Seeking technical theater fellow for KUNG FU ZOMBIES VS SOUTHEAST ASIAN GIRL SCOUTS
SEEKING TECHNICAL THEATER FELLOW
work alongside and under the mentorship of JESSICA GOLDADE SWANSON
Apply by Aug 30, 2026
art by Aleksandra Gurneau/KNOCK, inc.
About the TECHNICAL THEATER Fellowship
Theater Mu is seeking an emerging or early-career stage manager or technician, based in Minnesota, for a hands-on fellowship working alongside Production Manager Jesica Swanson during the world premiere of Kung Fu Zombies vs Southeast Asian Girl Scouts, written by Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay and directed by Artistic Director Fran de Leon.
The technical theater fellow will be embedded in the full arc of a mainstage production gaining direct exposure to how a production manager and stage manager are part of the production from the ground up—attending production meetings and designer runs, being an active part of tech rehearsals, building and running the open captions for two performances, and learning that accessibility can be incorporated from the beginning of a production and not as an after thought. Because this production centers Southeast Asian American stories, history, and cultural practices, the technical theater fellow will also build cultural awareness that goes beyond craft, gaining insight into how research, community input, and lived experience shape a production.
The technical theater fellow will work alongside Jessica Goldade Swanson, stage management, the director, designers, and production team throughout the process.
SYNOPSIS
Three Southeast Asian Girl Scouts are keeping their Saint Paul, MN, community together during the zombie apocalypse. Between helping their elders, doing food runs, and building campfires, they've probably earned, like, four Gold Awards each. This genre-bending world premiere is the finale of playwright Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay's Kung Fu Zombies trilogy, but all you need to know is that, for some reason, these zombies know kung fu.
Fellowship at a Glance
Positions available: One
Eligibility: Emerging or early-career properties designer based in Minnesota
Stipend: $800
Duration: September through Nov 15, 2026
Location: Twin Cities; rehearsal at Theater Mu Offices, 755 Prior Ave. N #107, Saint Paul, MN 55104; tech and performances at Frey Theater, 2004 Randolph Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55105
Additional benefits: Complimentary tickets to the production, mentorship meetings, alumni network access
Qualifications
REQUIRED
Knowledge of the tech process (running crew coordination, cue calling, backstage organization).
Ability to take notes and update data-based software (open captions slideshow, tracking sheets) throughout the process.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.
Excellent observation, listening, attentiveness, and awareness skills.
Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.
The ability to work well under pressure and to respond calmly and efficiently to frequent changes during the production and rehearsal process.
Reliability: While hours can be flexible, you must be open to evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.
Access to personal or public transportation to get to meetings, sourcing runs, rehearsals, etc.
A commitment to Theater Mu's mission and values as an arts organization built upon social justice, exemplary theater, and Asian American stories.
Must be 18 or older to apply.
DESIRED
1+ years of academic, professional, or internship experience in stage management, OR 1+ years of academic, professional, or volunteer experience as a theater artist in any area.
What the TECHNICAL THEATER Fellow Will Do
Pre-Production (September 2026)
The technical theater fellow attends production meetings and supports production and stage management prepping for rehearsals and learning how that impacts the rehearsal process.
Rehearsals (beginning Sept 22, 2026)
The technical theater fellow will attend 2-3 rehearsals to observe how the director, stage management team, designers, and actors work together in the room, as well as to get an early idea of story structure, style, and pace.
Building Slide Show (October when the script is locked)
The technical theater fellow will build the slide show for open captions focusing on accessibility and finding the beats of the text so it flows with the show.
Tech and Previews (Oct 21-30, 2026)
The technical theater fellow moves into tech with the production at Frey Theater, assisting the production manager and stage management through previews on Oct 29 & 30. The fellow will learn the process of open captioning, build the necessary files, rehearse during a dress run in preparation to operate open captions for two performances, dates to be determined by the theater.
Run Open Captions (Nov 7 & 14, 2026)
The technical theater fellow will run open captions for the performances on Saturday, Nov 7 & 14 at 7 pm CT. They will arrive at 6 pm to turn on the projector, connect the computer, and then run the slide show throughout the performance.
ABOUT THEATER MU
Theater Mu is the largest Asian American theater company in the Midwest, producing bold new work centered on the Asian American experience.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Kung Fu Zombies vs Southeast Asian Girl Scouts, written by Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay, is the world premiere finale of her Kung Fu Zombies trilogy, directed by Theater Mu Artistic Director Fran de Leon.
How to Apply
Send a resume and cover letter to info@theatermu.org (subject: Kung Fu Zombies Technical Theater Fellow Application). Applicants must submit by 5 pm CT on Aug 30, 2026.