Final Act Drama
Creative Fellowship
A Real-World Launchpad for Emerging Filmmakers & Performers
Not another internship. Not busywork. Not theory. This is hands-on, portfolio-building, mentor-led creative experience inside a working acting studio.
Final Act Drama is opening a limited number of Creative Fellowship / Media Residency spots for recent graduates and advanced students in film, acting, and digital media who are ready to bridge the gap between school and the real industry.
If You’re Asking This Question…
“How do I actually get experience now?”
You’re in the right place. The Creative Fellowship exists for filmmakers, actors, and content creators who want:
Real projects with real people
Content that actually gets published
Professional credits
Mentorship from someone who’s worked in the industry
A clear next step forward
- Business Development training
What Is the Creative Fellowship?
The Final Act Drama Creative Fellowship is a 3‑month, part‑time media residency designed to help emerging creatives gain practical experience while contributing to the growth of a working acting studio and video production company. You can work with:
Working actors
Aspiring performers
Entrepreneurs, speakers, and on‑camera professionals
A studio with an established brand and client base
This is not a classroom extension. It’s a creative lab.
Who This Is For?
This fellowship is ideal for:
- Recent graduates in Cinematic Arts, Film Production, Acting, or Digital Media
- Creatives who feel “ready but under‑experienced”
- Filmmakers who want stronger reels and real credits
- Actors interested in content creation, directing, or producing
- Self‑motivated creatives who want responsibility—not hand‑holding
You don’t need a massive portfolio. You do need initiative!
What You’ll Work On...
Depending on your strengths and interests, fellows may work in areas such as:
- Short‑form video content (Facebook and Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts)
- Digital Marketing services in-house and for paid clients
- Behind‑the‑scenes & documentary‑style content
- Actor reels, self‑tapes, and headshot sessions
- Social media content planning & execution
- Short narrative or branded film projects
- Studio workshops and productions
- Performance training content
- Casting Calls for Film, TV, and Commercials
- New product development
- Website marketing
You won’t just assist—you’ll own a creative lane!
This is designed to move you forward, not keep you stuck!
Program Details
Length: 3 months (option to extend to 6)
Time Commitment: 5–10 hours per week (flexible scheduling)
Location: Virginia‑based with some remote flexibility
Compensation: This is an unpaid fellowship with clear upside, including:
- Revenue‑sharing opportunities on select projects
- Paid project stipends as services grow
- Long‑term collaboration potential
What You’ll Gain...
Fellows leave with tangible, career‑building assets:
- Published portfolio & reel material
- Professional credits with Final Act Drama
- Mentorship from a working actor, director, and coach
- Leadership experience in a real creative environment
- Professional references
- Opportunity to transition into paid contract or revenue‑share work
Mentorship You Can’t Get in a Classroom
The fellowship includes:
- Regular mentoring sessions
- Career guidance & industry insight
- Honest feedback (the kind you actually need)
- Coaching in both craft and business
Final Act Drama is led by Russ Randall, an actor, director, and coach with over 35 years of experience in film, television, and performance training.
You’re not just gaining experience—you’re gaining perspective!
What Success Looks Like
By the end of the fellowship, you should be able to say:
“I have work I’m proud to show.”
“I understand how a creative business actually functions.”
“I’ve led real projects.”
“I know my next step.”
That’s the goal!
How to Apply
To apply, submit the following by email to Info@FinalActDrama.com or FinalActDrama@gmail.com.
Spots are limited, and we are intentional about who we invite into the fellowship.
Our goal is not to find the most experienced applicants—but the most ready ones.
To apply, please submit the following:
1. Resume or Creative Background
This does not need to be a traditional corporate resume.
You may submit:
A one-page resume or
A short written overview of your creative background
Include things like:
Education or training
Acting or Production experience
Relevant projects (school, freelance, personal, or church-based)
Roles you’ve held (filmmaker, editor, actor, content creator, etc.)
Any leadership or team experience
Website or Digital Marketing
We’re looking for trajectory, not perfection.
2. Portfolio, Reel, or Work Samples (If Available)
If you have existing work, please share it.
This may include:
A directing or editing reel
Short films or scenes
Social media content
Photography or BTS footage
Acting clips or monologues
YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, or Google Drive links
If you don’t have a formal reel yet, that’s okay. Strong raw work—or even rough experiments—are welcome.
3. Statement of Interest (Short Answer)
Please respond briefly (1–2 paragraphs per question is plenty):
Why are you interested in the Final Act Drama Creative Fellowship?
What do you hope to gain during the next 3–6 months?
What skills or strengths do you bring to a creative team?
What kind of creative work excites you most right now?
Honesty matters more than polish.
4. Availability & Commitment
Please tell us:
Your general weekly availability (days/hours)
Whether you are local to Virginia or remote
Your preferred start timeframe
This helps us build a realistic, healthy collaboration.
5. Optional (But Encouraged): Creative Vision Question
Answer one of the following:
Share a piece of content (film, reel, TikTok, scene, sermon clip, etc.) that inspires you—and explain why. OR
If you had full creative freedom for one project at Final Act Drama, what would you want to create?
This gives us insight into how you think—not just what you’ve done.
What Happens Next
If your application feels like a strong fit, we’ll reach out to schedule a short conversation.
This is not a high-pressure interview—just a chance to make sure the fellowship is the right next step for both of us.
To apply, submit the information above by email to Info@FinalActDrama.com or FinalActDrama@gmail.com.
