Forbes Center for the Performing Arts Fellowships 

James Madison University’s Forbes Center for the Performing Arts seeks applicants for stage management, technical operations and production management fellowships.

Fellowship Overview

The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts fellowships provide advanced, hands-on training in production management and stage management for recent college graduates and early career professionals.

Under the mentorship of staff members, fellows work side by side on over 200 performances per year and are given a springboard to a career in the performing arts. Visit www.jmuforbescenter.com.

Forbes Center fellowships begin September 3, 2023 and run through May 12, 2024. All fellowships require a season-long commitment.

Fellows will each receive a stipend total of $15,225.00 for the 36 week contract which will be paid in increments bi-weekly. Fellows enjoy four weeks of holiday break; Thanksgiving, Winter break (2 weeks) and Spring break. The fellow will not work more than 40 hours per week with an average of 29 hours per week across the season. Housing and benefits are not included.

Completed fellowship applications are accepted via JMU’s online application system only: https://joblink.jmu.edu. (Applicants must apply to each fellowship they are interested in being considered for.)

About College of Visual and Performing arts, the Forbes Center and the area:

The Forbes Center opened in 2010 and quickly established itself as the premiere destination for world-class theatre, dance and music entertainment in the Shenandoah Valley. The venue hosts internationally recognized professional artists, renowned faculty members and emerging young talent from JMU’s School of Music and School of Theatre and Dance. James Madison University is a public, comprehensive university. JMU is located approximately 2 hours south of Washington D.C.

Production Management Fellowship

Duties & Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Production Services Manager and the Technical and Operations Coordinator, the fellow will participate in the process of scheduling, creating and updating the production calendar, assisting with load-ins and load-outs, providing technical support for events at the Center and other duties as assigned. All fellows work in their chosen concentration plus as technical production support for over 200 performances a year. Daily activities may include show prep, show running, general maintenance, and basic support for production office operations. Work hours will be irregular and will include early morning, evening and weekend calls.

Qualifications:
Ideal candidates will have a broad knowledge and experience in technical theatre as well as solid organizational and computer skills. Familiarity with Google calendar and Microsoft office is preferred. Candidates must be able to multi-task, be highly organized, show initiative, take direction well, and work well as part of a team as well as independently.

To Apply: Visit https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/14902 or go to joblink.jmu.edu and reference posting S3243.

Stage Management Fellowship

Duties & Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Production Services Manager and the Technical and Operations Coordinator, the fellow will stage manage student recitals, School of Music ensemble performances, opera programs, partnership events, and touring professional events. The fellow will take part in the rehearsal process, technical rehearsals and take notes. This demanding fellowship requires strong organizational and verbal skills, computer skills, and stage management experience. Candidates must be able to multi-task, be highly organized, show initiative, take direction well, work independently when necessary, and exhibit an ability to work as part of a team. All fellows work in their chosen concentration plus as technical production support for performances. Daily activities may include show prep, show running, general maintenance, and basic support for production office operations. Work hours will be irregular and will include early morning, evening and weekend calls.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have experience stage managing theatrical and music productions. Experience with bands, orchestras and choirs is beneficial. An undergraduate degree in the arts is preferred.

To Apply: Visit https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/14901 or go to joblink.jmu.edu and reference posting S3242.

Theatre Technical Operations Fellowship

Duties & Responsibilities:
Mentored by the Production Services Manager and the Technical and Operations Coordinator, the fellow will set up and operate sound, lighting and staging equipment for a variety of professional and university productions. The fellow will participate in equipment maintenance, advancing events, and stage management of select performances. Daily activities may include event prep, show running, general maintenance, and basic office operations. Work hours will be irregular and include early morning, evening, and weekend calls.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have experience working with theatrical lighting including ETC instruments and lighting consoles. Experience with audio equipment including wireless microphones is preferred. An undergraduate degree in the arts is preferred.

To Apply: Visit https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/14903 or go to joblink.jmu.edu and reference posting S3244

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.