Professional Residencies

Acting Residents work closely with Milwaukee Rep’s in-house artists, principal actors, and acclaimed guest directors on a variety of productions during their Residency. Resident appointments mimic Equity outlines for a set of shows throughout the season which can vary from 18-27 consecutive weeks. The role in which a given Acting Resident functions can change with each production though the focus never strays from acting: there are no technical or administrative responsibilities attached. The primary objective being to create a bridge to the professional world by getting Residents in the rehearsal rooms and preparing them through participation and observation. This includes three components: understudy/onstage work, workshops and auditions, and professional mentoring.

Understudy and Onstage Work: Actors understudy roles in Milwaukee Rep’s 2023/24 Season, and 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, casting, 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 2023/24 Season, the Emerging Professional Residency starts in August 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 Acting Residency at Milwaukee Repertory Theater for the 2023/24 Season. Preference will be given to applications that include all supplementary materials that are received on or before April 15, but will be reviewed on a rolling basis beyond the preferred deadline. 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 Jeffrey Mosser, Artistic Producer: Director of Training at jmosser@milwaukeerep.com. 

Application Materials Required
THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN A SINGLE .DOC or .PDF DOCUMENT AND UPLOADED AS A SINGLE FILE WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

1. Resume

2. Current headshot

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

4. Cover Letter (500 words or less): that answers the following questions:

• 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. Your self-taped audition video totaling no more than 5 minutes and 30 seconds.
Audition pieces should encapsulate your strengths as an artist and meet the following criteria: 

• One (1) Contemporary Monologue
• One (1) Classical Monologue
• One (1) Song Selection of no more than 32 bars
• Please use YouTube or Vimeo to share your videos
• You may submit audition videos in one compiled link or as separate selections
• Please make sure we can clearly see your whole body throughout the entire video
• Video auditions are required for all Acting Resident applicants, even if you have already auditioned or will audition in person

6. A document containing
a) two (2) professional references that can speak about your work
b) the link(s) to your audition video(s) and passwords as necessary

The primary objective of the Directing Residency is to create a bridge to the professional world by getting Residents in the rehearsal rooms and in conversation with our professional directors. Resident appointments mimic Equity outlines for a set of shows throughout the season which can vary from 25-31 consecutive weeks. This opportunity 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 theaters 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 2023/24 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 2023/24 Season. Preference will be given to applications that include all supplementary materials that are received on or before April 15. 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 Jeffrey Mosser at jmosser@milwaukeerep.com.

Application Materials Required
THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN A SINGLE .DOC or .PDF DOCUMENT AND UPLOADED AS A SINGLE FILE WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

1. Resume

2. Current headshot

3. Cover Letter(500 words or less) that answers the following questions:

• Why are you seeking a Directing Residency at Milwaukee Rep at this point in your career?
• 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?

4. Writing Sample (500 words or less) 
Pick one of the following plays from the 2023/24 Season and write as if you were the director addressing your creative team and actors on the first day of rehearsal about your vision for the piece and how you will accomplish it.

Titanic music and lyrics by Maury Yeston; book by Peter Stone

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Seven Guitars by August Wilson

God of Carnage by Yasmin Reza

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

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

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 administration and implementation, and direct application of skills learned in classroom and community settings.

The Education & Engagement Resident will be an integral part of Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s learning experience that spans the reach of almost 20,000 students and community members per year. Residency opportunities will include serving as a Teaching Artist in schools and community centers, facilitation of 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 the Education & Engagement Resident’s interests and skills and are designed to increase in responsibility throughout the season. As an active member of the Education & Engagement Department, Emerging Professional Residents will have the opportunity to attend department staff meetings and full staff related meetings, including Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training. 

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 education and community engagement with experience working with youth and a willingness to learn more about the expansion of arts appreciation, literacy, social emotional skills, and community connection in the Milwaukee area.A great sense of humor is a plus.

Please note that the Education & Engagement Resident will primarily work during school day hours but night and weekend availability may be required from time to time. 

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

APPLICATION INFORMATION
This application is intended for people applying to the Education & Engagement Residency at Milwaukee Repertory Theater for the 2023/24 Season. Applications, including all supplementary materials, are due May 15, 2023. In order to maintain an equitable process, everyone must apply online. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis 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 Associate Director of Education, Brittany Sue Hines, at bhines@milwaukeerep.com.

Application Materials Required
Resume, Two (2) Professional References, Cover Letter, One (1) Letter of Recommendation, and a Writing Sample or Lesson Plan should be included in a single PDF and uploaded as a single additional attachment with your application.

1. Resume

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

3. Cover Letter 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 Education & 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?

4. One (1) Letters of Recommendation that should speak to your ability to work with students in an educational theater setting. Please note, the person writing your Letter of Recommendation should differ from your Professional References

5. A Writing Sample or Lesson Plan (please choose just one)

• One (1) Writing Sample should describe the importance of theater in education and the community today. Please keep writing sample to 500 words.
• One (1) Lesson Plan should be created for a 15- to 30-minute upper elementary (3rd-5th grade) class that covers “theater performance skills 101” (general performance craft - basic body, voice, and imagination) for students who are newer to the stage.

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 Milwaukee Rep 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: July 31, 2023 to April 21, 2024

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 a resume with relevant theatrical experience and contact information for 3 professional references. Review of applications will begin after March 27, 2023

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 4-6 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

July 17, 2023 to April 28, 2024
AND
July 17, 2023 to March 24, 2024

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 a resume with relevant theatrical experience and contact information for 3 professional references. Review of applications will begin after March 27, 2023. 

Compensation:
Due to the long hours of a stage manager, the Stage Management Residents will receive an untaxed weekly stipend of $345 plus all other EPR benefits.