Meet Artistic & Production Fellow Joshua Stenger

Meet Joshua Stenger, the Joffrey's new Artistic & Production Fellow. 

A thoughtful and driven emerging professional with a passion for people, process, and performance, Joshua is committed to expanding access to the arts and supporting the artists who make it all possible.

We sat down with Joshua to talk about his path to production, from calling cues at Winning Works to earning his MFA at the University of Illinois. Along the way, he's developed a deep appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that brings each production to life.

Now in Chicago, he's ready to collaborate with the Joffrey Ballet's Artistic & Production team and dive into a season of creativity and keeping the magic moving.

Let's start from the beginning! What inspired your path into stage and production management, and eventually into dance?

I started acting in grade school when my school put on its first show, Schoolhouse Rock Live! I've loved being onstage and part of the theatre process ever since. I continued acting and singing through high school, but took a year off in college to explore other interests. During that time, I started watching videos of stage managers calling shows and completely fell in love with the job. I eventually transferred into a stage management program to gain the necessary skills and experience. In graduate school, I called my first dance concert and quickly connected with the creativity, process, and energy of dance!  

You've worn many hats. Stage manager, company manager, production manager. What drew you to those behind-the-scenes roles?

Creativity manifests in many different ways, and for me, it happens backstage. There's nothing like the thrill of calling a show, executing a schedule you've been working on for months, or coordinating the arrival of 50+ actors and production team members. It's incredibly satisfying and fulfilling. Everyone should experience what happens behind the scenes. It takes a tremendous amount of coordination to produce a performance, and that work allows the artists to shine onstage (literally)! 

You were recently backstage with Winning Works. How did that experience shape your connection to the Joffrey?

Stage managing Winning Works was a dream come true. Working with the Grainger Academy faculty, dancers, and production team to produce such a powerful show solidified my desire to be part of the Joffrey. It's an organization that not only creates meaningful work but also offers opportunities and access throughout the process. 

Joshua backstage at Winning Works.

The Joffrey Fellowship is focused on developing future arts leaders. What does that mean to you?

The fellowship gives me the opportunity to expand my understanding of this beautiful art form, hone my skills, and continue growing as an arts leader. Most of all, I'm looking forward to learning from experienced managers and artists who excel in their craft and are eager to share their knowledge. 

You've mentioned the power of performance and your commitment to expanding access to the arts. What does equitable access in the arts look like to you?

The Joffrey Ballet's mission, its belief in the transformative power of the arts, and the organization's commitment to Joffrey for All are what truly excite me about being here. I've seen how performance can change lives, from lifting someone's mood to inspiring them to audition for a show. 

Access in the arts is access to the process. It's about creating opportunities for anyone who wants to participate, sharing knowledge with those who are curious, and removing restrictions on creative expression. 

What excited you most about Chicago? What's at the top of your list?

I am so excited about moving to Chicago with my puppy, Banjo, and my cat, Pip! It's a city I've always loved visiting, and now we get to call it home. I'm looking forward to seeing shows at all the storefront theaters and going to jazz clubs after a good day at work. Also, my niece loves hot dogs, so I'm on a mission to find the best Chicago Dog in town.

About the Joffrey Fellowship Program

The Joffrey Fellowship Program expands opportunities for individuals pursuing a career in arts management. During the 9- to 12-month Fellowship, the Joffrey Fellow will gain hands-on experience with various departments across The Joffrey Ballet, learning what it takes to operate a world-renowned ballet company. This experience enables Fellows to learn and grow in their careers.

Through the Fellowship, The Joffrey Ballet continues its efforts to develop the next generation of arts leaders, who, upon completing the program and learning an abundance of transferable skills, will enter the field demonstrating exceptional talent.

Alongside being a fully paid, benefits-eligible position, the Fellowship offers several advantages, including gaining firsthand experience in arts management, feedback from industry experts, and access to performances, rehearsals, workshops, networking opportunities, and professional development resources.