THE PROBLEM. Young artists are giving up on theater at an alarming rate, with some reports estimating 90% attrition after grad school. And no wonder, given the 90% unemployment rate for those who stick with it. The fact is that theater is a crowded and underfunded industry with few opportunities.
THE SOLUTION. Learn to create your own opportunities in Yellow Bicycle Collective's Fringe Theater Masterclass. Our unique program combines 60 hours of in-person training with 60 hours of guided rehearsal time. Highlights include staged readings during Philly Theatre Week and student-run productions of one-act plays during the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. The training covers all aspects of fringe theater production, from writing, acting and directing to running tech, fundraising and promoting. And thanks to generous grants from The Howley Foundation and Creative Philadelphia, YBC is able to offer this comprehensive 30-week program to qualified applicants for only $200.
THE STUDENTS. We're looking for emerging young artists who are available for Tuesday evening classes from February 10th to June 30th, for rehearsals in the summer, and for performances the first weekend in September. Some training and experience in theater is preferred, but not required. More important are a strong motivation, a proactive mindset and a willingness to work and learn. To apply, fill out the form below and submit your resume and work sample by 11:59 pm on January 31st. Selected applicants will be invited for in-person interviews on a rolling basis. Space is limited, so the sooner you apply, the better your chances. The journey begins on Tuesday, February 10th at Yellow Bicycle Theater.
THE TEACHERS. The Fringe Theater Masterclass is led by Joshua Crone, an award-winning playwright with over 30 years' experience directing and producing fringe theater and indie film. As an artist who created his own opportunities in New York, Los Angeles, London, Krakow, and Berlin before building Yellow Bicycle Theater in Philadelphia, Josh is uniquely equipped to help young artists forge their own paths to success in a challenging but fulfilling industry. The course will also feature workshops and dialogues with Yellow Bicycle Collective members and collaborating artists, including NY acting teacher John DeSotelle, NY actor/producer Thoeger Hansen, Philly-based actress Sylvette Mikell, LA actor/producer Richard Roddy, and many more.
THE COLLECTIVE. Alumni of the Fringe Theater Masterclass will be invited to join Yellow Bicycle Collective, a non-profit theater company that offers its members production, casting and fundraising opportunities, discounts on tickets and rentals, automatic qualification for upcoming programs, and a supportive community of emerging artists.
APPLY NOW. Make 2026 the year you stop waiting at home for opportunity to knock and start going out and creating your own opportunities. Your next stage awaits at Yellow Bicycle Theater.
To apply visit yellowbicycle.org. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
$200 for 120 hours of teaching and mentorship plus staged readings during Philly Theatre Week and student-run productions of one-act plays during the Philadelphia Fringe Festival
