Dear Future Fellow: A Letter to the Incoming 2017–18 Season Fellows

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By Elspeth Sweatman

July and August at A.C.T. sees the arrival of the 2017–18 season’s fellows. All year, the fellows work in A.C.T.’s many departments, from artistic and marketing to education, development, and more. They are a part of the mainstage productions, the New Strands Festival, the Downtown High School Residency program, the season gala, and the M.F.A. Program and Young Conservatory productions.

2016–17 Season Fellows Victoria Mortimer and Jessica Katz. Photo by Elspeth Sweatman.
From the keyboard of a former fellow, here is some advice for our incoming colleagues.

Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Work in the VIP Lounge, usher in the theater. Attend the conservatory hours. You never know, you may get to share an elevator with Tom Stoppard, exchange emails with Annie Baker, or show A Thousand Splendid Suns author Khaled Hosseini to his seat.

2016–17 Season Fellows Decorating The Geary.
Photo by Amy Hand.
Enjoy the perks of being a fellow. In November, the fellows gather at The Geary Theater to decorate the theater for the holidays. In the spring, they take part in the New Strands Festival, and produce their own show in A.C.T.’s Costume Shop. These are unique; savor them.

Explore and investigate. Go over to The Costume Shop and see the amazing work they do. Go behind the scenes at The Geary. Chat with people who work in development, in education, in artistic, and in company management. Go say hi to the fellows over at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. See shows throughout the Bay Area. You never know what you might discover.

It’s a journey. There is so much to learn and take in at A.C.T. There are days that will challenge you as an artist and as a team member. Just take a deep breath. The fellowship is a year long for a reason.

Remember to eat lunch. It sounds dorky, but it’s important. Take a break, go out on our patio, enjoy San Francisco’s weather, and say hi to our resident seagull.

We can't wait to meet you all and see what amazing things you will accomplish during the 2017–18 season.

For more information about A.C.T.’s Fellowship Program, click here.

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