How
How do I apply?
Applications must be developed by applicants, and submitted by the deadline of Friday, February 23, 2024 at 6pm CT. Please note the time zone. The RLC24 Application Portal will require the applicants to complete the application form and upload a bio or resume/CV of no more than 2 pages and two recommendations. This will help the selection panel to have a sense of your background and work experience.
Applicants are responsible for providing both of their recommenders with the instructions below, their name as written on the application, and the link to the RLC 2024 Recommendation Portal. TCG will not send the link to the recommenders on an applicant’s behalf.
For your convenience, we've provided a list of the application questions. Please note that this list is NOT the application form. It is designed to assist applicants in navigating the application portal with ease, preventing the need to toggle between pages during the application preparation process. Application materials must be submitted via the TCG ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL only.
The RLC program acknowledges that there may be barriers which applicants are facing. Applications are accepted online in English; however, alternatives are possible. Program staff will help applicants navigate challenges related to language and/or technology. To request accommodation or assistance in applying, please contact Raksak Kongseng (she/they) at [email protected], preferably at least two weeks before the application deadline.
Recommender Instructions
Thank you for providing a recommendation for a candidate for the 2024 Rising Leaders of Color (RLC) Program. The program’s structure brings national recognition to a cohort of early-career leaders; creates a learning space for affinity and accountability; and expands their network of empowering relationships with peers and leaders across the country.
RLC acknowledges that leadership takes place throughout the theatre field and its related sectors and is not necessarily defined by a position or title. Previous RLC cohorts have supported leaders working in all areas of the theatre field (including but not limited to artistic, production, administration, and education). Please note that the RLC 2024 cohort will not include individuals specializing in theatre criticism or journalism, as the RLC 2023 national cohort specifically focused on theatre criticism and journalism.
Please share your overall assessment of the candidate and also describe at least one example in which you have experienced this candidate’s skills as a leader and their potential to become change agents impacting the theatre field in a significant way. You should also address your experience of the applicant’s maturity level and ability to adapt to change. It is possible that members of the selection panel will not be familiar with the applicant’s work — therefore, your assessment will carry considerable influence.
You can submit your recommendation in one of the following formats:
- An audio or video recording of no more than 5 minutes;
- A PDF letter of no more than 2 pages (additional pages will not be forwarded to the panel); or
- A text submission of no more than 1,000 words.
Your recommendation must be submitted by you, not the applicant. Please submit your recommendation via the RLC 2024 Recommendation Portal by the deadline of Friday, February 23, 2024 at 6pm CT. Please note the time zone.
How are the RLC 24 participants selected?
Applications will be reviewed through a competitive narrative and interview process by an independent and diverse selection panel composed of theatre professionals from across the U.S.
The selection process will take place in two stages:
Stage 1: Based on the panel’s evaluation of each applicant’s proposal, including two statements of recommendation, finalists will be selected to participate in an online interview.
Stage 2: If invited to the final stage of the selection process, finalists must be available for a 45-minute online interview with the selection panel to be scheduled on either April 15, 16, or 17, 2024.
RLC applicants must demonstrate:
- Talent, skills, and professional experience as an early-career leader;
- Maturity, flexibility, and ability to adapt to change;
- Degree to which the program will impact the participant;
- Potential to take on greater leadership responsibilities;
- Potential for positive impact on the theatre field;
- Commitment to anti-racism and EDI in their work;
- Commitment to a career in the U.S. not-for-profit theatre.
Applicants must clearly articulate why this is the right time in their career to participate in the program, and how this program will impact them and advance their career in the theatre field.