The Drama League has announced the opening of the Nilan Internship for Future Arts Leaders, a specialized professional development program based in New York City designed for emerging arts administrators and producers.
The internship is named in honor of Nilan, a longtime educator and Associate Artistic Director who served the organization from 1987 to 2026. According to The Drama League, the program reflects a commitment to those who will lead the field and its frameworks in the coming decades, offering a hands-on experience in the daily operations of an institution dedicated to artist support.
Program Structure and Scope
The Nilan Internship is an annual opportunity limited to one recipient. The upcoming term is scheduled to run for 39 weeks, from August 31, 2026, through June 11, 2027. The program is divided into two phases: a fall phase ending December 18, 2026, and a spring phase beginning January 4, 2027.
The position operates on a hybrid model requiring 20 hours of work per week. This includes mandatory in-person office hours every Monday from 11 a.m. To 4 p.m. At The Drama League Theater Center in Manhattan, with the remaining 15 hours consisting of a mix of remote work via Zoom and flexible in-person assignments.
Participants in this educational program receive a travel reimbursement of $125 per week, totaling $4,875 for the full duration. The Drama League specifies that the recipient is considered a recipient of an educational program rather than an employee.
Professional Responsibilities
The Nilan Intern will report directly to the Artistic Director and receive mentorship from the Artistic Associate. The role is designed to provide an “inside” look at the forces shaping modern cultural work in New York City, including interactions with the film, television, and Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional, and international theater communities.
Key duties include:
- Administrative Support: Assisting with Directing Fellowships, Residencies, Assistantships, International Exchanges, and various workshops and galas.
- Artist Research: Performing weekly data gathering to update production work and contact information for Directors Project Alumni using Neon and Mailchimp databases.
- Event Management: Serving as a liaison and guide for program recipients during Directors Project Week and supporting The Drama League Benefit Gala and Drama League Awards.
- Legacy Preservation: Collecting production posters from Broadway and Off-Broadway shows for the organization’s Legacy Wall.
- Documentation: Observing weekly staff and artistic team meetings and distributing notes to staff.
Qualifications and Application Process
The internship is intended for early-career arts professionals who are not currently engaged in educational study, though students may apply if they obtain clearance from their program. A high school degree is required, along with proficiency in Google Suite and Zoom. Experience with Neon, Photoshop, Canva, or Adobe Suite is considered a plus.
Applicants must submit a PDF containing a cover letter, a professional resume, and a letter of reference. The cover letter is required to address the applicant’s career goals, their desire to support directors, and how they can contribute to The Drama League’s efforts to help artists.
Timeline and Next Steps
The selection process will move into the interview phase this summer. First-round Zoom interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, followed by final-round interviews on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Following the selection of the intern, the successful candidate may be expected to develop a personalized strategic career plan under the mentorship of the Artistic Associate during their tenure.
