OTSL welcomes the fourth class of the Clayco Future Leaders Fellowship

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) recently welcomed the fourth cohort of the Clayco Future Leaders Fellowship. This pioneering and successful initiative nurtures emerging leaders in arts administration, with a focus on individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds, specifically those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The class, which started December 1, includes Camryn Moore (Marketing Fellow), Allyson Sims (Production Fellow), and Astrid Bacy (Administration Fellow).

The Clayco Future Leaders Fellowship offers comprehensive hands-on training to enhance the skills, knowledge, and competencies crucial for pursuing careers in the arts. Leveraging their exposure at OTSL, graduates from the first three cohorts of Clayco Fellows have advanced into positions at notable institutions such as the Glimmerglass Festival, Santa Fe Opera, Houston Grand Opera, LA Opera, Atlanta Opera, Austin Opera, and The New Harmony Project, among others. These roles encompass diverse areas within arts administration, spanning from artist management to education and community engagement, as well as grantwriting and fundraising.

The Clayco Fellowship will run from December 1, 2023 to August 30, 2024. Throughout the program, participants will be immersed in a full-time role, specializing in a specific department in addition to gaining practical experience in various crucial functions across the organization. Every Fellow will receive a full-time salary, benefits, transportation and relocation stipends, professional development opportunities, and chances for networking. Additionally, each Fellow will be mentored by a leader in the field, fostering connections within the broader arts community. The Clayco Future Leaders Fellowship is made possible through a commitment from Bob and Jane Clark and Clayco, the recipient of the 2021 Missouri Arts Award for Philanthropy.

About Camryn Moore, Marketing Fellow

Camryn Moore holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Administration and Theatre from the University of Kentucky. She recently served as the Digital Marketing and Media Intern at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis during the 2023 Festival Season. Beyond her work in arts administration, Camryn is a talented film and television actress, having participated in a diverse array of productions, including music videos, movies, TV series, and stage performances.

About Allyson Sims, Production Fellow

Allyson Sims is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, where she received a Master of Arts in Theatre. During her time there, Allyson specialized in Stage Performance and Directing. She also brings experience in projection and scenic design, stage management, theatre education, and marketing, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to her craft. A dedicated creative artist, Allyson is passionate about and committed to the performing arts.

About Astrid Bacy, Administration Fellow

Astrid Bacy is an accomplished arts administrator, educator, and artist, recently earning a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Southern Utah University. Her work in the arts has included serving as Marketing Assistant & Community Liaison at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Adjunct Arts Professor at Southern Utah University, and Company Management Supervisor at the Glimmerglass Festival, among others. Astrid enjoys bringing creativity and administrative experience to each project she is involved in.

The Clayco Future Leaders Fellowship is possible thanks to a generous commitment from Clayco and Bob & Jane Clark.