The Act 2 Fellowship is a paid workforce development program specifically designed for young creative professionals. Act 2 Fellows develop their SEL competencies and employability skills through instruction, mentoring, and practical application in individual and group projects. Each fellow works with Act 2 staff and an individual mentor working in their chosen field work toward goals that will set them up for professional success. In addition, the cohort of Act 2 Fellows works together to produce and facilitate events for the broader Opening Act community, serving as alumni ambassadors for the organization. 

Job Description:  

Opening Act is seeking dynamic, passionate, and motivated alumni to join our team for a 9-month fellowship (October 2021 - June 2022). Regular responsibilities for the fellowship will include:

Professional Creative Project: Each fellow will identify a project that will move them closer to their professional, academic, and/or artistic goals and will work throughout the fellowship toward benchmarks for the completion of that project. They will work with staff members and follow cohort members to create a detailed plan, and then will be matched with a professional mentor to support them through the process. 

Cohort Meetings: All Act 2 Fellows are required to attend monthly in-person cohort meetings, which will include check-ins about Professional Creative Projects, planning for upcoming events, and training from staff and guest speakers.

Follow-Up Assignments: As a follow-up to topics covered in the cohort meeting, Act 2 Fellows will be given an assignment to complete by the end of the month. This assignment will be reviewed by Act 2 Staff and shared with the fellow’s mentor.

Mentor Meetings: At least once a month, Act 2 Fellows will meet with their mentors, virtually or in-person, to discuss their progress toward their Professional Creative Project and discuss other professional, academic, and artistic goals.

Act 2 Staff Check-Ins: Monthly check-ins with Act 2 staff will include discussion of fellowship responsibilities, progress toward building employability skills and social-emotional capacities, and work on the Professional Creative Project.

Opening Act Events: Throughout the year, Act 2 Fellows will help to produce and staff important events for the organization. They will be paid hourly and given assignments, whenever possible, that align with their professional interests and goals.

Act 2 Fellows will report to the Associate Director of Act 2 and Alumni Development.  This position will involve remote and in-person responsibilities in New York City locations. In-person responsibilities will include filming online content, working events, and providing support for YesFest weekend.

Schedule and Time Commitment

This is a part-time job, and is designed specifically to fit with the other professional, academic, and creative pursuits. The commitments expected from an Act 2 Fellow for a typical month will include:

• Act 2 Fellows Cohort Meeting*

• Follow-Up Assignments

• Check-In with Act 2 Staff*

• Mentor Meeting

• Professional Creative Project

• Opening Act Events (varies by month, see below)*

*Scheduled commitments paid hourly. All other commitments paid with monthly stipend.

Applicants must be available for the following dates:

Interviews September 13 or 14

Orientation October 6-7, 13-14 - 4:00-6:00*

November Meeting November 3 - 4:00-6:00*

December Meeting December 1 - 4:00-6:00*

Act 2 Summit December 3 - 9:00-5:00

January Meeting January 5 - 4:00-6:00*

Reunion January 12 - 3:00-8:00

February Meetings February 3, 4 - 4:00-6:00*

March Meeting March 2 - 4:00-6:00*

Soiree TBD March

April 6 Meeting April 6 - 4:00-6:00*

Play Reading Gala TBD April

May Meeting May 4 - 4:00-6:00*

YesFest May 18-21 - Hours TBD

Fellowship Graduation June 1 - 4:00-6:00*

*The scheduled cohort meetings may be adjusted, depending on conflicts indicated on applications (so make sure to list conflicts!) but will be locked in by the time offer letters are extended.

Compensation:

Hourly pay for scheduled meetings/events: $20.00/hr. (approx. 100 hrs during fellowship). Monthly stipend for completing individual work: $230.00 per month (nine months, $2070 total).

A laptop computer will be provided for Act 2 Fellows’ use during the course of the fellowship, if needed.

Position Requirements:

Successful candidates must have graduated from high school or finished their equivalency in the past five years and attended one of Opening Act’s programs as a student.

Deadline to apply: September 4, 2022, 11:59 PM EST

If you have any additional questions, please contact matthew@openingact.org