Lit From
the Black!
Training and fellowship in Stage Design and Technical production (stage lighting, sound, stage management and visual design) for Womxn & Gender non-binary people.
Lit from the Black! training and fellowship in Stage Design and Technical Production (stage lighting, sound, stage management and visual design) for Womxn & Gender non-binary people offers one to three years of hands-on training, fieldwork, networking, mentoring, referrals, apprenticeship and internship opportunities through our networks and program partners.
Through weekly sessions and a culminating showcase, Lead Trainer Stephanie Johnson and guest facilitators provide training, and engage fellows with professional hands-on training, fieldwork, networking, and mentoring in productions at various theaters in the SF Bay Area.
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The fellowship centers womxn-identified and gender non-binary of African descent.
Black Creators and Producers deserve Black design & technical team. 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, Acting, Directing, Event planning & production, Scenic Arts, and Costume.
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Free professional training
In-real-time hands-on work experience
A stipend upon successful completion and attendance of all fellowship activity
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
Opportunities for future paid work
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Lighting and visual design for stage, staged visuals and outdoor productions
Visual analysis for productions
Portfolio development
Design research
Collaboration with artists/creatives from other discipline
Public speaking & networking
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Training Sessions (required) - In-Person, Oakland, CA
Mondays, March 18, 2024 to May 6, 2024
6PM - 8PM (PST)
18 hours
Production/Practicum
April to December 2024 | Specific Dates & Times TBA
5-10 Additional hours/month
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)
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Complete Application Form
Application Due Date: February 19, 2024Invitation Notifications: March 5, 2024
For more info
Email: programs@afrourbansociety.com
Call/Text: +1 (510) 854-6784
This fellowship is made possible by support from Stephanie Anne Johnson, the California Arts Council, Afro Urban Society, Black Arts Movement Business District Community Development Corporation Of Oakland (BAMBD, CDC) & BAM House, and Individual Donors.
“When I started, the technical and design world was basically a white boys' club. It was seriously just them and then me. There were like four Black women lighting designers when I started.
It was lonely.”
— Steaphanie Johnson
meet the fellows!
Shine the Light On ‘Em.
