I would like to apply...
What if...
I have been selected as a Fellow...
How do I apply for this program?
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2009 INSTITUTE. EMAIL neainst@usc.edu WITH A REQUEST TO BE ADDED TO OUR MAILING LIST FOR UPDATES ABOUT THE 2010 PROGRAM.
INFORMATION BELOW IS TO HELP UNDERSTAND THE APPLICATION PROCESS ONLY. DO NOT EMAIL US WITH APPLICATION REQUESTS. WE WILL ANNOUNCE WHEN APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE 2010 INSTITUTE.
--
To apply, send an email requesting an application on or after December 10, 2008 to neainst@usc.edu. Include your name, media affiliation(s), number of years you have been practicing arts journalism and your contact information. In addition, please note if you have applied in the past and for what year.
If eligible, you will receive an application within three business days of registration via email. Eligible individuals are required to mail in the completed application by January 23, 2009. (Note: Your application must be received by January 23.)
Important! If you are already on our electronic media mailing list, an application request from you is still required. Only those who specifically request an application will receive one. Past applicants are not automatically rolled over into the 2009 applicant pool.
Return to top
When are applications available?
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2009 INSTITUTE. EMAIL neainst@usc.edu WITH A REQUEST TO BE ADDED TO OUR MAILING LIST FOR UPDATES ABOUT THE 2010 PROGRAM.
INFORMATION BELOW IS TO HELP UNDERSTAND THE APPLICATION PROCESS ONLY. DO NOT EMAIL US WITH APPLICATION REQUESTS. WE WILL ANNOUNCE WHEN APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE 2010 INSTITUTE.
--
Applications are available December 11, 2008.
Email us on or after this date at neainst@usc.edu to request an application. Application requests should contain your name, media affiliation(s), number of years you have been practicing arts journalism and your contact information. In addition, please note if you have applied in the past and for what year. Individuals deemed eligible to apply will receive an application within three business days of registration via email.
Important! If you are on our electronic media mailing list, an application request from you is still required. Only those who specifically request an application will receive one. Past applicants are not automatically rolled over into the 2009 applicant pool.
Return to top
When are applications due?
The deadline to submit your completed application is January 23, 2009 (must be received by this date).
Return to top
Where do I mail my application?
Please send your application to the following address (important: be sure to include the suite # ):
Sasha Anawalt, Director
NEA Arts Journalism Institute in Theater and Musical Theater
USC Annenberg School for Communication
300 S. Grand Ave., Suite 3950
Los Angeles ,
CA
90071-3175
Return to top
Who is eligible for this program?
All arts writers, critics, editors or producers for online, print, radio or television who have at least two years of professional journalism experience may apply. Applicants must demonstrate that theater is an area of strong professional interest or that they supervise journalistic coverage of this field.
This program is NOT intended for entry-level journalists, students or journalism educators. No specialized theater knowledge is required.
Strong preference is given to journalists who do not work for one of the top seven media markets and/or do not live in Los Angeles, New York City or Chicago.
If you were a NEA Fellow at either the NEA Institute in Classical Music and Opera in New York at Columbia University or at the NEA Institute for Dance Criticism in Durham, North Carolina, at Duke University, you MAY apply.
You may NOT apply, however, if you have already been a fellow at the NEA Institute in Theater and Musical Theater in
Los Angeles at
USC Annenberg School
for Communication.
You are NOT eligible if you live or work outside of the
United States. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Please Note: We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. It is our intention that all qualified applications be given equal opportunity and that our selection is based upon merit alone.
Return to top
Are any news organizations NOT considered?
No. But journalists from the top seven media markets will be considered only under certain circumstances. Please contact Sasha Anawalt, director, if you are from a major media outlet and need clarification before applying. 213.437.4414
Return to top
Are advanced degrees or specialized training required?
No.
Return to top
How many Fellows are admitted?
We accept 23 to 25 Fellows.
Return to top
When will I know if I have been accepted?
Notification of acceptance is on February 18, 2009.
We contact you with notification of acceptance about three weeks after the application deadline. You will hear from us by phone or by e-mail.
If you are an alternate or if you were not accepted, you will learn by e-mail.
In all cases, we will follow up with an official letter sent through the regular postal mail.
A formal press release will also be posted on our Website announcing the accepted fellows.
Return to top
Who is in charge of the program?
The NEA Arts Journalism Institute in Theater and Musical Theater at USC Annenberg School for Communication is directed by Sasha Anawalt and coordinated by Arianna Sikorski.
Ernest J. Wilson III , is Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication, where the fellowship offices as well as many of its events under his guidance are based. The Fellowship likewise falls under the jurisdiction of Geneva Overholser, director of USC Annenberg's School of Journalism.
Return to top
Ho w do I contact you?
The best and quickest place to contact us is neainst@usc.edu.
Or you may call the program coordinator, Arianna Sikorski, at 213-437-4413 or its director, Sasha Anawalt, at 213-437-4414.
Our fax number is 213-437-4424.
Return to top
What if I am a freelance journalist and/or am self-employed?
Freelancers and/or self-employed individuals, who regularly cover the arts online or in print or over the airwaves and are able to demonstrate a significant body of work in the past 12 months, are eligible. T heir application must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from an editor/manager at an organization that regularly publishes or broadcasts their work OR by an experienced journalist who can speak to their work in convincing detail.
For example, if you created your own arts/culture/entertainment Web site, ask someone respected in the field to write on your behalf, addressing specifically how they use your site and depend upon it for valuable, competent and reliable news, insight and information.
Return to top
What if I am from another country other than the U.S.?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer you an application. This Fellowship is offered to U.S. citizens or permanent residents ONLY. This is NOT an international program, however, please take a moment to look at our USC Annenberg/Getty Arts Journalism Program which is offered internationally.
Return to top
What if I am an American citizen, but living outside the United States?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer you an application. We only accept applicants who reside within the
United States. However, please take a moment to look at our USC Annenberg/Getty Arts Journalism Program which is offered internationally.
Return to top
What if I have previously attended one of the other NEA Institute Fellowships?
If you were a NEA Fellow at either the NEA Arts Journalism Institute in Classical Music and Opera in New York at Columbia University or the NEA Arts Journalism Institute for Dance Criticism held at the American Dance Festival (ADF) in Durham, North Carolina at Duke University, you MAY still apply.
Be sure to note what year and which Institute you attended on your application.
Return to top
What if my work is purely radio, television or online -- how should I present examples of my work?
For radio and television, you will be required to submit a CD, audiotape or DVD containing three examples of your work. The entire submission should be no more than 20 minutes in length.
Online journalists will need to print out examples of their work on 8.5"x11" paper and include the URL addresses.
We accept no more than three examples of stories.
Return to top
What if I work or live in Los Angeles, New York or Chicago?
Journalists from the top seven media markets will be considered only under certain circumstances. Please contact Sasha Anawalt, director, if you are from a major media outlet and need clarification before applying. 213.437.4414
Strong preference is given to journalists who do NOT live or work in Los Angeles, New York City or Chicago.
Return to top
What if I have applied in previous years?
We encourage all previous applicants, who satisfy the eligibility requirements, to re-apply.
Only former NEA Arts Journalism Institute in Theater and Musical Theater fellows are NOT allowed to apply again – though they may apply to the NEA Arts Journalism Institute in Classical Music and Opera at
Columbia University
and to the NEA Arts Journalism Institute for Dance Criticism at
Duke University
.
Return to top
What should I do to prepare for this program?
Once you have been accepted, we will be in contact with you about the program’s details and requirements. It is important for Fellows to clear their desks at work and home before coming. We cannot emphasize enough that there is no time to complete assignments or take on new ones while you are on the Fellowship.
If you are a freelancer, you should plan accordingly and prepare not to be making an income during the 11 days.
Alert colleagues, family members and friends that your time to be in touch with them or accomplish work for them will be minimal. Be assured that the Fellowship’s rewards with respect to story ideas, contacts, job opportunities and essential rejuvenation are worth it in the long run. Tell them the same.
There may be reading material given to you in advance of the Fellowship to enhance your experience here. You will not, however, receive an actual schedule of events until you arrive.
This is a rigorous, strenuous, jam-packed and fun Fellowship program and it is strongly advised to be physically prepared for long days. Get rest in advance and drink plenty of water on the program.
Return to top
What mandatory obligations must I and/or my editor or boss fulfill during or post Fellowship?
Fellows must agree to attend all NEA Arts Journalism Institute in Theater and Musical Theater events.
Fellows must also complete a follow-up survey post Fellowship.
Return to top
When will I receive the schedule for the Fellowship?
Schedules are given upon arrival. Any necessary details will be emailed in advance.
Return to top
How long is the program, is there time off?
The NEA Arts Journalism Institute in Theater and Musical Theater is an 11-day Fellowship. There are no scheduled days off.
There is some free time during the program, but usually not much. Get plenty of rest before you come.
Return to top
Will I be able to work during the program?
The NEA Arts Journalism Institute in Theater and Musical Theater is fast-paced, intense and demanding. Be prepared to give 100% to the program. It is important for Fellows to clear their desks at work and home before coming. We cannot emphasize enough that there is no time to complete assignments or take on new ones while you are on the Fellowship.
If you are a freelancer, you should plan accordingly and prepare not to be making an income for the Fellowship's 11 days.
Alert colleagues, family members and friends that your time to be in touch with them or accomplish work for them will be minimal. Be assured that the Fellowship’s rewards with respect to story ideas, contacts, job opportunities and essential rejuvenation are worth it in the long run.
Return to top
What expenses will I have to cover?
The NEA Arts Journalism Institute in Theater and Musical Theater covers most expenses, including: roundtrip travel to and from Los Angeles, hotel, most meals, reading materials, Internet access in your hotel room and transportation within Los Angeles.
Personal expenses NOT related to the program are your responsibility. These may include laundry, gifts, mini-bar, phone calls, non-Fellowship travel and anything incurred outside the dates of the program, should you decide to stay in the hotel longer, for example. Alcohol is considered a personal expense, we are a government funded program and therefore cannot reimburse alcohol purchases.
Expenses incurred that ARE related to the program will be reimbursed. Be aware that all reimbursement requests are submitted at the end of the program and must be reviewed and approved before payment. More details on the reimbursement process are given during the Fellowship.
Return to top
Do I need to make my own travel arrangements?
No. Our program coordinator will be in touch with you about travel to and from Los Angeles. Flights should NOT be purchased by you independently unless discussed with the program coordinator beforehand.
Return to top
Where will I live during the program?
Each participant will have his or her own room at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown
Los Angeles.
The vast majority of your classes, seminars and workshops will be within walking distance of the hotel, located near Walt Disney Concert Hall, Mark Taper Forum, The Colburn School, Museum of Contemporary Art, REDCAT (CalArts Theatre) and Ahmanson Theatre.
Return to top
Can I arrive before or stay after the dates of the Fellowship?
Yes. Fellows may arrive before and/or leave after the Fellowship, however, the program will not cover the extra expense. If you plan to stay in the same hotel as the Fellowship, you will need to let us know well in advance. Be sure to contact our program coordinator with the details of your trip.
Return to top
Will I need a car?
No. All transportation in Los Angeles is provided for the Fellowship. Rental cars and personal vehicles for activities outside the program’s schedule are optional and are the independent responsibility of each Fellow.
Return to top
Will I need to bring a laptop?
Yes, if you can. You will have at least four writing assignments that are typically completed in your hotel room. But, if you do not own a laptop or your workplace cannot lend you one, let us know. We will try to work it out.
Return to top
Home | How To Apply | About Us | Previous Fellows | Previous Faculty | 2008 Schedule | Press | FAQ