Michael Maggio Directing Fellowship

VIRTUAL FELLOWSHIP INFORMATION SESSION – For anyone considering applying 

New this year! There will be two virtual Maggio Fellowship Information Sessions via Zoom on February 11th 5:30pm CST and February 19th 5:00pm CST. Attendance is not required to apply. If attending, please attend only one session. The Maggio Fellowship Information Session is an opportunity to learn about the Fellowship, gain helpful application tips and ask questions about the Goodman, the application process and the Fellowship. 

RSVP here for the virtual information session. A Zoom link to will be shared via email on the day of each information session. 

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN – Deadline March 1, 2026 

APPLY HERE

A veteran of more than 60 productions in theaters around the country, Michael Maggio was a consummate artist who was equally at home in nearly any dramatic genre, from new plays to classics, grand scale musicals to intimate realistic dramas. The list of his Goodman Theatre credits recalls some of the most acclaimed productions in the theater’s recent history: a landmark Romeo and Juliet, set in Chicago’s Little Italy in 1919; the sumptuous Sondheim musicals Sunday in the Park with George and A Little Night Music; the frantic comedy of Keith Reddin’s Black Snow; the haunting beauty of the musical adaptation of Wings; and the much-lauded world premiere of Rebecca Gilman’s Boy Gets Girl. But there were some common elements to all of his work: a fascination with the human condition in all of its guises; an unerring grace and intelligence; and the passionate belief in the power of the theater to illuminate and transform. Michael directed a total of 22 productions at the Goodman. In addition to his duties at Goodman, he served as the Dean of The Theatre School at DePaul University, which gave him the chance to pass his passion for excellence and his generosity of spirit on to another generation. 

In recognition of Michael’s artistry and his dedication to nurturing young artists, Goodman Theatre established the annual Michael Maggio Directing Fellowship. The Maggio Fellow is an emerging career Chicago-based director, selected by a panel of Goodman artistic staff, Chicago artists, and the current Maggio Directing Fellow. 

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP: 

The Goodman is now accepting applications for the 2026/2027 Michael Maggio Directing Fellowship. The submission deadline is March 1, 2026. Please note that the Maggio Fellowship is a yearlong full-time artistic administrative position starting in August. This position is primarily in-person with limited remote options when not actively involved in a production.  

The Maggio Fellow joins the artistic staff, with administrative and artistic responsibilities:  

• Assigned assistant directing or other artistic specialty roles on Main Stage productions 

• Weekly assigned administrative tasks 

• Production assistant support on readings and workshops 

• Read and respond to scripts 

• Support New Works programs 

• Attend locally produced work 

• Producing support for special events 

• Facilitate or participate in engagement, marketing, education, and development events 

• The Maggio Fellow will work closely with the Northwestern Directing Fellow to produce IDEAA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Accessibility) events that engage local directors, playwrights, and designers. 

• Work cross-departmentally on exciting internal and external projects in various capacities. 

The Maggio Fellow will be mentored and supervised by the Goodman’s BOLD Artistic Producer with opportunities to work alongside other artistic and administrative leaders and colleagues.  

Goodman Theatre understands that the Maggio Fellow is a working creative and will aim to celebrate and accommodate when opportunities arise; however, the Maggio Fellow agrees to prioritize the Fellowship for the yearlong commitment which may result in limited opportunities to direct or work outside of the Fellowship. 

HOW TO APPLY:  

QUALIFICATIONS  

Applicants must be Chicago-based directors. Applicants must have directed at least two professional (non-academic) full productions and a demonstrated interest in a directing career.  

MATERIALS TO SUBMIT 

To apply for the Maggio Fellowship, Applicants will submit the following files (pdf) below. Please title each file with the applicant’s last name, first name and description (i.e. “Doe-Jane-Resume.pdf.”):

1. Resume:

• Submit a resume (pdf) with directing, artistic and administrative experience, no longer than two pages. Please include in the resume: 
• List all full productions in a separate section from workshops, readings, or other directing experience. 
• Include location (city and state) and dates (month and year) for all productions, readings, and work experience. 
• (Optional) Links to professional websites, portfolios, or other materials must be listed on the resume. Separate documents with additional material will not be considered. 

2. Verification for two productions: In one pdf document (for each production), include the following verification from a full production solely directed by the Applicant: 

• A website link or copy from the producing theater’s website or press release that includes: a description of the production, lists the cast, design team, and the Applicant as the Director. 
• At least four production photos (from four different moments in the show) from the production. Include captions with names of the Actors and their roles.  
• (Optional) Applicants are welcome to include one published review or one featured article about the production within the same document. (A link to the article or copy from the published website.)

3. Artistic Statement: Submit an Artistic Statement (400-550 words, pdf) that includes:

• Describe your artistic approach and background.
• How long have you been in Chicago and why have you chosen Chicago as your artistic home? 
• How do your directing interests intersect with the larger workings of a regional theater model?
•  What do you feel is essential to a theater making practice in this moment?
• Any other helpful information you wish to share.

 4. Conflicts: Submit a separate pdf document listing any conflicts from August 1, 2026-August 31, 2027. Clearly indicate which conflicts are non-negotiable. Some conflicts may be approved, but not guaranteed. If there are no conflicts, please write, “I have full availability for the duration of the Fellowship with no existing conflicts.”

CONSIDERATIONS 

Please note that incomplete applications (including missing letters of recommendations) after March 1st will not be considered for this year’s Maggio Fellowship. 

Any material submitted outside of the listed requirements will not be reviewed or considered. Additionally, Applicants must adhere to all page and word limits for the resume (1-2 pages) and artistic statement (400-550 words).

SELECTION PROCESS:

The selection committee, made up of Goodman Staff and Chicago Theater professionals, will review completed applications of all qualified applicants and conduct first round interviews with ten selected candidates. Three finalists will be selected for a second round of interviews with Susan Booth (Goodman Walter Artistic Director), Malkia Stampley (Goodman BOLD Artistic Producer), and Adam Belcuore (Goodman Managing Producer). Additional references may be requested upon completion of an interview. 

The goal is to select the 2026-2027 Maggio Directing Fellow by mid-April. The Fellowship will start late August and end August 31, 2027. Exact dates will be confirmed with an offer. 

APPLICATION FEEDBACK 

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applicants, we are unable to provide feedback for anyone who did not interview for the position. If you were interviewed, feedback may not be provided right away. Thank you in advance for your patience.  

If you have any questions, email LenaRomano@GoodmanTheatre.Org