CLOSING THE GENDER GAP BEHIND-THE-SCENES

Open Stage Project is a New York nonprofit offering free afterschool programs and paid fellowships to young women and non-binary students in film, TV, and theater.

THE PROGRAM

ACT 1

EDUCATE

High school girls and non-binary students learn about behind-the-scenes jobs in free interactive seminars led by industry professionals.

ACT 2

MENTOR

A free, year-long after-school program in which students receive 1-on-1 mentoring with women in behind-the-scenes careers.

ACT 3

EMPOWER

Act 3 fellows earn money while gaining hands-on experience in film, TV, and theater in this customized fellowship.

LEARN MORE

"Open Stage Project is changing the future of theatrical storytelling by breaking down gender barriers and equipping young women with skills for long-lasting careers in entertainment."

— Susan Hilferty, Wicked costume designer

A woman with short white hair and glasses wearing a long floral coat, a white shirt, black shorts, black tights, and knee-high black boots, standing on a pink carpet in front of a tropical foliage backdrop with large green leaves and the words 'TONY AWARDS'.

THE CURRENT SITUATION

13%

OF THE TOP-PAID CREW JOBS ON BROADWAY HELD BY WOMEN. CARPENTERS (6%), PROPS (24%), ELECTRICIANS (15%), SOUND (8%).

(Source: ProductionPro)

"Theater Jobs Skew White and Male"

— The New York Times

0

FEMALE GAFFERS WERE EMPLOYED ON HOLLYWOOD'S TOP 250 FILMS FROM 2016-2018.

(Source: USC Annenberg)

23%

OF ALL CINEMATOGRAPHERS, DIRECTORS, WRITERS, PRODUCERS, AND EDITORS WORKING ON THE TOP 250 FILMS OF 2024 WERE WOMEN.

(Source: Celluloid Ceiling)

OUR IMPACT

500+

STUDENTS REACHED FROM 83 NYC SCHOOLS.

100+

STUDENT TRIPS TO SHOPS, SHOWS, AND SKILL BUILDING WORKSHOPS.

93%

STUDENT FELLOWS HAVE RECEIVED JOB OFFERS.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

RACHEL

“Because of Open Stage Project, I can see a path forward as a woman in the entertainment industry.”

RUTH

“Open Stage Project gave me the knowledge of behind-the-scenes careers in theater and gave me the opportunity to succeed.”

JOLIE

“Because of Open Stage Project, I got to learn from so many people and accomplish so much.”

GABBY

“The practical experience Open Stage Project gave me was the turning point that made me realize: I can do this.”

FEATURED PARTNERS

FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS

Open Stage Project is the recipient of a Cultural Development Fund Grant from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

Open Stage Project’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.