Program Description
In 2026, the Rising Leaders of Puerto Rico program will form a cohort of six exceptionally talented early-career leaders from across Puerto Rico who are advancing their careers in the U.S. not-for-profit theatre and related sectors, and who demonstrate the potential to impact the field in a positive way.
What happens during the program?
Beginning with the two-part orientation meeting in May 2026, the participants will undergo values clarification training, and explore how an individual’s values can serve to sustain a career in the theatre field over time. The curriculum will also include workshops, webinars and other training hand tailored to the needs of the individual, as well as the cohort. Previous programming has included financial literacy, time management, conversations with grantmakers and one-on-one time with veteran leaders in the field.
The cohort will be highlighted in TCG’s Spotlight On programming at the Conference, including networking opportunities and coverage in American Theatre Magazine and TCG’s website.
The program activity period is divided into two parts: May - October 2026 and resuming February - June 2027. Activities will be a combination of individual coaching and reflection; full cohort meetings and webinars on selected topics; and conversations with field leaders.
TCG recognizes the unique journey early-career leaders will have in the theatre field, and will provide areas of support during the program period and beyond. TCG program staff will help participants navigate challenging situations in the workplace and identify ways in which their differences can be used as strengths to help them exercise leadership.
Note: Scheduled program activities are considered professional commitments. Participation is required in real time, with the exception of specific online webinars which are recorded for viewing at a later date.
What will the program provide?
- A full registration scholarship to attend the 2026 TCG National Conference in San Juan;
- Local transportation and meals during Conference programming (note that housing during the Conference will not be provided.);
- Professional development workshops during the Conference and the 2026 - 27 program period;
- Networking opportunities with veteran leaders in the field and a national network of peers;
- One-on-one career counseling with TCG staff;
- One-year subscription to American Theatre magazine (online);
- Program-specific resources including publications and other reference materials.
Who is the program for?
Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal. This program acknowledges that leadership takes place throughout the theatre field and is not necessarily defined by a position or title.
The program seeks to develop and highlight six exceptionally talented early-career leaders based in Puerto Rico who are committed to a career in the theatre field.
This program is created for leaders in early stages of their career, for whom participation would accelerate their leadership development and knowledge of the theatre field. Leaders who have already had significant national recognition and participated in similar programs would be beyond the scope of this program. At the same time, those who are not yet at a point in their career to take full advantage of this type of program will generally not be competitive.
This program acknowledges that leadership takes place throughout the theatre field and with that in mind, the program supports leaders working in all areas of the theatre field, including but not limited to acting, administration, craft areas, design, directing, dramaturgy, literary management, producing, stage management, technical production, and theatre criticism/journalism. Please note that the 2026 cohort will not include individuals specializing in theatre criticism or journalism, as the 2025 national cohort specifically focused on theatre criticism and journalism.
The program defines a leader as an individual who has had experience leading staff and/or organizations as well as those who have led artistic processes and programmatic initiatives.
Applicants of diverse backgrounds representing the full spectrum of leadership experience, including those who have worked in non-traditional organizations and structures, are encouraged to apply to this program.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old by the program orientation on May 4, 2026;
- Be able to receive taxable income in the US;
- Be based within Puerto Rico;
- Have experience in a leadership role in the theatre field or related sector(s) for approximately 2 - 5 years. This may include positions in the theatre field (including but not limited to artistic, production, administration, and education), at a performing arts organization, or a community-based organization. Please note that the 2026 cohort will not include individuals specializing in theatre criticism or journalism, as the 2025 national cohort specifically focused on theatre criticism and journalism.
What is the selection process?
Applications will be reviewed through a competitive process by an independent and diverse selection panel composed of theatre professionals from across the U.S. The selection process will take place in three stages:
- Stage 1: Based on the panel’s evaluation of each application, a select group of applicants will be invited to submit one additional narrative response and one recommendation.
- Stage 2: After reviewing the additional responses and recommendations, finalists will then be selected to participate in an online interview.
- Stage 3: If invited to the final stage of the selection process, finalists must be available for an online interview of up to 45 minutes with the selection panel to be scheduled on either April 27 or 28, 2026.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Talent, skills, and professional experience as an early-career leader;
- Maturity, flexibility, and ability to adapt to change;
- Degree to which the program will impact the participant;
- Potential to take on greater leadership responsibilities;
- Potential for positive impact on the theatre field;
- Commitment to a just and thriving theatre ecology;
- Commitment to a career in the U.S. not-for-profit theatre.
Applicants must clearly articulate why this is the right time in their career to participate in the program, and how this program will impact them and advance their career in the theatre field.
This program embraces the broadest range of models and methods for theatre-making and understands that theatre is not uniform in aesthetic, approach, context, structure or delivery. At its core, theatre is an expressive and collaborative art form using any combination of words, voice, movement, media and visual elements to convey an idea, emotion or feeling.