A.C.T. Teen Fellowship

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A.C.T. Teen Fellowship - Spring 2026

SPRING FELLOWSHIP DATES: April 14 - May 28, 2026 (Orientation/6 weeks)
LOCATION: 780 Joseph Avenue | Rochester, NY 14621

*Fully accessible by wheelchair.
Inclusive for all abilities.
Please let us know your needs.

*All youth ages 14 - 19 may apply. Internships also available for college students and post secondary young creatives up to age 23 (high school diploma not required.) Please note all dates listed and insure you can commit before applying for full fellowship. If not, you may select to DROP IN/OPT IN below and be included in as many opportunities as your schedule allows.

IMPORTANT SPRING 2026 PROGRAM DATES:
* Apply by 4/18/26.
* Interviews/Tours/Callbacks 4/11 - 4/17. *Please provide a good number & email below to reach applicant. **All returning fellows expected to report for 4/11/26 1-4PM to meet and assist fellow candidates with Interviews/Tours/Open House.
* Fellowship Orientation/Audition/Training Period 4/11 - 4/17 (includes weekend dates).
* Orientation/Audition/Training Period is mandatory for those applying to be an Avenue Fellow or Intern for Spring 2026. Returning Fellows must be in good standing, register and prepared to model/co-facilitate the orientation week as part of your audition.
* Spring 2026 Fellowship OFFICIALLY BEGINS 4/14 for successful candidates who complete orientation period becoming eligible for fellowship stipends of up to $800. You will be waitlisted into the Drop in Fellowship if you are unable to complete orientation or commit to the full fellowship days/hours. Full fellows must maintain good attendance and complete a weekly reflection and hours submission to remain eligible for a stipend. Drop in fellows are ineligible for fellowship stipends but are paid for all staff and performer roles in productions and funded events. Volunteer and community service hours available for all who need.

* SPRING PRODUCTIONS: Whether cast (performer) or crew (creative team and tech), you must be available for all daily rehearsals, tech, show/event dates during rehearsal weeks 5/19 - 27 and for final performance/event date: 5/28.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
Tue-Thu 4:00 - 6:00PM (Fellows Sessions. various programs)
Wednesdays 4:00 - 5:30PM (Wellness Wednesday activities)
Fridays TBD (PM, on the job training/experience, Avenue Blackbox shows & events)
Saturdays 2:00 - 4:00PM (Creative Sessions/Field Study/Studio Time)

On the Job Training as crew/cast/creative team/front of house:

Saturdays TBD (PM, on the job training/experience, Avenue Blackbox events)

Sundays TBD (on the job training/experience, Avenue Blackbox events)

MONTHLY:

*Every Second Sunday of each month fellows will help produce the 2nd Sunday Storytime Avenue Children's Theatre event.

*Every First Friday of each month fellows will staff appropriate first Friday live events at The Ave.

*Additionally special event opportunities will be announced throughout each fellowship season.

*Drop in fellows are eligible for paid staff positions once trained.

*Fellowship commitment: 8 hours/wk for 6 weeks (plus, additional hours for rehearsals, productions, events. Pay rate: $13.50/hr + performance stipends available. Stipends are paid monthly to all Full Fellows in good standing who have submitted required hours and reflections. Drop in/Opt in are ineligible for fellowship stipend but are eligible for staff & performance stipends, tuition waiver for city youth or youth of color unable to pay. )

**Preference is given to city residents and past fellows for paid positions which are limited. Please keep that in mind when applying. The fellowship experience is still accessible for non city residents.

The Avenue Blackbox Theatre is a safe, bold, inclusive space that seeks to disrupt, dismantle and destroy systems of racism, oppression, and hate. We expect and lovingly insist that our collaborators, participants, fellows, interns and volunteers join this effort whole heartedly. No shade, All Shine!

Absolutely,
• No Sexism
• No Racism
• No Ageism
• No Homophobia
• No Fatphobia
• No Transphobia
• No Hate
....will be tolerated on the premises or by those representing The Avenue in the community. If you agree then this fellowship might be for you!

********
SPECIAL NOTE: Thanks to the generosity of private donors, in-kind contributions and our volunteers; The Avenue Children's Theatre Project is TUITION-FREE for city youth who are unable to pay. Tuition starts at $450 per 6-week session for all others. Donations are welcome and needed for those who can. The Avenue Fellowship costs and youth stipends are covered by grants and private donations to include US Department of Education, Monroe County, New York State Council on Arts, Rochester Area Community Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, and The Leah Lozano Memorial Endowment to The Avenue Children's Theatre Project. Wellness programs are generously supported by First Unitarian Church, Spiritus Christi Church, Yoga 4 a Good Hood and Ubuntu Village Works. Thank you to all who keep us inspired and resourced!

**PARENTS/FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE ABLE: We ask those who can to also consider donating a little something extra or sign up for monthly contribution to the Avenue Children's Theatre Project so that we can continue to offer TUITION & ADMISSION FREE programing for our youth that need it the most. Tax deductible options and more info on how to make gifts can be found at: AVENUETHEATRE.ORG/DONATE, directly to paypal.me/avenueblackbox. Or in person or by mail to: 780 Joseph Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? Please call 585-491-6730 or email info@avenuetheatre.org.Thank you!

QUICK LINK TO SHARE: bit.ly/avespring2026

Email *

How did you hear about The Ave? (check all that apply)

Saw a flyer or poster

Social media

A friend or classmate

A teacher, mentor or other adult referred me

I came to an event or show at The Ave.

Walking by The Ave.

Other:

Who referred you?

SAFE + FREE = ME (IF YOU AGREE APPLY TODAY!)

Image description: 3 teens of various gender expressions in cool Avenue shirts posing in front of the white cement wall at The Ave.

Last Name *

First Name *

Facebook Name

Facebook Messenger

Instagram Name

TikTok Name

Your Age *

Preferred Pronouns (Check all that you identify with.) *Please do not make a selection if you are completing the form and ARE NOT the applicant.)

she/her

he/him

they/them

I am uncertain how to answer (or still evolving.)

I prefer not to answer at this time or am the parent/guardian/caregiver completing the form.

My pronouns are not listed here. (write in below)

Pronouns if not listed above

Your Street Address *

Your Zip Code *

Your phone # *

This number is my personal cell phone where I can receive texts. *

Yes

I share this cell phone with someone else.

Required

Please list the email address you check most often: *

AVENUE Fellows/Apprenticeship program is for young adults (ages 14-22) interested in learning and developing skills in performing arts, theater production and community organizing. Varying hours, stipends and other paid opportunities are available. Tell us which production areas you are interested in working and learning in! (choose all that apply) *

noDrama club (Performing arts development and opportunities for actors and performers. Direct mentorship and workshops included.)

A.C.T. UP! (Avenue Children's Theatre Urban Poets)

AVENUE S.T.E.A.M. 2 STAGE Apprentice (Technical and creative development for young creatives interested in set design and theatre tech. Direct mentorship included.)

AVENUE COOL KIDS Apprentice (Working with younger children as a teaching assistant, workshop leader and more especially our Saturday/Sunday performing arts programs for community youth. Direct mentorship included.))

AVENUE YOUNG ORGANIZER TRAINING (YOT) CLUB (Opportunities for creative community organizing, social justice and civic engagement. Direct mentorship and workshops included.

AVENUE Community Service Volunteer (check if you need community hours)

M.U.S.E. Ave-prentice (Working with Visual Artists in Residence Shawn Dunwoody & Brittany Williams to create public art to transform our building and city vacant lots and create a more walkable, vibrant Joseph Avenue!

Required

DROP IN/OPT IN PARTICIPANTS (Select if you are unable to commit to a full fellowship or if you are a youth performer in a production or special event during a fellowship already in progress.)

I may not be able to commit to the full fellowship but am interested in participating in the activities I checked off when I can.

Have you also applied for of been accepted into Summer of Opportunity (SOOP) this year? *

No, I will not apply for SOOP this year.

Yes, I plan to apply for SOOP this year.

Yes, I applied and have not heard back yet.

Yes, I applied and was accepted.

COLLEGE FELLOWSHIP/INTERNSHIP APPLICANTS (please check all that apply)

I am currently enrolled in a college or university 2025-26.

I am planning to enroll in a college or university 2026-27.

I am taking a break from college and want to stay engaged in community and/or my creative development.

I would like to received college credit for this internship. (may require approval from your school)

I am a University of Rochester Student taking a class with International Theatre Program.

Program Cost Waiver *

We are TUITION-FREE for city youth who are unable to pay. Please select a tuition waiver below.

Teen Avenue Fellowship or Apprentice Applicants - NO TUITION (If accepted you will become eligible for a stipend for successful completion of the fellowship and all requirements. City youth residents only.)

Internship & Urban Fellowship: Please select this option if you are affiliated with a college or university internship.

City of Rochester Youth Worker: Select this option if you are affiliated with a City of Rochester internship, Department of Human Services, or youth employment program.

I do not reside in the city or my family is able to pay my stipend/tuition forward. (Helps cover program costs and keep programming tuition free for other youth unable to pay. Non-city residents may be eligible for a tuition waiver but in most cases are ineligible for stipends.)

Required

What school do you attend? *

T-shirt size *

Youth Small

Youth Medium

Adult S

Adult M

Adult L

Adult XL

Adult XXL

Adult 3XL

Adult 4XL

Adult 5XL

Are you able to pay $20 registration fee to cover the program t-shirt and bag? *

(No worries if you can't. We can help!)

Yes

Maybe

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Healthy Snacks provided daily. No junk food or outside drinks will be allowed in the space. Water bottles are allowed and encouraged but must be filled on site. Water fountain onsite.

Dietary restrictions *

No dietary restrictions

Vegetarian

Vegan only

Halal only

Kosher only

Gluten-free only

Other:

Please list any allergies, health restrictions, special needs. The Avenue is for everyone, so we would like to prepare for any special accommodations we haven't thought of!

Parent or Guardian Name *

(*Young adults over the age of 18, just list your emergency contact here.)

Parent or Guardian Contact number *

(*Young adults over the age of 18, just list your emergency contact's phone number here.)

I am over 18, emancipated OR my parent or guardian has given consent and I pledge to (must check and agree to all to qualify for full fellowship.): *

fully participate in the 2026 Avenue Spring fellowship.

uphold the Avenue Fellowship agreement

be photographed for promotional purposes (special circumstances allowed)

adhere to House Rules; No Sexism, No Racism, No Ageism, No Homophobia, No Fatphobia, No Transphobia, No Hate

adhere to all COVID-19 safety and hygiene expectations

contribute to the No Shade, All Shine safe space expectations and atmosphere at The Ave!

Required

Thank you for applying! We hope to see you soon! (Image description: 3 teen actors confidently rehearsing a scene on The Avenue Blackbox Theatre stage.)

SHARE THE APPLICATION OR LINK: bit.ly/avespring2026

A copy of your responses will be emailed to the address you provided.

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