BOSTON: Lyric Stage Company of Boston has announced the new Lyric Next Stage program to support mid-career directors in the Boston area. The fellowship will offer a season residency at the theatre and a $2,000 grant to cover costs associated with the program.

“By providing a bridge into the professional world for emerging artists, we ensure that future generations of Lyric Stage directors continue to reflect the diversity of our city,” said artistic director A. Nora Long in a statement. “The program supports fellows by exposing them to a professional working environment, observing and assisting professional directors at work, developing and refining their craft and aesthetic and by providing career development experience by reviewing resumes, portfolios, and project proposals. The program will culminate in a showcase of the fellows’ work in which we invite local artistic directors to attend.”

The inaugural 2017-18 season fellowship will run Aug. 2017-May 2018, and the deadline to apply is April 15.