Get Involved!
Act 1
Are you a female-identifying* student interested in backstage theater? Click here to sign up.
Act 2
Act 2 is a full year, application-only program for female* high school students entering their Junior or Senior year. Act 2 students attend Broadway shows with post-show talkbacks, tours of scenic/props studios, and are each paired with an industry mentor. The program runs September-May and is completely free.
Applications for the 2020-2021 Act 2 Program are now closed.
Act 3
Launch date TBD. Graduates of the Act 2 program work at paid internships in New York City in the theatrical industry.
*We use an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female” and we welcome trans women, genderqueer women, and non-binary people. We believe in supporting the many intersections of our members’ identities, such as (but not limited to) race, sexual orientation, gender expression, socioeconomic class, and immigrant/indigenous status.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
Young women from New York City*, ages 14-18, interested in learning about career pathways into backstage theatrical arts.
*Due to COVID-19, we'll be taking our programming online until further notice. This will open up the opportunity to include applicants beyond the tri-state area. Email us for more information.
PROGRAMMING
Performances and Career Conversations
Students attend Broadway and off-Broadway performances followed by exclusive question and answer sessions with female backstage professionals (e.g., producers, directors, designers and crew of the show)
Studio Tours
Students have the opportunity to tour scenic studios as a way to provide exposure to the construction and design of theatrical sets, costumes and props (e.g., prop houses, costume shops, construction shops, etc.).
Workshops
Students attend workshops with panels of seasoned professionals discussing the requirements and benefits of memberships in various theatrical unions.
Mentoring and Internships
We connect young women with our vast network of successful female backstage professionals for mentoring and internship opportunities.
Upcoming
Events
Check back soon for upcoming events.
Past
Events
April 7th, 2020
Open Stage Project's Second Annual Union Panel was held virtually on April 7th. To watch the full panel, click here.
March 5th, 2020
On March 5th, Open Stage Project students participated in a performance and backstage tour at The Play that Goes Wrong at New World Stages.
February 20, 2020
Students from Repertory Company High School joined Open Stage Project students for a performance and career conversation at Moulin Rouge! Spectacular spectacular!
May 20th, 2019
On May 20th, students from the Academy for Careers in Television and Film toured Steiner Studios. Located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Steiner Studios is a 580,000 square foot Hollywood-style production and support facility. The studio tour was led by Local 52 member Jenny Kane.
February 19, 2020
During mid-semester break in February, students from Open Stage Project and Laguardia High School attended a female-led tour of Hudson Scenic. This was Open Stage Project's second visit to the shop!
February 12, 2020
Students from Open Stage Project and Edward R. Murrow High School attended an evening performance of Aladdin, followed by a career conversation led by female backstage professionals.
January 27th, 2020
Students from Laguardia High School and the Open Stage Project program attended a tour at 4Wall Entertainment in Moonachie, NJ.
January 8th, 2020
Open Stage Project students joined the Roundabout Theatrical Workforce Development Program for a performance of A Soldier's Play.
January 7th, 2020
Open Stage Project students attended a performance of Oklahoma! followed by a career conversation with female backstage crew. Crew members included the Stage Manager, Head Props Master, Wardrobe Supervisor, and General Manager.
November 26th, 2019
Happy Holidays! Students attended a performance of Slava's Snow Show and a career conversation with female backstage crew, including General Manger Margaret Skoglund. Margaret also serves as the Executive Director of Open Stage Project.
Panel: Breaking Down Broadway
November 19th, 2019
This standing room-only panel was attended by students from schools in all five boroughs, industry professionals, and union representatives. Female panelists included a Producer, Stage Manager, and Press Representative.
November 11th, 2019
In November, Act 2 students toured Propstar, an almost entirely female props shop right in midtown Manhattan! The owner of the shop lead students on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour.
October 18th, 2019
To kick off the fall semester, Act 2 students attended a performance of Wicked at the Gershwin Theater. The show was followed by a career conversation with female backstage crew members.
April 30th, 2019
On April 30th, students from Repertory Company High School for the Arts attended a performance of What the Constitution Means to Me. The performance was followed by a career conversation with female backstage crew, including Open Stage Project Program Director Arabella Powell, the Production Stage Manager for the play.
Event: Union Panel
April 9th, 2019
In April, Open Stage Project hosted the first-ever Female Union Panel to teach young women the benefits and requirements of theater and film unions. This panel brought together professional women in IATSE and AFM, industry professionals, and high school women.
March 27th, 2019
Students from the Academy for Careers in Television and Film attended a performance of Kinky Boots followed by a career conversation with seven female members of the backstage crew.
March 20th, 2019
On March 20th, students from Fordham High School for the Arts attended a performance of Disney's Frozen on Broadway. The performance was followed by a career Q & A with backstage crew members from the audio, stage management, and wardrobe departments.
March 13th, 2019
Along with Company Manager Margaret Skoglund, students from Repertory Company High School attended a technical rehearsal for What the Constitution Means to Me.
March 12th, 2019
Open Stage Project was featured as one of five Changemakers at Women's Day on Broadway. The founder of Open Stage Project, Elsa Ward, was joined on stage by Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts student Nilsa Fitts.
March 6th, 2019
Students from Edward R. Murrow High School attended a performance of The Prom, followed by a career conversation with the Lighting Designer, Stage Manager, and Spotlight Operator.
February 7th, 2019
Open Stage Project toured Hudson Scenic with students from Laguardia High School. Students learned the process of building a set and saw behind-the-scenes work on pieces for Hadestown and Oklahoma!. The tour was led by Carrie, the Production Manager.
December 11, 2018
Students from Repertory Theater High School attended a performance of Once On This Island.