Application portal for the 2025 Bridge Program is now open! Applications will be accepted until November 24
Build your resume. Get paid experience. Start your career now.
Want to take your theatre education one step further and work with some of the area’s best artists? Gain hands-on and paid experience in the theatre and film industry through the RLTP Bridge Program.
What is the Bridge Program?
The Bridge Program is a 16-week, hands-on, paid internship program sponsored by Road Less Traveled Productions specifically for artists of color looking to gain experience in the theatre industry to help develop their long-term career path. This unique opportunity is designed to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry and advance artists of color seeking a serious career in the arts.
This custom-built program provides members access to opportunities within any area of interest in the theatre industry that fits their needs.
Congrats to the Class of 2024!
Dwight Barlow (Directing)
Isaiah Brown (Acting)
Danielle Burning (Acting)
Sia Rogers (Marketing)
“I was at first nervous in the beginning because I was unsure on what to expect, but as I got to meet the person I would be shadowing and began working hands-on and learning how to do my job as assistant, I really began to enjoy every second and minute working and being down at the theater. I loved watching the performance while working alongside the stage manager. I was also grateful and humbled to work with the house manager and have the opportunity to usher for the play Sweat. I am thankful for being able to help and give back to the theater as well. This was an absolutely awesome experience for me and I would love to do it all again one day or possibly be a part of another production working as an actor!”
-Michael E. Jordan, Class of 2023
“Participating as a directing mentee in the Bridge Program was an incredible experience. Learning from two incredibly talented directors and a gifted cast provided invaluable hands-on training and mentorship. I am grateful for the opportunity to hone my directing skills in such a supportive environment, and I would highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to grow their talent in theatre.”
-Dwight Barlow, Class of 2024
"The Bridge Program was a wonderful way for me to return back to the theater community. I not only found wonderful guidance throughout the process, but it also led to beautiful connections that will follow me long after."
-Cristalis Bonilla, Class of 2023
“With a focus on marketing, I learned relevant and timely marketing tactics and techniques. My mentor was understanding, patient and intentional with our weekly objectives, and was always available to help me through my assignments and to answer my questions. Peter Johnson's creation of this internship experience is golden, providing opportunities for future candidates to learn, explore and most importantly, grow in the theatre space.”
-Sia Rogers, Class of 2024
"I was nervous at first because I wasn't sure what to expect, but everyone was very welcoming! Getting to be in the room gave me very helpful insights into the difference and similarities between community and professional theater rehearsal processes. I also received some helpful tips on how to stand out to casting directors and to not sell myself short despite my lack of professional experience. I look forward to seeing where I am able to go with the knowledge and opening of doors the Bridge Program has brought me!"
-Danielle Burning, Class of 2024
In almost 20 years of being immersed in the theater and film industries in my hometown of Buffalo NY, I have noticed a lack of artists of color in almost all aspects of those industries. As an artist, a part of my mission is to inspire and provide young artists with resources on how they can be successful in those competitive industries. It is my personal goal to provide young artists of color a professional platform that will give them "hands-on experience" with mentorship and guidance that will eventually lead to more career opportunities for them in this industry. The Bridge Program sponsored by Road Less Traveled Productions will provide a gateway for young artists of color that most professional companies do not provide.
As members of the RLTP Bridge Program, students will also gain knowledge and insight into Buffalo's emerging film industry. Special guests such as Buffalo's Film Commissioners, producers and casting directors will share knowledge with those looking to connect with film professionals in the Buffalo area.
Peter Johnson
Bridge Program Director Actor, Writer, Director, Casting Director
Program Director Peter Johnson biography:
Peter Johnson is an actor, writer, and film director from Buffalo, New York. As an Actor, he is a member of the screen actors guild and has TV credits from networks such as Lifetime, ION, and Hallmark, along with major studio credits from films such as Marshall and The First Purge. Peter also has film industry credits as a Casting Director. He is the third member of the company Casting Buffalo which casts films, commercials and industrial training videos throughout the Tri-state area. Peter has an MFA from the University at Buffalo in media production and is a professor at SUNY Buffalo State College in their theater department. Lastly, Peter serves as the director of RLTP'S Bridge program and was seen in Road Less Traveled Theater’s 2023 production of Sweat.
Program areas include:
Mentorship: students meet weekly with mentor
Paid work: Yes! Get paid for your work on production load-ins / load-outs / front of house duties! PLUS: travel stipend throughout program
Guest Artist access: Access to meet RLTP guest artists of color
What do you get out of the program? Here’s some, to name a few…
Professional development experience
Networking opportunities in both theatre & film industries
Free ticket to each of RLTP’s spring productions during your study
Program completion certificate
Class credit
Recognition (playbills, announcements, social media tags)
. . . and more!
Acceptance into the program will also include transportation stipend.
Bridge Program is made possible by the John R. Oishei Foundation, the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.