Affiliated Writers Program

Guidelines

Selection will be based upon the following:

Application

The 2008-09 application period is closed, and the next round has not yet been opened. Check back here for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Minnesota? New York City? Does New Jersey count? Can I maintain a residence in one place, but live somewhere else?

Your primary residence (i.e. more than half the year) must be the state of Minnesota or New York City. We accept applications from NYC-adjacent neighborhoods in Jersey (Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken…).

I want to be an arts journalist, but my experience so far has been in another field. Can I still apply?

Yes; tell us why in your statement of purpose. Your writing samples need not be only about theatre (though we encourage you to send at least one writing sample about theatre or the arts). Even if you are not selected in this round, consider gaining more theatre-writing experience in the next year and reapplying in 2007.

I am a playwright/director/producer/etc. and I write about theatre. Can I apply?

Yes, though the program is designed for writers with demonstrable commitment to criticism and arts journalism.

Can I email my application?

We prefer mailed applications. If your recommenders would prefer to email their letters separately, that's okay.

Can I send you a link to my blog/website?

If you'd like to include online writing as one of your samples, please print the pages and mail them with your application.

Do my writing samples have to have been published?

Not absolutely, but the more professional your samples the better.

How long should my writing samples be?

Doesn't matter (though shorter is appreciated).

How many applicants are there?

Varies from year to year; could be anywhere from 25 to 50. Applicants are narrowed down to 10-12 finalists; 3 winners are chosen by an outside committee.

Can my recommendations be from professors?

Yes.

Will you notify me if any part of my application, such as my recommendation letter, is missing?

Yes, on May 1 or shortly after. You will be allowed time to send missing items such as recommendation letters.

Can I complete this fellowship while working a full-time job?

Yes; the majority of our past fellows have held full-time jobs. You must be available for some travel, but every effort will be made to accommodate your work schedule.