Bluecoats Fellowship
Bluecoats Fellows are individuals who are a part of, or are committed to supporting, traditionally under-represented communities in marching arts design, and are selected by demonstrating excellent skill and potential in their field. The goal of the Bluecoats Fellowship is to prepare these individuals for placement at marching arts programs and institutions around the world, paving a pathway towards a more diverse and inclusive world in the marching arts.
Each winter an annual cohort of up to six Bluecoats Fellows will be selected to participate in a drum corps season at Bluecoats. Fellows will take part in an assistantship with the Bluecoats designer in their field, gaining the opportunity to grow their skills and receive advice & guidance on their work. These resident fellowships are modestly-paid contract positions that include travel and accommodations. The residency extends from April through the DCI World Championships in August each year.
Applications for the 2024 Bluecoats Fellowship are now closed.
Applications for the 2025 Bluecoats Fellowship will open in November 2024.
Meet the 2024 Bluecoats Fellows
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Christopher Artau (he/him)
Natalie Brady (she/her)
DaJuan Evan Brooks (he/him)
Brooke Butler (she/her)
Kyle Myers (he/they)
Kate Sellers (she/her)
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Morrice Boutan (he/him)
Sara Bowden (they/them)
Justin Dozier (he/him)
Leah Dunbar (she/her)
Luis Angel Gonzalez (he/him)
Irene Guggenheim-Triana (she/her)
David Ifland (he/him)
Program Highlights
One-on-one mentorship w/ Bluecoats designer in Fellow’s field
Lifetime recognition as “Bluecoats Fellow”
Advice on previous work and existing portfolio
Advice and guidance on skills development
Assistantship: apprenticeship work alongside Bluecoats design team during drum corps season
Residency at Bluecoats Spring Training
Attendance at DCI World Championships
Opportunity to engage in Bluecoats Learning Programs such as School of the Arts, and En-Rich-Ment Drumline
Eligibility
Early-career designer in the marching arts
A part of, or committed to supporting, communities that have historically been underrepresented in drum corps and BOA-style marching programs. Identifies as a part of any/all of the following communities:
African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and/or Pacific Islander descent; and/or
Women, trans, non-binary, and/or gender non-conforming individuals; and/or
Individuals with demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts, learning, and civic leadership.
Resident of North America
Schedule
The Bluecoats Fellowship is broken up into three parts mirroring a drum corps season:
1. Pre-Season (March — April)
Welcome & Orientation Zoom call (March, date TBD)
Group Zoom call with Bluecoats Design Team (April, date TBD)
Attend April Rehearsal & Design Camp in Canton, OH (April 26 - 28)
2. Spring Training Residency (June)
First week: move-in to Spring Training, get oriented, observe rehearsals as interested
Second week: 2 — 3 approx. 1-hour sessions with members of the design team, including one-on-one conversations with Fellow’s paired designer; observe rehearsals as interested
Third week: 2 — 3 approx. 1-hour sessions with members of the design team, including one-on-one conversations with Fellow’s paired designer; observe rehearsals as interested
Fourth week: “Meet The Fellows” Digital Media Recording, observe rehearsals as interested
note: time during the Spring Training Residency is very flexible. Fellows are welcome to leave for other events and will have time during the day to work on other projects.
3. Tour (late-June — August 10)
Bluecoats cannot provide housing & transportation to Fellows during tour, but will issue tickets to all Bluecoats-operated local events
Optional: DCI World Championships (August 8—10): Bluecoats will provide entry passes to Fellows for DCI World Championships.
Optional: All Fellows will receive complimentary tickets to the Bluecoats Season Banquet on August 11
Other Details
There is no application fee
Assistantships are available in Visual Design, Choreography, Colorguard Design, Artistic Direction & Program Coordination, Composing & Arranging, Sound Design & Music Coordination, Audio Systems Design, Costume Design, and Scenic Design
Bluecoats Fellows are paid a modest stipend during the program and all reasonable travel and overnight accommodations are provided during the program
Extended-term dormitory housing is provided during Fellow’s stay at Bluecoats Spring Training
Meals and other reasonable accommodations are included during Spring Training and tour engagements
A background check and execution of the Bluecoats Participant Safety Agreement are required prior to participating in any student-facing programs of Bluecoats or Bluecoats’ partners and affiliates
Each class of Fellows will be announced via press release and listed on the Bluecoats website
Have a question? Email us at bluecoats@bluecoats.com
Applications for the 2024 Bluecoats Fellowship are now closed.
Applications for the 2025 Bluecoats Fellowship will open in November 2024.