James Madison University’s Forbes Center for the Performing Arts annually seeks applicants for our Technical and Operations Fellowships. Typically these are posted at the end of our Spring Semester, hired over the summer, and will work over the length of the academic year’s season.
Fellowship Overview
Technical and Operations Fellowships at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University provide advanced, hands-on training in theatre production and stage management, as well as opportunities to operate state-of-the-art audio, lighting, and video systems. This Fellowship is intended for recent college graduates and early career professionals.
Mentored by the Production Services Manager, the cohort of fellows will set up and operate sound, lighting, video, and staging equipment for our professional Encore Series performances, the School of Music Ensemble and Recital performances, Opera productions, and ancillary events and performances presented by the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Fellows may support equipment maintenance across our five venues, advancing events, stage management, and technical support. Daily activities may include event prep, show running, general maintenance, and basic office operations.
Forbes Center fellowships begin August 30, 2026 and run through May 6, 2027. All fellowships require a season-long commitment. Work hours will be irregular and include early morning, evening, and weekend calls.
Fellows will each receive a stipend total of $17,225.00 for the 36-week contract which will be paid in increments bi-weekly. The fellow will not work more than 40 hours per week with an average of 29 hours per week across the season. All university holidays and closings will be observed as paid time off within the contract period. Housing and benefits are not included.
Completed fellowship applications are accepted via JMU’s online application system only: https://jobs.jmu.edu/
It is our intention to build a team of fellows that will each explore the full range of production and technical support but who may be assigned special projects across production elements that suit their particular areas of interest. If this fellowship interests you, we look forward to reading your application and meeting you.
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
