ACT Teen Fellowship - Summer 2026

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FALL FELLOWSHIP DATES: October 6 - November 15, 2026 (6 weeks)
LOCATION: Avenue Blackbox Theatre | 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 for full or drop-in fellowship. 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. Fall fellowship also includes Aveoween cast and crew. We welcome past fellows, friends and family to help us make our annual Halloween event the biggest and best yet!

IMPORTANT FALL 2026 PROGRAM DATES:
* Apply by 10/6/26.
* Open Interviews/Tours for new applicants Saturday, 10/3 12-3pm *Please provide a good number & email below to reach applicant. **All returning fellows please report on 10/3 11-3PM to meet new candidates and assist with Interviews/Tours/Open House.
* Fellowship Orientation/Audition/Training Week 10/6 - 10/8 (weekend dates).
* Orientation/Audition/Training Week is mandatory for those applying to be an Full Fellow or Intern for Fall 2026. Returning Fellows must be in good standing, register and prepared to model/co-facilitate the orientation week as part of your audition & callback.
* Fall 2026 Fellowship OFFICIALLY BEGINS 10/7/26 for successful candidates who complete Orientation/Audition/Training Week becoming eligible for stipends calculated at $13.50/hour for up to 20 hours per week. 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 are expected to fully participate daily and must complete a weekly reflection and monthly hours submission form to remain eligible for a stipend. Repeated absences and chronic tardiness will result in Drop-in status. Full fellows are expected to be present, on-time and engaged for scheduled fellowship days and events as outlined in their agreements. Drop-in fellows are ineligible for fellowship stipends. Volunteer and community service hours available for all who need. Registration fee waivers are available for all fellows who reside in city of Rochester or otherwise qualify based on income or extenuating circumstances.
*2nd SUNDAY STORIES & STUFF: Sunday, 10/11 & 11/15 Fellows will participate as staff and readers!

*AVEOWEEN PRODUCTION WEEK: 10/24 - 10/31. Whether cast (performer) or crew (creative team and tech), you must be available for all daily planning, rehearsals, tech, show/event dates ALL WEEK and thru 10/24 for event on October 31st until 9pm.
* FALL PRODUCTION RUN; November 5-8 & 13-15 (up to 6 shows)

* FINAL CURTAIN CALL; TBD. Fellows will receive recognition and certificates!

WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
Tue/Thu 4:00 - 6:00 PM (Fellows Sessions. Various programs.)
Wednesdays 4:00 - 5:30PM (Wellness Wednesday activities, including Emotional Emancipation Circle, 7 wkly sessions, 30 minutes paid self-work of your choice for full fellows in good standing.)
Fridays TBD (Usually PM, on the job training/experience, Avenue Blackbox shows & events)
Saturdays 2:00 - 4:00PM (Creative Sessions/Field Study/Studio Time)

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

Sundays Time TBD (2nd Sunday Storytime. On the job training/experience, Avenue Blackbox events)

*May change for production, special events, field studies etc.

MONTHLY:

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

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

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

*Trained Past and Drop in fellows are eligible for paid performances and/or staff, crew positions once trained.

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

**Preference is given to past fellows in good standing and city residents for all paid positions. Please keep that in mind when applying. The fellowship experience is still accessible for non-city residents and those who do not qualify for waivers. Registration and tuition fee starts at $75/week.

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, New York State Council on Arts, Eileen Ryan, The Leah Lozano Memorial Endowment to The Avenue Children's Theatre Project, and Rochester Area Community Foundation. Wellness programs are generously supported by Two Point Capital, Ubuntu Village Works and the Farash Foundation's youth advised fund. Thank you to all who keep us inspired and resourced!

**PARENTS/FAMILY MEMBERS: 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.

PLEASE NOTE:

THIS FORM SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE YOUTH WHO IS APPLYING. IF YOU ARE A PARENT OR GUARDIAN ASSISTING THEM PLEASE INVOLVE THEM IN COMPLETING THE FORM AND USE THEIR INFO NOT YOUR OWN.

Quick Link to this form: bit.ly/avefall2026 (Feel Free to Share!)

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.

Applicant's Last Name *

Applicant's First Name *

Facebook Name

Facebook Messenger

Instagram Name

TikTok Name

Applicant's Age *

Applicant's 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)

Other:

Home Address *

Zip Code *

Applicant's phone # *

This number is the applicant's personal cell phone where they can receive texts. *

Yes

No, this is my parent's phone or I share this cell phone with someone else.

Other:

Please list the email address you check most often (applicant): *

Check if applicant does not currently have email. (Applicant will need to create an account as part of their participation in this program.)

I do not have a current email address.

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 for those interested in poetry and spoken word)

AVENUE S.T.E.A.M. 2 STAGE Apprentice (Technical 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 Artist Shawn Dunwoody to create public art to transform city vacant lots and create a more walkable, vibrant Joseph Avenue!

Mural Arts program (Working with Mural Artist, Brittany Williams designing and completing Avenue Blackbox murals)

Required

DROP IN/OPT IN PARTICIPANTS (Select if you are not applying for full fellowship. Select if you are cast in a production 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.

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.

I am a University of Rochester Student taking a class with UR Black Studies Department.

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 free for other youth who cannot.

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 beverages will be allowed in the space. Water bottles are allowed and encouraged but must be filled on site. Filtered water fountain onsite. Vaping is not allowed in or around the building.

Dietary restrictions *

No dietary restrictions

Vegetarian

Vegan only

Halal only

Kosher only

Gluten-free only

Other:

Required

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! Let us know.

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 participation consent and I pledge to: (must check and agree to all to qualify for full fellowship) *

fully participate in the 2026 Avenue Summer 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: Teen cast members of the play "Blood at the Root" by Dominique Morriseau in a protest scene holding signs in support of student justice and against student incarceration.)

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

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