Grant Program For The Theatre

There is now a grant program to support the development of theatre leaders at various points in their by career. The overall intent of this program is to strengthen the field by developing the individuals who are the core and the future of theatre.

For many early theatre professionals and recent graduates of advanced training programs, the combination of limited job openings in theatres, low compensation and student loan debt make a career in the not-for-profit theatre a questionable future. This grant program is not only designed to provide financial support for early-career leaders, but will also prepare recipients with greater leadership skills to enable a stable and a long-term career in the theatre.

Learning opportunities are also extended to mid-career professionals who could benefit from a short-term immersion outside of their organization and in their area of expertise. Observing the work of critical thinkers inside and outside the theatre field can help veteran leaders gain new perspectives on the opportunities and challenges within their own organizations as well as the field. This financial grant program provides practitioners with the rare time for reflection and inspiration to continue onward.

This grant program will award by grants in two initiatives: One-on-One for early-career leaders and Continuing Ed for mid-career and veteran professionals.

One-on-One grants of $75,000 will be awarded to six exceptionally talented early-career leaders from all areas of the theatre for professional development via mentorships at a Theatre, with an additional $5,000 honorarium for their mentor. Up to an additional $14,500 in supplemental funds may be used for student loan repayment, professional development or life needs (i.e. health care, child or elder or other medical expenses).

Continuing Ed grants of up to $6,000 will be awarded to eight mid-career to veteran professionals for learning opportunities to advance their leadership skills in areas that include artistic, administrative, educational and production. Grants will be awarded to the applicant's home theatre on behalf of the theatre practitioner.

Online registration applications and guidelines will be made available. For more information about the program, visit the website.

The grant program is a private philanthropic institution that makes grants on a selective basis in five core program areas: higher education and scholarship; scholarly communications and information technology; museums and art conservation; conservation and the environment; and performing arts. The Foundation's Performing Arts program focuses on achieving long-term results by providing multi-year grants to leading organizations in the disciplines of music, theater, and dance. Annual giving in the area of the performing arts has averaged approximately $30 million per year since 2005.

For 50 years, The group has existed to strengthen, nurture and promote the professional not-for-profit American theatre. For more information visit the official website.