Job Details

ABOUT THE FAIR EXPERIENCE

The Fellowship, Assistantship, Internship, and Residency (FAIR) Experience at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival offers meaningful professional development for aspiring, emerging, mid-career, and established artists, artisans, and arts administrators. Founded in 2005 by Artistic Director Tim Bond, The FAIR Experience was created with the mission of creating a doorway in Southern Oregon to access training in the field. As the oldest and largest repertory theater in the U.S., OSF offers a unique learning environment shaped by our repertory model, where participants engage with experienced professionals across disciplines. FAIR empowers the next generation of theater practitioners to build lasting careers and contribute to the evolving field of American theater.

FAIR Statement of Purpose

The FAIR Experience at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival promotes equity and diversity within the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the field of American theatre at large, while generating the conditions of belonging and support within an enriching professional development environment.

FAIR is designed to honor OSF's commitment to including diverse people, ideas, cultures, and traditions in all areas of our work. We encourage people of diverse identities to apply.

FAIR Program Structure

The FAIR Experience is an educational opportunity that fosters artistic growth, learning & development, and engagement through a range of experiences. At the core of the program are the FAIR Forums, where participants explore interdisciplinary topics that bridge inquiry and practice. These forums, along with experiential activities like changeover viewings and production tours, provide insight into OSF's repertory process and broader artistic landscape. You will also be given a schedule of educational activities to attend alongside your 2025 FAIR cohort. The season culminates in a capstone, encouraging participants to reflect, create, and give back through a flexible range of creative or administrative contributions.

Learning Expectations:

• Engage in weekly FAIR Forums
• Participate in supplemental activities, including meet-and-greets, hall runs, production tours, and changeovers.
• Complete a capstone by the end of the season.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The FAIR Assistant Director position provides early to mid-career theater practitioners with a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in professional directing at a major repertory theater. Participants will assist one or more directors on OSF productions throughout the 2026 season. This immersive assistantship is designed to expose participants to the artistic, collaborative, and logistical dimensions of mounting a production in a rotating repertory model.

Exact production assignments and the total number of assistant directors will be determined based on season needs and ongoing planning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities will vary depending on the needs of the director and production team, and may include:

• Taking and organizing rehearsal notes
• Engaging in artistic discussion with the director outside of rehearsals
• Participants will work closely with producers, the Artistic team, Stage Management, and the Production department.
• Participate in rehearsals, tech, previews, and creative team meetings
• Engage in cross-departmental collaboration and observe the OSF repertory process

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree or 2-3 years of equivalent professional theater experience
• Prior assistant directing experience at a professional level
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Emotional intelligence, maturity, and the ability to work respectfully in dynamic creative spaces
• Clear and professional communication skills

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

• This position will require evening and weekend work.
• Start dates vary based on the 2026 season production schedule.

COMPENSATION:

• Weekly stipend of $500

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please read the following carefully before beginning your application:

• It is strongly recommended that you gather all required materials in advance, including resumes, statements, letters of recommendation, and media files (if applicable).
• You will be asked to upload several documents. Ensure that they are saved in PDF format only. Files in .txt, .jpeg, or other formats may not be processed properly and may prevent full consideration of your application.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please read the following carefully before beginning your application:

• You may make revisions while completing the form, and you will have the opportunity to review your submission before sending.
• It is strongly recommended that you gather all required materials in advance, including resumes, statements, letters of recommendation, and media files (if applicable).
• You will be asked to upload several documents. Ensure that they are saved in PDF format only. Files in .txt, .jpeg, or other formats may not be processed properly and may prevent full consideration of your application.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

All documents must be uploaded in PDF format.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

1. Resume

Include relevant experience and indicate Equity-level productions (if applicable).

2. Cover Letter (1-2 pages)

Your cover letter should address:

• Why you are interested in working at OSF
• Your interests and accomplishments in your chosen discipline
• How the FAIR Experience aligns with your artistic and/or professional goals

3. Two Letters of Recommendation

Letters must come from professional or academic references. Each letter must be uploaded individually in PDF format.

4. Artistic or Personal Statement (1-3 pages)

A reflective document outlining your personal voice, values, and vision as an artist, artisan, or arts administrator.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.