What
What is the Rising Leaders of Color program?
The Rising Leaders of Color (RLC) Program is a core TCG professional development program for BIPOC, and is an expansion and re-envisioning of TCG’s Young Leaders of Color Program (YLC) which launched in 2008 and TCG’s SPARK Leadership 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 leaders across the country.
In 2024, RLC will form a cohort of six exceptionally talented early-career leaders of color from Chicago, IL who are advancing their careers in the U.S. not-for-profit theatre and related sectors, and who demonstrate the potential to impact the field in a positive way.
Activities will span from May 2024 through June 2025:
- Late May 2024 (online): Two-Part orientation meeting. The exact meeting dates will be announced at the time of notification. A detailed agenda will be provided in advance of each event.
- June 19 - 23, 2024 (in-person): Professional development workshops and events in Chicago during the 2024 TCG National Conference.
- July - October 2024 and February - June 2025: Individual coaching, full cohort meetings, and professional development webinars on topics selected specifically for the needs of the cohort.
Please visit the TCG National Conference page for the full agenda.
What happens during the RLC program?
Beginning with the two-part orientation meeting in late May 2024, RLC participants will undergo values clarification training, and explore how an individual’s values can serve to sustain a career in the theatre field over time. The curriculum will also include training designed to deepen the participants’ analysis of anti-racism and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and identify where they can serve in allyship within the theatre field and beyond.
The RLC cohort will be highlighted in TCG’s Spotlight On programming at the Conference, including networking opportunities and coverage in American Theatre Magazine and TCG’s website.
The program activity period is divided into two parts: May - October 2024 and resuming February - June 2025. Activities will be a combination of individual coaching and reflection; full cohort meetings and webinars on selected topics; and conversations with field leaders.
TCG recognizes the unique journey early-career leaders will have in the theatre field, and will provide areas of support during the program period and beyond. TCG program staff will help participants navigate challenging situations in the workplace and identify ways in which their differences can be used as strengths to help them exercise leadership.
Note: Scheduled RLC activities are considered professional commitments. Participation is required in real time, with the exception of specific online webinars which are recorded for viewing at a later date.
What will RLC provide?
- A full registration scholarship to attend the 2024 TCG National Conference in Chicago;
- Local transportation and meals during Conference programming (Note that housing during the Conference will not be provided.);
- Professional development workshops during the Conference and the 2024 - 25 program period;
- Networking opportunities with veteran leaders in the field and a national network of peers;
- One-on-one career counseling with TCG staff;
- One-year subscription to American Theatre magazine (online);
- One-year subscription to ARTSEARCH®;
- RLC specific resources including publications and other reference materials.