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The Kaleidoscope Dreams Fellowship connects early-career professionals to paid Broadway-level work experiences in order to help emerging artists from underrepresented communities develop sustainable careers in the arts.

2026 Kaleidoscope Dreams Fellowship

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, July 31, 2026.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

Fellowship overview

Kaleidoscope Dreams Foundation (KDF) believes that sustainable careers in the arts are built on equitable professional development opportunities. The Kaleidoscope Dreams Fellowship connects early-career professionals to paid Broadway-level work experiences in order to help emerging artists from underrepresented communities develop sustainable careers in the arts.

For the 2026 KDF Fellowship, we are building a cohort of five (5) emerging New York-based theater artists who are committed to developing and applying their craft in service of something larger than themselves. 


In partnership with the upcoming Broadway musical WANTED, each fellow will be placed in a specific track in the production where they will develop their skills while working under the guidance of their mentors. Simultaneously, fellows will participate in a KDF-designed curriculum that deepens their understanding of what it means to be a socially engaged artist. In partnership with a network of organizations, KDF provides fellows with mentorship, training, resources, and hands-on experience as they build careers that are both professionally sustainable and socially rooted.


The following tracks are available:

Kaleidoscope Dreams Foundation is seeking a Community Partnerships Fellow to work on the upcoming Broadway musical, WANTED. Working under the guidance of assigned mentor, Sammy Lopez, the Fellow will support community engagement and audience development efforts with the P3 Productions team, while helping to foster an inclusive, responsive, and values-driven public presence for the production.

We’re looking for a people-centered collaborator with strong communication and organizational skills, who brings creativity, curiosity, and a passion for building authentic relationships with local communities.

Eligibility

This Fellowship is intended for emerging New York-based theater artists from underrepresented communities who are interested in building a career in the arts and see their practice being in service of community. 


Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in planning and executing community engagement events and activities related to the Broadway production of WANTED
  • Support outreach to local organizations, schools, and community partners
  • Participate in meetings with engagement and marketing teams
  • Help develop written and visual materials for public-facing communications
  • Support the documentation, archiving, and evaluation of engagement efforts
  • Develop a metrics-based system to capture the impact of community engagement
  • Attend rehearsals, performances, and public events as required
  • Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive working environment
 
Qualifications & Desired Experience
  • Prior experience with community engagement, arts administration, public programming, or organizing is a plus
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Comfortable interacting with a wide range of people and communities
  • Organized, reliable, and able to work independently and collaboratively
  • Familiarity with Google Suite, social media platforms, and basic design tools is helpful
  • A flexible, proactive mindset and a commitment to equity and inclusion

Kaleidoscope Dreams Foundation is seeking a Script and Dramaturgy Fellow to work on the upcoming Broadway musical WANTED. Working under the guidance of assigned mentor, Angelica Chéri, the Fellow will support the script development process and contribute to dramaturgical research while helping to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and equitable creative process.

We’re looking for a people-centered collaborator with strong communication and organizational skills, who brings creativity, curiosity, and a passion for dramaturgy and script development to the space.


Eligibility

This Fellowship is intended for emerging New York-based theater artists from underrepresented communities who are interested in building a career in the arts and see their practice being in service of community. 


Key Responsibilities
  • Assist in the tracking of script revisions
  • Record rehearsal and performance notes
  • Participate in meetings with the creative team 
  • Support the dramaturgical research process
  • Attend rehearsals and performances as required
  • Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive working environment


Qualifications & Desired Experience

  • Prior experience with dramaturgy and play development
  • Demonstrated interest in musical theatre, with experience in musicals, music, or musical storytelling strongly preferred
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Comfortable interacting with a wide range of people and communities
  • Organized, reliable, and able to work independently and collaboratively
  • Familiarity with Google Suite
  • A flexible, proactive mindset and a commitment to equity and inclusion

Kaleidoscope Dreams Foundation is seeking a Lighting Design Fellow to work on the upcoming Broadway musical WANTED. Working under the guidance of assigned mentor, Adam Honoré, the Fellow will support the lighting design team and help foster a collaborative, inclusive, and equitable creative process.

Ideal candidates are motivated, organized, and collaborative, with strong communication skills and a flexible, team-oriented approach.


Eligibility

This Fellowship is intended for emerging New York-based theater artists from underrepresented communities who are interested in building a career in the arts and see their practice being in service of community. 


Key Responsibilities

  • Observe and assist the lighting design team in preparing complete designs, concepts, and specifications for the production
  • Support the lighting team during load-in and the installation of lighting elements at the theatre
  • Attend technical rehearsals, cast rehearsals, and preview performances as required by the Lighting Designer or Producer
  • Meet and consult with production personnel as designated by the Lighting Designer or Producer
  • Assist the lighting design team with various additional tasks as needed


Qualifications & Desired Experience

  • Prior experience in a creative capacity within theater, live performance, or lighting is a plus
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  • Availability for evening and weekend work as needed
  • Reliable, punctual, and able to complete tasks independently and collaboratively
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Demonstrated emotional intelligence (self-awareness, empathy, motivation, etc.)
  • A naturally curious mindset and the ability to manage up when needed
  • Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and across departments

Kaleidoscope Dreams Foundation is seeking a Projection Design Fellow to work on the upcoming Broadway musical WANTED. Working under the guidance of assigned mentor, Stefania Bulbarella, the Fellow will support the projection design team and help foster a collaborative, inclusive, and equitable creative process.

Ideal candidates are motivated, organized, and collaborative, with strong communication skills and a flexible, team-oriented approach.


Eligibility

This Fellowship is intended for emerging New York-based theater artists from underrepresented communities who are interested in building a career in the arts and see their practice being in service of community. 


Key Responsibilities

  • Observe and assist the projection design team in preparing complete designs, concepts, and specifications for the projection design of the production.
  • Observe and assist in the overseeing of the load-in and installation of the related projection elements in the theatre.
  • Attending the load-in, technical rehearsals, cast stage rehearsals, and preview performances, as required by the Projection Designer or Producer.
  • Meeting and consulting with various production personnel 
  • Assisting the projection design team with various tasks as needed.


Qualifications & Desired Experience

  • Prior experience in a creative capacity within theater or live performance is a plus
  • Familiarity with Adobe After Effects and other Adobe Creative Suite programs (Photoshop, Illustrator)
  • Availability for evening and weekend work as needed
  • Reliable, punctual, and able to complete tasks independently and collaboratively
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Demonstrated emotional intelligence (self-awareness, empathy, motivation, etc.)
  • A naturally curious mindset and the ability to manage up when needed
  • Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and across departments

Kaleidoscope Dreams Foundation is seeking a Scenic Design Fellow to work on the upcoming Broadway musical WANTED. This Fellowship is a paid opportunity for an early-career scenic artist to contribute meaningfully to the premiere of an original Broadway production. Working under the guidance of assigned mentor, scenic designer Beowulf Boritt, associate scenic designer Alexis Distler, assistant set designer Shartoya Jn.Baptiste, and Props supervisor Lauren Page Russell, the Fellow will observe and support the scenic design team, while helping to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and equitable creative process.

Ideal candidates are motivated, organized, and collaborative, with strong communication skills and a flexible, team-oriented approach.


Eligibility

This Fellowship is intended for emerging New York-based theater artists from underrepresented communities who are interested in building a career in the arts and see their practice being in service of community. 


Key Responsibilities

  • Observe and assist in overseeing the load-in and installation of the scenery, properties, stage settings, and related scenic elements in the theatre.
  • Attending the load-in, technical rehearsals, cast stage rehearsals, and preview performances, as required by the Scenic Designer or Producer.
  • Meeting and consulting with various production personnel as may be designated by the Scenic Designer, Props Supervisor or Producer.
  • Assisting the scenic design team with various tasks as needed.

 

Qualifications & Desired Experience

  • Prior experience in a creative capacity within theater or live performance is a plus
  • Strongly encouraged industry skills, including but not limited to Adobe Photoshop, Vectorworks or AutoCAD, and Cinema4D, etc.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  • Availability for evening and weekend work as needed
  • Reliable, punctual, and able to complete tasks independently and collaboratively
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Demonstrated emotional intelligence (self-awareness, empathy, motivation, etc.)
  • A naturally curious mindset and the ability to manage up when needed
  • Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and across departments
TIMELINE & COMPENSATION

Application Closes: July 31, 2026
Fellows Notified: August 14, 2026
WANTED Fellowship Dates: September 1 – November 10, 2026

Fellows are expected to be available for the full duration of the Fellowship. All Fellows will receive compensation of $1300/week during the 10-week Fellowship period.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Prior experience in a creative capacity within theater or live performance is a plus
  • Strongly encouraged industry skills related to specific track
  • Interest in connecting craft to community-oriented work
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  • Availability for evening and weekend work as needed
  • Reliable, punctual, and able to complete tasks independently and collaboratively
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Demonstrated emotional intelligence (self-awareness, empathy, motivation, etc.)
  • A naturally curious mindset and the ability to manage up when needed
  • Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and across departments
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

A complete application includes:

  • A resume 
  • A one (1) page personal statement that touches on:
    • Your artistic practice and previous training
    • Your career goals
    • What you hope to gain from the Fellowship
    • How you imagine your artistry serving community 
  • Contact Information for two (2) professional and/or academic references


You may also include:

  • Any links to portfolios, websites, etc.


If you need accessibility accommodations or have any questions regarding the application, please reach out to info@kd-foundation.org. 

 
The deadline to submit an application is Friday, July 31, 2026.

 To apply, please click here.

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Compensation
All Fellows will be compensated at a weekly rate of $1300 while working on assigned productions during the Fellowship period. 

Professional Mentorship & Work Experience
Each Fellow will work on a professional production, engaging in hands-on work alongside professionals within their respective artistic disciplines. Through this, they will have the opportunity to sharpen their skills and familiarize themselves with the ecosystem of commercial Broadway productions. Fellows will be paired with a mentor in their particular role who will guide their work and delegate tasks and responsibilities during the fellowship period. Mentors will be asked to provide additional learning opportunities and guidance as they see fit.

Fellow Orientation
Before the first week of rehearsal, KDF will convene all Fellows for an orientation. Fellows will meet with KDF staff, build rapport with their cohort, and be introduced to the resources, network, and connections available through KDF.

Weekly Fellowship Meetings
Each week, Fellows will engage in sessions designed and facilitated by KDF staff and guest speakers. These sessions will enhance industry knowledge, expand professional networks, and support long-term career sustainability. Time will also be built in for cohort check-ins and peer connection.

Ongoing Staff Support
KDF’s Program Director will maintain regular check-ins with each Fellow throughout the program to ensure ongoing support, clear communication, and timely resolution of any concerns. 

Partnership Network
KDF will connect Fellows to organizations within our network for ongoing resources and support during and beyond the Fellowship. Network partners include Harriet Tubman Effect, RISE Theatre, and the How to Stand Out Network. Each Fellow will also have access to career coaching to assist with identifying next steps post-fellowship.

Virtual Workshops
Fellows and KDF alumni are invited to ongoing virtual workshops featuring guest speakers and industry leaders. These provide additional professional development resources and community beyond the fellowship itself.

PROGRAM GOALS

This program seeks to connect emerging theatre professionals from diverse backgrounds to resources and experiences that can support a sustained career in the arts.

The KDF Fellowship Program is designed to:

  • Create more experience-based work opportunities for theatre professionals who have not had traditional access to opportunities on Broadway
  • Connect emerging theatre professionals to resources that can support their navigation of the commercial industry
  • Create pathways for people who are ready to connect their skills to a Broadway-level work experience
  • Serve as a launching pad that contributes to the acceleration of a Fellow’s career trajectory
  • Build a more diverse and representative workforce in the performing arts and contribute to the pursuit of an industry-wide inclusive ecosystem

 

Fellows will gain:

  • Broadway-level work experience to apply and develop skills in their discipline
  • Increased visibility and expansion of professional network
  • Professional development that supports the trajectory of their career and artistry
  • Ongoing support through KDF and its network of partners
  • Production credit consistent with their role
  • Access to KDF alumni resources, virtual workshops, and guidance beyond the fellowship period
frequently asked questions

This Fellowship is intentionally designed for New York-based artists from underrepresented communities as they build sustainable and socially-engaged careers in the arts. All Fellows should reside in the commutable New York City area by the start of the Fellowship.

The Fellowship is an intensive, hands-on learning and development opportunity that follows the production schedule of WANTED. This opportunity is a ten-week, full-time commitment that may include daytime, evening, and weekend hours based on the needs of the production.

Applicants are welcome to apply for another track through an additional application submission. Be sure your application materials (resume, personal statement, etc) tell us why you would be a great fit for each specific track!

All Fellows are expected to be available for the full duration of the Fellowship (Sept. 1 – Nov. 10).

For any accommodation requests, please email info@kd-foundation.org.

 

EEO STATEMENT

Kaleidoscope Dreams Foundation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.