Directing Fellowship

Purpose: To mentor early career directors looking for practical experience, mentorship and résumé building, and to retain talent in Dallas, positioning us as a destination for the performing arts.

Dallas Children's Theater is thrilled to announce the Directing Fellowship at Dallas Children's Theater, in its second year of an initiative for identifying and cultivating promising early career directors. The Directing Fellowship is conceived and led by Artistic Director Emily Ernst, and the 26/27 Fellowship is underwritten by DCT Board President Tara Lewis.

The program was piloted in 2025-2026 with April Zavala who assisted director Alli Betsill on DCT's co-commission and Holiday Rolling World Premiere, The Pigeon Gets A Big Time Holiday Extravaganza! The assistant director will receive a competitive stipend, professional mentorship and an opportunity to connect with TYA colleagues.

The first cohort of three directing fellows will begin this season (2026-2027). They will be selected by application, interview, and writing sample. All members of the 26-27 Cohort will assist on one mainstage production, observe rehearsals, and meet regularly with the Artistic Director and with one another. Fellows will also be able to interact with DCT's internal production team and gain access to the state-of-the-art technology and innovation that allows them to bring the director's vision to life. Directors will also serve on the season selection committee.

The Directing Fellowship furthers DCT's commitment to identifying and fostering emerging talent, providing professional development opportunities, and investing in the next generation of artists in Dallas, and in the field of Theater for Young Audiences.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter about your interest in directing and/or your dream project as a director, the field of Theatre for Young Audiences, to emily.ernst@dct.org