2019-2020 Lighting Tech Fellows
Who it’s for
The fellowship centers womxn-identified and gender non-binary of African descent.
Black Creators and Producers deserve Black design & technical teams. Womxn-identified and gender non-binary folx of African descent deserve to have opportunities in all fields that are supportive, and disrupt the design and impacts of a racist and sexist-driven arts ecosystem. Lit From the Black! aspires to prepare Fellows to meet the demand and continue on as members of an important community of artists.
The ideal Lit From the Black! Fellow is interested in/curious about careers in Lighting Design/Tech, Lighting Designer, Sound Design/Tech, Stage Manager/Technician, Community Arts, Event planning & production, Scenic Arts, and Costume.
We are looking for fellows that are able to commit to all the sessions, and have a strong work ethic, curiosity, willingness to learn, are efficient and flexible and able to work well with others in a fast-paced environment, have strong communication skills; and demonstrate organization, attention to detail, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
You will need access to a reliable computer (laptop/desktop) and internet service. If you have any difficulty with this aspect of the training, please let us know. To optimize the fellowship experience, will only be accepting a maximum of 12 participants.
What you get
Free professional training
In-real-time hands-on work experience
A $800 stipend * upon successful completion and attendance of all sessions
A network and connection as a part of an integral cohort of dynamic art practitioners
Support and mentoring with artistic and career development
Professional and peer mentorship referrals to resources and art organizations in the SF Bay Area
Complimentary or discounted attendance to shows, workshops and other events produced by Afro Urban Society and/or Partner organizations through the year of the fellowship (dependent on availability)
Marketing; including professional photo (may be limited due by Covid restrictions)
Opportunities for future paid work
*Funding for this project is limited to cover California residents only, people who are non-California residents are able to participate but are not eligible to receive monetary stipends.
How to Apply
Complete the APPLICATION BELOWDue Date: August 10, 2020 (12PM)
For Questions Contact
Kanukai Chigamba, Admin & Program Manager
afrourbansociety@gmail.com
Schedule/Commitment
Training Sessions (required) - Held Online/Video Conference Platform
August 24 2020- February 2021
Mondays, 10AM-1PM (PST) | + Production/Practicum Dates
All times are Pacific Standard Time (PST)
August 2020: 24*, 31*
September 2020: 7, 21
October 2020: 5, 19*, 26*
November 2020: 2, 9*, 16, 23*, 30*, plus
Bakanal de Afrique Production Work - Varied from November 4-28
December 2020: Season Break
January 2021: 4*, 18
February 2021: 1*, plus
Saturday, 4:00 PM: February 6 – Portfolio presentations
Saturday, 4:00 PM: February 13 - Portfolio presentations
Saturday, 4:00 PM: February 20 - Portfolio presentations
* Mandatory dates to attend
Required Practicum production dates & Field trips to shows and other spaces, as well as lectures panel discussions by other leaders in the field of Lighting and Sound design. (Times TBD)
Bakanal de Afrique Production Work - Varied from November 4-28
Previous Cohorts
2018 Fellows: Tiombe Wiley, Natalya Shoaf, Jewel Buchanan-Boone, Alexa Burrell (in collaboration with Dance Mission Theater)
2019-2020 Cohort: Tracy Baxter, Kimberly Harvey-Scott, Tanika Baptiste, Shaunnah Ray, Tyler Musgrave, Destiny Evans, Niki Brown, Saoirse Weaver, with Stephanie Johnson (in collaboration with Dance Mission Theater)
Program Description
In this era of the COVID Shelter-in-Place order, most of the training will take place via video conferencing, emails and group chats and activities will include: This program includes training sessions, practicum, field research and professional connections. Project activities include:
15 training sessions
Guest artists presentations
Reading and research assignments
Shadowing arts groups/theaters/museum/film
Weekly online conversations through video conference/text messaging platforms
An in-depth practicum [production on Bakanal de Afrique online Festival, November 2020]
A final portfolio presentation
Field trips and lectures to other sights led by POC leaders in the fields
Skills covered in training sessions include (subject to change):
Lighting and visual design for onstage, onscreen, staged visuals and online productions
Visual analysis for onstage and online productions
Portfolio development
Design research
Collaboration with artists/creatives from other discipline
About Stephanie Anne Johnson
Stephanie Anne Johnson, Lead Facilitator & Project Coordinator
Dr. Stephanie Anne Johnson is an active member of the theatre community and an artist determined to reverse the tide of isolation and alienation that this craft has created among Black theatre practitioners. As a theatre designer for over forty years, she is passionate about passing on her skills to a younger generation. Holding the unique needs, experiences, and languages of the Black community is essential to sharing and learning art, and she is central to the realization of the Lit From the Black! project.
This fellowship is made possible by support from the California Arts Council, Dance Mission, and Dancer’s Group