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

 
Photo of Jordan Green.

Jordan Green (he/they)

Photo of Marco Iannelli.

Marco Iannelli (he/him)

Photo of Megan.

Megan Karwoski (she/they)

Photo of Jeremy Loui.

Jeremy Loui (he/him)

Orynn Danielle Murphy (she/they)

Photo of Michael W. Pettis.

Michael W. Pettis (he/him)

Photo of Landy Wyatt Roberson.

Landy Wyatt Roberson (they/them)

 

    • 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)

    • 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

Designer talking to Bluecoats Fellow.
Four Fellows sitting together in the stands at a rehearsal.

 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.