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 Actors Equity outlines for a set of shows throughout the season which can vary from 10-40 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 2025/26 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 and nationally known casting directors, intimacy training, meetings with agents, graduate school preparation, centering wellness in one’s 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 as possible.

Professional Mentoring:  Milwaukee Rep makes every effort to help Acting Residents find professional work following their seasons. 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, 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 2025/26 Season, the earliest an Emerging Professional Residency might start is in October and the latest they might end is in June. This is subject to change as of this website's posting.  

APPLICATION INFORMATION
This application is intended for people applying to the Acting Residency at Milwaukee Repertory Theater for the 2025/26 Season. Preference will be given to applications that submit all supplementary materials on or before Sunday, March 23 at 11:59pm. 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, Artistic Producer: Director of Training at jmosser@milwaukeerep.com.

Application Materials Required
PLEASE SUBMIT WRITTEN MATERIALS IN .DOC or .PDF FORMATS and IMAGES AS .PDF, .JPG, OR .PNG FORMATS. Failure to do so may result in a delay of reviewing your materials. Please include the following:

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. Should your letter writer wish to submit directly, please have them send to jmosser@milwaukeerep.com.

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 or one minute
• Each piece should be a separate link and video. Do NOT splice them all into one.
• Please use YouTube or Vimeo to share your videos
• If your videos are password protected, please remember to include the password
• 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. Contact information for two (2) professional references that can speak about your work. Please include their Name, Title/Position, Phone Number, & Email. Please verify with your references that they can be easily reachable at the given contact information. Failure to get a hold of references may prevent full consideration of your application.

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 Actors 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 on multiple stages 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 dedicated staff member that will check in with them several times throughout the year. These meetings often focus on helping the director articulate their vision and strengths, preparing for pitches, tackling pre-production 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 2025/26 Season, the Emerging Professional Residency dates generally start in October and end in April (subject to change), but there are exceptions. Milwaukee Rep works hard to make it possible for EPRs to take that next step.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
This application is intended for people applying to the Directing Residency at Milwaukee Repertory Theater for the 2025/26 Season. Preference will be given to applications that include all supplementary materials that are received on or before Sunday, March 23 at 11:59pm. 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, Artistic Producer: Director of Training at jmosser@milwaukeerep.com.

Application Materials Required
PLEASE SUBMIT WRITTEN MATERIALS IN .DOC or .PDF FORMATS and IMAGES AS .PDF, .JPG, OR .PNG FORMATS. Failure to do so may result in a delay of reviewing your materials. Please include the following:

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?
• How does your personal passion meet your directing artistry?
• 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 2024/25 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, your connection to it, and why it is important to today’s audiences.

Romeo & Juliet adapted by William Shakespeare
The Coast Starlight by Keith Bunin
Espejos: Clean by Christine Quintana
The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown

5. Contact Information for Two (2) Professional References that can speak about your work (Name, Title, Relationship to you, Phone, and Email please)

6. One (1) Letter of Recommendation: Please note, the person writing your Letter of Recommendation should differ from your Professional References. Should your letter writer wish to submit directly, please have them send to jmosser@milwaukeerep.com.

Milwaukee Rep’s Education & Engagement Residency prepares motivated future theater educators and engagement advocates for a successful career in school and community-based work. This multifaceted program provides training and mentorship opportunities and hands-on experience in program administration and implementation.

The Education & Engagement Resident will be an integral part of Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s learning experiences which impact nearly 20,000 students and community members per year. Residency opportunities include teaching 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. The scope of work can evolve and change based on the Education & Engagement Resident’s interests and skills and is designed to increase in responsibility throughout the season. As an active member of the Education & Engagement Department, the Emerging Professional Resident has the opportunity to attend department staff meetings and organization-wide gatherings, including Equity, Diversity and Inclusion training. 

A successful candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to multitask, a keen eye for detail, an interest in generous and thoughtful collaboration, a strong sense of self-motivation, a curious and critical mind and the capacity to demonstrate consistent empathy and professionalism in their work. The candidate should have an enthusiasm for education and community engagement, 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. 

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 2025/26 Season. Applications, including all supplementary materials, will be due in April 2025. 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 Education & Engagement Manager, Xodia Choate, at xchoate@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.

*Please note that the application timeframe for the Costume Construction Residency differs from the Acting and Directing Emerging Professional Residency Program.  Applications will be accepted starting Monday January 6, 2025. Interviews for the position will take place during the month of March in 2025.

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

Workshops: Throughout the season, EPRs participate in a variety of workshops with professionals in the Theatre industry. Past workshops have included Q&As with industry members, intimacy training, union information, contract negotiation, stress and wellness management, how to do your taxes, and a variety of other industry related workshops.

Hours: The Costume Resident works typical shop hours 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: September 2025 – June 2026

*Please note that the application timeframe for the Stage Management Residency differs from the Acting and Directing Emerging Professional Residency Program.  Applications will be accepted starting Monday January 6, 2025. Interviews for the position will take place during the month of March in 2025.

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 multiple venues. This position develops superb skills in the prep, rehearsal, and performance processes of stage manager 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

Workshops: Throughout the season, EPRs participate in a variety of workshops with professionals in the Theatre industry. Past workshops have included Q&As with industry members, intimacy training, union information, contract negotiation, stress and wellness management, how to do your taxes, and a variety of other industry related workshops.

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

September 29, 2025 to June 7, 2026
AND
September 29, 2025 to May 17, 2026

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.