Applications are now open for 2026 National Theatre Company Grants! Please click HERE to start a submission. The deadline to submit is Friday, September 6th at 11:59PM ET.
Recognizing the critical importance of regional theatre to the American theatre ecology and work by living playwrights to the advancement of our art form, this newly relaunched reinforced program will focus on helping regional companies innovate new strategies to successfully present the work of living American playwrights. Examples of the projects ATW seeks to support with these grants include: Co-productions of world premieres, national not-for-profit tours of new work, regional or local debuts, fresh approaches to audience development, community outreach around new work, and educational and low-cost ticket initiatives
Five grants of $100,000 will be awarded annually to support projects that represent visionary approaches to presenting new work. Organizations must demonstrate their capacity to successfully support (or have a plan to support) their project with appropriate staffing and financial resources to further build the program in the future.
GUIDELINES
- Theatre companies of all budget sizes are welcome to apply.
- Primary Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit (or an organization fiscally supported by a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit) theatre based outside NYC. However, partnerships with commercial entities, non-theatre organizations, and NY-based theatre organizations are welcome and encouraged.
- Funded projects must take place during the Fall 2027 and/or Spring 2028 season. If the recipient(s) follow a calendar year season, funded projects must take place starting January 2028.
- Must demonstrate how projects will significantly advance the goals
- Must show evidence of consistent, diverse theatrical programming
- Must demonstrate that artists are paid appropriately for their work
- Must legally acquire rights to produce proposed production(s)
- Must submit detailed budget demonstrating what funds will be used for
- At this time, this program is not seeking to fund the following:
- Projects involving children’s theatre.
- Projects involving new musicals, rather than new plays.
- Projects with international playwrights. This program aims to support new American playwrights at this stage.
- Projects seeking general operating support or funding for standard season programming. Funding is reserved for clearly defined projects that directly advance the program goals outlined in this application.
TIMELINE:
Tuesday, July 7, 2026: Applications are now open! Please click HERE to start a submission.
Friday, September 4th at 11:59PM ET: Applications Due
