The Tina Packer Women of Will Directing Fellowship
Tina Packer: Artist, Visionary, Leader. Founding Artistic Director of Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Mass., Tina blazed trails as a woman director of Shakespeare, deeply explored the role and development of Shakespeare’s women as an actor, director, educator, and scholar, and authored Women of Will: Following the Feminine in Shakespeare’s Plays. In honor of her accomplishments, Shakespeare & Company created the Tina Packer Women of Will Directing Fellowship to further the development of early-career stage directors who are women, non-binary, or trans, and have a passion for Shakespeare. This fellowship was conceived and funded by Shakespeare & Company actor and training alumnus John Douglas Thompson with matching funds from an anonymous donor and additional gifts from a group of Shakespeare & Company directors mentored and inspired by Tina. The fellowship is also supported by the Tina Packer Legacy Fund.
Full Description and Guidelines
The Women of Will Fellow will be in residence at Shakespeare & Company throughout the summer rehearsal period of a Shakespeare production helmed by an experienced woman, non-binary, or trans director, observing and working as Assistant Director throughout the process.
The 2027 Women of Will Fellowship will be awarded for the Company’s production of The Tempest, directed by Kelly Galvin. The fellowship dates are May 30–July 9. The fellow will receive a stipend of $5,250, domestic round-trip travel reimbursement, and a private room in shared Company housing.
It is our intent that the Fellow will continue to have access to their Mentor Director, the members of an advisory committee of women, non-binary, and trans directors, and other members of Shakespeare & Company following their time in Lenox. Fellows will thus continue to receive nurturing and support for their development as theater artists and Shakespeareans who bring a contemporary and culturally diverse female gaze to the plays and to the theater community. Fellows will join in creating a legacy of Women of Will mentoring others in the field.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Criteria:
Candidates are early-career directors who identify as women, non-binary, or trans. They will have completed their academic training and worked professionally as stage directors for at least three years. They will have a demonstrated interest and some experience in directing Shakespeare.
No specific academic degree is required to apply. However, candidates currently enrolled in full-time degree programs, graduate or undergraduate, may apply only if they will receive their degree by June 2027, and meet the other criteria, including three years of professional stage directing. This work can have taken place before, between, or concurrently with academic training.
“Early-career director” does not imply an age limit, and we appreciate that the trajectory of an artist’s career is not always linear or obvious.
Tina Packer’s life work is rooted in the belief that diverse approaches to and perspectives on Shakespeare illuminate the plays and expand our shared understanding of Shakespeare’s world and our own. We encourage and welcome women, non-binary, and trans directors from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
Timeline:
Applications are due by January 10, 2027, no later than 5 pm Eastern time. We are unable to consider any application submitted late or any incomplete applications. We highly encourage you to submit well ahead of the deadline, in the event of power outages, software problems, or other technical malfunctions.
Semi-finalists will be contacted by mid-February and asked to provide two to three letters of recommendation and an additional production essay. Final interviews will be conducted virtually, and a Fellow will be selected by mid-March.
We will acknowledge receipt of all applications received on time and from eligible candidates. We will notify applicants of their status in the selection process promptly.
Application:
A brief narrative Bio, up to 200 words, and
A resume that includes your directing experience, with dates of productions, other relevant theater experience, and training (academic and other, with dates), not more than two pages.
Please respond to these three questions:
- What is your relationship to Shakespeare? (up to 200 words)
- Why are you interested in this Fellowship at this time in your life and work trajectory? What do you hope to learn and receive, and how do you feel you can contribute to The Tempest company and process? Who are you as a collaborator? (up to 300 words).
- Please describe a production you have directed within the last two years (does not have to be Shakespeare): How did you communicate and realize your vision? What do you feel were your strengths and weaknesses in the process? (500-600 words)
How to Apply
Applications may be emailed to Producing Associate Ariel Bock at abock@shakespeare.org.
Applications are due by January 10, 2027 at 5 pm Eastern time.