REGISTER ONLINE BY DECEMBER 31, 2025!

Both realized and non-realized/paper projects are eligible to be considered for National Selection.

DTM Expo: Stage Management Fellowship

The Stage Management Fellowship offers student stage managers from the Region a chance to talk to professionals in the field about a recent project. The guest Respondents will provide feedback and details to inform and improve the presenter’s process. Prior to the Festival Conference, presenters will create project materials in a digital format and upload them with their event registration for the Respondents to review. At the Festival Conference, presenters will participate in an in-person, formal, timed session to share their work with the Respondents.

One student in each region will be selected to attend the National Festival as a Stage Management Fellow. Stage Management Fellowship participants are not required to stage manage an event at the Festival Conference.

Looking for Design or Allied Design & Technology? Go here for Design and Technology at the DTM Expo.

Extra Festival Opportunity! Any stage management student who has an interest in helping out with the Festival Conference operations can apply to participate in the Stage Management Intensive program. This opportunity has a separate application from the DTM Expo Stage Management Fellowship.

Stage Management Intensive

Stage Managers Run the World – Present your work!

What is it?

As a Stage Management Fellowship participant, you will present a realized stage management project to a team of professional theatre stage management Respondents in a timed event. Your presentation should include talking points and materials which clearly tell the story of your process, evolution, rehearsal, and realization of the project. Using your Prompt book/calling script, you will lead the responders through your process as part of your presentation. What were your successes? What were your challenges? What are you proud of accomplishing? What did you learn?

See the How to Prepare section for suggestions on what to include in your presentation materials.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

Have stage managed for a fully realized production/project at their home institution in the previous calendar year (January 2025-December 2025), but is not limited to digital productions/readings, face to face productions, and other projects
Be registered for and attend the Regional Festival to showcase your project and participate in response sessions

I’m going to go for it – How do I register?

Register for the Festival Conference
Register for this event on the DTM registration page
Prepare your materials
Submit the online portion of your prepared materials

Materials to Submit

A Letter of Intent/Cover Letter in PDF format including:

Name
Event/play/piece title with playwright’s name
Brief statement of your view of the “stage manager’s approach” that includes the following information:
- Brief statement about how you approach stage management
- Why you wish to participate in the Regional Festival Conference
- Your future goals as a stage manager

To create a neutral environment for the Respondents, do not include the name of your school.

How to Prepare

Stage Management Fellowship participants need to prepare two things to participate.

A slide deck presentation (maximum of 16 slides) to be featured on the DTM Expo Website. This will be uploaded with your registration.
Project materials to be presented in-person at the Festival Conference. Visit the DTM How to Prepare page for more information.

DTM How to Prepare - Stage Management

Special Recognition (Affiliated Awards):

In addition to recognition of outstanding work in each of the above categories, there are also additional special recognitions given at the Regional Festival Conference. Each year offers different opportunities. Past opportunities have included a fully funded trip to the national United
States Institute for Theatre Technology Conference, books from publishers such as McGraw Hill, a large theatrical makeup kit from Mehron Makeup, and many others. Recognition and awards will be announced and presented at the Awards Ceremony on the last day of Festival Conference.