June 25 – July 1, 2022

APPLY: https://thekennedycenter.smapply.io/prog/kcdi2022
By June 1, 2022

Nicole A. Watson, Co-Lead Director
Raymond O. Caldwell, Co-Lead Director
Kelsey Mesa, Resident Director

Past Teaching Artists have included Seema Sueko, Raymond O. Caldwell, Kimberly Senior, Ryan Rilette, Will Davis, Lavina Jadhwani, Eleanor Holdridge, Hannah Wolf, Tosin Olufolabi, Sherrice Mojgani, Deb Sivigny, Kimberly Weild, Michael Rau, Chisa Hutchinson, Martine Kei Green-Rogers, Taylor Reynolds, Madeline Sayet, and M. Graham Smith. 

The Kennedy Center Directing Intensive brings together a cohort of like-minded early-career directors to create a supportive community and shared learning experience. The Intensive will engage participants in rigorous conversations, practical activities, and master classes.

NOTE: There will also be an in-person component to the KC Directing Intensive this year, August 10 – 14, in Washington, D.C. Directors who have participated in the virtual intensive (this year or in years past) will be eligible to apply. Space will be limited to 20 directors. The application for this component will be available in early July. 

Interrogating Your Process Before Rehearsals Begin
During this week together, we will explore effective directorial preparation. We will look at the work necessary for a director prior to the first rehearsal: talking to producers, picking a design team, prepping for design meetings, examining the need for this play today, analyzing text, readiness to build a world in collaboration, and gathering stimulating research.

Eligible participants are current university students [undergraduate or graduate] and recent graduates entering the field. Participants should possess a generosity of spirit, dedication to curiosity and learning, and a passion for theatre, as well as a patience for Zoom experiences. 

The program will consist of:

• Daily meetings and discussions with the program’s co-directors and cohort on the realities and practicalities of directing; as well as proposals for change and dream for the future of the field.
• Master classes led by guest directors; 
• Practical sessions on text analysis, crafting a director’s vision, working with actors, and more. 

Participants should expect 4 hours of Zoom-based sessions each day (12:00 – 4:00 PM Eastern), as well as some assignments and group work. Participants should also expect to do some reading and preparation before the start of the first week. 

TUITION: $150*

* Tuition will be invoiced upon acceptance. Young directors may contact Gregg Henry (KCACTF Artistic Director) at GHenry@kennedy-center.org for information regarding Financial Aid. 

To apply, you will need: 

• Short responses to the following questions:
  • Who are you? (I.e., A bio, but not one focused on your professional and educational accomplishments. One that lets us get to know you, your story, and what’s important.) 
  • What kind of theatre do you make?
  • What kind of theatre excites you?
  • What production would you love to direct one day, and why? 
  • What is one big question you have about directing or building a life/career in the arts?
  • What are your strengths as a director? What skills would you like to strengthen?
• A resume of related experience; and
• Contact information for a mentor director who is willing to serve as a reference.

By: June 1, 2022