Applications for the 2025-2026 Phifer-Collins Stage Management Fellowship are now open! Receive Hands-On Experience for San Diego’s Emerging Stage Managers!
The Phifer-Collins Stage Management Fellowship provides hands-on, paid or credited production experience for early-career theatre professionals pursuing a career in stage management. Through this fellowship, we aim to support the next generation of diverse theatre artists and provide access to professional experiences for ANYONE that has the passion for creating a career in the theatre.
Click Here to Apply!
About Anthony Collins
Phifer-Collins is a performer, arts advocate, and former stage manager born and raised in Oceanside, CA, and now based out of San Diego, CA. He has worked at a number of theaters across San Diego county at both the college and professional level. Among them is New Village Arts.
New Village Arts holds a special place in his heart, as it was the place he began his professional career back in 2010. Under the leadership of Kristianne Kurner, he was given the opportunity to gain invaluable experience as a stage manager. In partnering with New Village Arts, Anthony hopes to support the next generation of stage managers by creating accessible opportunities to gain professional experience for anyone no matter their background.
Position Overview
Acting as an Assistant Stage Manager for one (1) main stage production, the Fellow will be an active participant in the full production process and will learn all aspects of the work of a stage manager. They will be involved in:
- Production meetings
- Daily rehearsals (except music rehearsal, more detail below)
- Understudy rehearsals
- Production communication
- Production documentation (schedules, prompt book management, blocking notation, cue notation, props tracking, and more!)
- Technical rehearsals
- Regular Performances
Depending on the needs of the production, the Fellow may also have the opportunity to observe the calling of the show during run-throughs and/or regular performances.
Expectations
The Stage Management Fellowship is typically 9-weeks long (4 weeks of rehearsal (every rehearsal except for music rehearsals, unless otherwise approved) + 5+ weeks of performances) and requires a 30-hour per week commitment.
The Fellow’s schedule will follow that of the rehearsal and performance schedule. Fellows must be available for the full rehearsal and performance period (unless determined otherwise by company management).
For the 2-3 week rehearsal period, work days are Tuesdays through Sundays.
For the 5+-week performance period, work days are Thursdays through Sundays.
NOTE: All fellowships have the potential to extend in accordance with show extensions. If an extension is under consideration, company management will work with the Fellow to determine availability and extension pay.
Compensation
$17.00/Hour, 30 Hours/Week for 10+ Weeks
Qualifications
& Required Skills
- Must be 18 years old at the start of the fellowship and legally authorized to work in the United States
- While a college degree is not required, we ask that applicants have some practical knowledge and experience in theater.
Academic Credit
To receive academic credit, it is the Fellow’s responsibility to coordinate this with their institution. NVA is happy to complete any necessary paperwork required by the Fellow’s institution.
Available Productions & Dates
RENT
- First Rehearsal: September 23, 2025
- Designer Run: October 22, 2025
- Previews: October 31 – November 7, 2025
- Opening Night: November 8, 2025
- Performance Dates: October 31 – December 24, 2025
HAIRSPRAY
- First Rehearsal: April 28, 2026
- Designer Run: May 27, 2026
- Previews: June 5-12, 2026
- Opening Night: June 13, 2026
- Performance Dates: June 5 – July 19, 2026
Additional Fellowship Benefits
- Mentorship with NVA Resident Stage Manager, Nathan Waits
- One-on-one professional development session with Anthony Collins
- Access to NVA’s full administrative and artistic staff, including participation in staff meetings
- Inclusion in all Dea Hurston Fellowship events and networking opportunities
- “Work-a-Week” experience with the Production Team: shadow Kristianne Kurner, Kali Boston, or Marcus Rico as they guide the production you’ll be assistant stage managing
Click Here to Apply!
For more information about the 2025-2026 Phifer-Collins Stage Management Fellowship,
please contact Kali Boston at kali@newvillagearts.org.