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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.

Thank you for applying to the 2024 Bridge Program!

The application portal is now closed. Stay tuned for more info!

“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

"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

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, producer and casting director from Buffalo, New York. He is a graduate of New York Film Academy where he studied the art of acting and filmmaking. 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 has over 15 years’ experience on stage and in front of the camera. He has collaborated with Road Less Traveled Productions in the past, starring in shows such as Race and Farragut North. Peter also owns his own independent production company; Xavier Productions, that specializes in the production of theater and film projects. His most recently produced film, The Blackness Project is a feature length documentary that provides in-depth interviews on race and culture from the minority perspective and was a featured story on CBS News in the Morning in 2019. 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. In addition to these creative endeavors, 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. His mission as an artist is to create educational work and inspire a generation of young artists that will elevate urban art and culture to the next level.

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.