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Jonathan Larson's dream was to infuse musical theatre with a contemporary, joyful, urban vitality. Although he did not live to see it happen, that dream was achieved through the phenomenal success of his musical Rent. The Jonathan Larson Grants were created with the understanding that without grants that supplemented Jonathan's meager income, Jonathan might never had written Rent. The grants program was established 13 years ago as a place for individual creative theatre artists to turn to for financial support and encouragement. The Jonathan Larson Grants honor the talented creator of Rent and ensure that his spirit continues to inspire the future of American musical theatre.
From 1997-2008 the awards were administered by the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation. The Foundation recognized and supported more than seventy-five composers, lyricists, and bookwriters at the start of their careers. As of 2009, the Jonathan Larson Grants are part of the American Theatre Wing
The American Theatre Wing is currently reviewing applications for the 2010 Jonathan Larson Grants. Applicants are reviewed and scored by readers with expertise in musical theatre, many of whom are prior recipients of the grant. The best scored applications then advance to an expert panel decide which applicants receive a grant. The 2009 expert panel consisted of composer Mark Hollmann, producer Kevin McCollum, director John Rando and musical director Tim Weil. The 2010 grants will be presented at an exclusive, industry only reception, showcasing the work of the recognized emerging artists with performances of songs written by the grant recipients, in early March in Manhattan. Applications will be available for the 2011 grant cycle in June 2010.
The few grants Jonathan received boosted his professional confidence so that he could pursue a career writing for the musical theatre. Today, each of the Jonathan Larson grants is awarded to an artist to recognize and showcase their work with no strings attached - except to put it to the best use possible to help further the artist's creative endeavors. Thanks to the resources of the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation and the Larson Family the program will be sustained for the future. The Jonathan Larson Grants are just one part of the American Theatre Wing's history of programs designed to support theatre professionals at the beginning of their careers, and dovetails with the Wing's longstanding practice of recognizing excellence in the theatre.
- Jonathan Larson® is a registered trademark of Skeeziks, LLC
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