a variety of workshops with professionals. Past workshops have included Q&As with industry members, the creation of a voiceover demo reel, auditioning on camera, centering wellness in one’s acting practice, and a variety of acting workshops focusing on styles and approaches. They are also provided with the opportunity to audition for several Wisconsin theater organizations.

Professional Mentoring:  Milwaukee Rep makes every effort to help Acting Residents find professional work following their seasons. Acting Residents also earn Equity Membership Candidacy points during their internships. The center of their mentorship experience is based around one on one and group check ins with Artistic staff members at Milwaukee Rep.  These meetings focus on goal setting, giving feedback on your branding materials, helping an artist articulate their process, and discussing whatever challenges actors are meeting in the room.

Each year the Residency dates change based on the dates of the theatrical season, and the need for EPRs in and around specific productions. In the 2022/23 Season, the Emerging Professional Residency starts in October and ends in April, but there are exceptions. Milwaukee Rep works hard to make it possible for EPRs to take that next gig.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
This application is intended for people applying to the Acting Residency at Milwaukee Repertory Theater for the 2022/23 Season. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis thereafter until all positions are filled. In order to maintain an equitable process, everyone must apply online. Any candidate who requires different accommodations to submit an online application or has any additional questions about the program should contact Laura Braza at lbraza@milwaukeerep.com.

Application Materials Required
**Cover Letter, Letters of Recommendation, and *video link(s) should be included in a single Word Doc or PDF and uploaded as a single additional file with your application.

1.Resume (.doc or .pdf)

2. Current headshot (.pdf)

3. Contact Information for Two (2) Professional References that can speak about your work

4. Cover Letter (.doc or .pdf) that answers the following questions:

• What is your personal artistic mission for your career?
• At this point in your career, why are you seeking an Acting Residency at Milwaukee Rep?
• What are your artistic strengths and what skills do you hope to improve?
• How will you use your time in the EPR program to develop your professional skills?

5. One (1) Letter of Recommendation (.doc or .pdf) Please note, the person writing your Letter of Recommendation should differ from your Professional References

6. Links to three (3) audition videos consisting of two (2) contrasting monologues(one classic and one contemporary) of no more than one minute in length eachand 32 bars of a song. These pieces should encapsulate your strengths as an artist. 

• Please make sure we can clearly see your whole body throughout the entire video.
• You may submit audition videos in one compiled link or as separate selections.
• *You may submit audition video link(s) in 1 of 2 ways: By including your video link(s) in a Word Doc or PDF including it as part of your additional file upload document or within the designated sections of the online application when prompted for this information
• Include passwords to your links (if applicable)
• Video auditions are required for all Acting Resident applicants, even if you have already auditioned or will audition in person

The primary objective of the Directing Residency is to create a bridge to the professional world by getting residents in the rehearsal rooms. This includes three components: assisting work, directing work, and professional mentoring.

Assisting Work: Directing Residents serve as Assistant Directors for Rep productions in the Quadracci Powerhouse, Stiemke Studio, and Stackner Cabaret, as well as for the annual production of A Christmas Carol. As ADs, Directing Residents participate as important components of the creative process with some of the most respected American and international directors working in theater today, learning valuable skills from and making important connections with their principal directors.

Directing Work: As part of their AD responsibilities, Directing Residents supervise the understudy process for the production to which they are assigned, scheduling and leading daily understudy rehearsals throughout the rehearsal period. The work of the AD and understudy cast is showcased and reviewed at an understudy run shortly following the opening of each production, and directors receive feedback from the Line Producer of each show as well as the Artistic Staff. 

Professional Mentorship:  In addition to their close work with visiting directors, directing EPRs have a staff member that will check in several times throughout the year, as well as monthly group check ins. These meetings often focus on helping the director articulate their vision and strengths, preparing for pitches, tackling preproduction work, and navigating challenges in the rehearsal room.

Each year the Residency dates change based on the dates of the theatrical season, and the need for EPRs in and around specific productions. In the 2022/23 Season, the Emerging Professional Residency starts in October and ends in March, but there are exceptions. Milwaukee Rep works hard to make it possible for EPRs to take that next gig.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
This application is intended for people applying to the Directing Residency at Milwaukee Repertory Theater for the 2022/23 Season. Preference will be given to applications that include all supplementary materials that are received on or before May 2. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis thereafter until all positions are filled. In order to maintain an equitable process, everyone must apply online. Any candidate who requires different accommodations to submit an online application or has any additional questions about the program should contact Laura Braza at lbraza@milwaukeerep.com.

Application Materials Required
**Cover Letter, Letters of Recommendation, and Writing samples should be included in a single Word Doc or PDF and uploaded as a single additional file with your application

1.Resume (.doc or .pdf)

2. Current headshot (.pdf)

3. Contact Information for Two (2) Professional References that can speak about your work 

4. Cover Letter (.doc or .pdf) that answers the following questions:

• What is your personal artistic mission for your career?
• At this point in your career, why are you seeking a Directing Residency at Milwaukee Rep?
• What are your artistic strengths and what skills do you hope to improve?
• How will you use your time in the EPR program to develop your professional skills?

5. One (1) Letters of Recommendation (.doc or .pdf) Please note, those who are writing your Letters of Recommendation should differ from your Professional References

6. Writing Sample (.doc or .pdf) Pick one of the following plays from the 2021/22 Season and, in no longer than one page, write as if you were the director addressing your creative team and actors on the first day rehearsal about your vision for the piece and the rehearsal process.

Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
Toni Stone by Lydia R. Diamond
As You Like It by William Shakespeare
Titanic music and lyrics by Maury Yeston; book by Peter Stone
Murder on the Orient Expressby Agatha Christie

Milwaukee Rep’s Education & Engagement Residency prepares motivated future theater educators and agents for social change for a successful career in school and community-based work. This multifaceted program provides training and mentorship opportunities, hands on experience in program implementation and administration, and direct application of skills learned in classroom and community settings.

The Education & Engagement Resident will be a part of the theater learning experience of almost 20,000 students and community members. Learning opportunities will include serving as a Teaching Artist in schools and community centers, facilitation for audience and community engagement events, curriculum development for workshops and residencies, assisting with student matinees and various administrative duties. Projects will adapt to and build on Residents interests and skills and are designed increase and responsibility throughout the season. As an active member of the Engagement & Education Department, Emerging Professional Residents will have the opportunity to attend department staff meetings and All Staff related meetings, including Equity, Diversity and Inclusion training. A successful candidate will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, be able to multitask and have a keen eye for detail, be a generous and thoughtful collaborator, demonstrate a driven self-starter attitude, and be a curious and critical thinker, and bring kindness and professionalism to their work. The candidate should have an enthusiasm for the education and community engagement with some experience working with youth and a willingness to learn more about the theater, education, and engagement. Sense of humor a plus.

A successful candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills; be able to multitask and have a keen eye for detail; be a generous and thoughtful collaborator, a driven self-starter, and a curious and critical thinker; and bring kindness and professionalism to their work. The candidate should have an enthusiasm for the education and community engagement with some experience working with youth and a willingness to learn more about the theater, education, and engagement. Great sense of humor a plus.

While we welcome candidates with a background in any theater focus, this residency is devoted to work in the Education and Engagement office and is geared toward people who are primarily interested in careers in Theater Education or Community Engagement.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
This application is intended for people applying to the Engagement and Education Residency at Milwaukee Repertory Theater for the 2022/23 Season. Applications, including all supplementary materials, are due May 15, 2022. In order to maintain an equitable process, everyone must apply online. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis thereafter until the residencies are filled. Any candidate who requires different accommodations to submit an online application or has any other questions about the program should reach out to Jenny Toutant at jtoutant@milwaukeerep.com.

Application Materials Required
**Cover Letter, Letters of Recommendation, Professional References, and Writing Sample should be included in a single Word Doc or PDF and uploaded as a single additional file with your application.

1.Resume (.doc or .pdf)

2. Current headshot (.pdf)

3. Contact Information for Two (2) Professional References (.doc or .pdf) that can speak about your work 

4. Cover Letter (.doc or .pdf) that answers the following questions:

• What is your personal artistic mission for your career?
• At this point in your career, why are you seeking a Education and Engagement Residency at Milwaukee Rep?
• What are your artistic strengths and what skills do you hope to improve?
• How will you use your time in the EPR program to develop your professional skills?

5. One (1) Letters of Recommendation (.doc or .pdf) This letter should speak to your ability to work with students in an educational theater setting. *Please note, those who are writing your Letters of Recommendation should differ from your Professional References

6. Writing Sample (.doc or .pdf) Describe the importance of theater in education and the community today. Please keep writing sample to 500 words.

The Lighting Production resident will work directly with the Lighting & Video Director and production specific lighting designers to update designer plots and create essential paperwork for electricians. The resident will assist with load-in, focus, taking notes and maintaining up-to-date paperwork during the tech process and assist with venue projects when not in tech.

Opportunities:

• Meet and engage with visiting designers
• Develop Vectorworks and Lightwright skills
• Learn lighting practical construction techniques
• Work with designers to maintain up to date paperwork during the tech process
• Opportunity to call lighting focus and work with designers in crafting the focus
• Design the EPR production of Rep Lab

Hours: This position works typical office hours when not in load-in or tech. Additional days off are given to offset the increase of hours during busy production times.

Qualifications: Successful candidates will be dedicated in pursuing a career in lighting design. They will have experience with Vectorworks Spotlight and Lightwright and will be self-motivated to expand their skill sets.

Supervisor: This position is supervised by the Lighting & Video Director

Residency Dates: August 22, 2022 to May 7, 2023

To Apply:
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter describing what you hope to get out of this program and why you think Milwaukee Rep is the right fit for you, and resume with relevant theatrical experience and contact information for 3 professional references.

The Costume Construction resident works and learns directly alongside the costume shop staff as they take designer renderings from page to stage. This resident will have an opportunity to be a part of the process for all 13+ productions, working with a wide variety of periods, materials, and construction techniques.

Opportunities:

• Participate in costume fittings
• Meet and engage with visiting designers
• Learn with staff drapers, tailors, and artisans
• Assist with craft and millinery projects
• Develop wig, hair, and makeup skills
• Refine wardrobe skills

Hours: The Costume Resident works typical shop with some night and weekend work. This residency will run wardrobe for 1 to 2 productions during which time the hours will shift to fit the performance schedule.

Qualifications: A successful candidate will be motivated to cultivate a career in costume production and/or design. They will be comfortable hand and machine sewing and will have some experience building from patterns. They should be curious about all parts of the costume production process and be ready to jump right in.

Supervisor: This position is supervised directly by the Costume Director and mentored by a member of the costume shop staff.

Residency Dates: August 15, 2022 to April 23, 2023

To Apply:
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter describing what you hope to get out of this program and why you think Milwaukee Rep is the right fit for you, and resume with relevant theatrical experience and contact information for 3 professional references.

The Wardrobe Resident works and learns directly alongside the wardrobe team in prepping, teching, and running all productions in all 4 venues. The resident will gain extensive experience in all skills necessary to run wardrobe. This position will have hands-on learning in the maintenance and running of costumes, wigs/hair, and makeup and will have the opportunity to gain additional shop-based skills with self-developed projects.

Opportunities:

• Develop stitching skills necessary for maintaining productions
• Develop costume craft and wig construction skills as interested
• Meet and engage with visiting designers
• Learn from talented drapers, tailors, and artisans
• Develop wig, hair, and makeup skills

Hours: This position follows tech and performance hours which includes nights and weekends. Additional days off or reduced call times are used to offset longer hours whenever possible.

Qualifications: Successful candidates will be dedicated to pursuing a career in costume construction and/or wardrobe. They should be familiar with basic costume maintenance and repair techniques and have some experience in running wardrobe for educational or smaller professional/non-professional productions. Wardrobe is fast paced and requires significant time standing up, walking, and taking stairs. Candidates should be able to work independently and proactively on tasks after receiving training.

Supervisor: This position is supervised by the Wardrobe Supervisor

Residency Dates: August 22, 2022 to May 28, 2023

To Apply:
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter describing what you hope to get out of this program and why you think Milwaukee Rep is the right fit for you, and resume with relevant theatrical experience and contact information for 3 professional references.

The Stage Management resident works and learns directly alongside the contingent of AEA stage managers during the rehearsal, tech, and performance process for productions in all 4 venues. This position develops superb skills in the prep, rehearsal, and performance processes of stage managers for all sizes of productions as well as maintaining a SM department on a day to day basis.

Opportunities:

• Work alongside AEA Stage Managers from all over the country
• Participate in the rehearsal process for 5-8 productions
• Develop an intimate understanding of the production process for a large regional theater producing multiple productions simultaneously

Hours: This position follows the rehearsal schedule for assigned productions. Hours include nights and weekends. Additional days off or shorter days are given to offset longer hours whenever possible.

Qualifications: Successful candidates will have previous stage management experience on an educational or small professional/non-professional level.  They will be self-motivated with keen attention to detail.

Supervisor: This position is directly supervised by the Production Stage Manager and individual production’s stage managers.

Residency Dates: 2 positions available

August 8, 2022 to April 23, 2023

AND

August 8, 2022 to April 30, 2023

To Apply:
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter describing what you hope to get out of this program and why you think Milwaukee Rep is the right fit for you, and resume with relevant theatrical experience and contact information for 3 professional references.