Allen Lee Hughes Fellowship (Costume, Lighting, Sound, Multimedia Design tracks)

Arena Stage's Allen Lee Hughes Fellowship, founded in 1990 and named for the lighting designer who began at Arena as an electrician, is a full-time professional training pipeline for emerging theatre professionals, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Fellows spend 38-43 weeks (August to May) embedded in a department such as costumes, lighting, sound, or multimedia design, with a supervisor, a senior mentor, and a training programs manager, and receive a $700 weekly stipend, professional development workshops, monthly meetings with leadership, and complimentary tickets. Recent graduates and career changers are encouraged to apply; housing is not provided.

Recent graduates and career changers; candidates from underrepresented communities encouraged. 2026/27 tracks include Costume, Lighting, Sound, Multimedia Design plus artistic/administrative tracks. Stage Management was offered in prior seasons but is not listed for 2026/27.

Founded 1990; named for lighting designer Allen Lee Hughes. 2026/27 application deadline was March 27, 2026. Questions: training@arenastage.org. | Arena's Opportunities page (verified) says applications are OPEN for the 2026/27 Season Cohort. Detailed fellowship page did not render; stipend and deadline should be confirmed at arenastage.org/fellowship.