Berkshire Theatre Group

Directing, Design & Technical Direction

Berkshire Theatre Group performing on five stages offers Assistantships in Directing, Design, 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 2013 is $1,000 for Directing Assistantships and $700 for Design, and Technical Direction Assistantships. This tuition does include housing, meal plan and the following benefits.

Directing Assistantship - 5 week program

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 at the Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Unicorn Theatre, Colonial Theatre or The Neil Ellenoff stage.
• Direct a project attended by Berkshire Theatre Group audience or direct the Acting Apprentices in their showcase for the Artistic Director and other company artists.
• Attend Master classes on the Director/Designer process and their relationship in creating a production.
• Observe the 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 Mainstage shows.
– Morgan Stokes, Costume Design Assistantship

• 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 the 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
• Plus see below particular application materials

Particular application materials for:

• Directors: A page describing the type of directing work that most intrigues you and DVD, You Tube link, or photos of most current directing project. 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.

The final deadline for all materials is March 15, 2013. Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail once all their materials have been received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is room and board included?

Yes. Assistantships are housed in dormitory style housing with roommates. 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 seven performances a week. Productions last two, three or four 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 BTG?

Interns from past years are often promoted when openings are available.