Best Grants for Theater in Wisconsin

Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, hospitals, clinics, and tribal organizations in Wisconsin can apply for Arts Midwest’s GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness, awarding US $2,000 - US $15,000 for arts-and-wellness projects. Eligible theater and other arts groups must engage a professional artist or ensemble and offer at least two activities between December 2025 and June 2026.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Equipment Upgrade (up to $5,000)

Can be awarded to help school theatre programs with large technical purchases that upgrade the resources available for theatrical use, such as lighting and sound equipment.

The Elizabeth Guttenberg Memorial Scholarship honors the vibrant life of Liz Guttenberg, a talented young artist and active community member who tragically passed away at 18. Funded by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, this $750 non-renewable scholarship supports graduating high school seniors or continuing college students from the Fox Valley area pursuing degrees in Arts or Theatre at UW institutions, encouraging them to thrive in their educational endeavors.

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.

The Student Ambassador Program by USITT offers a unique chance for student members to connect with international theatre professionals during the Annual Conference. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations and networking opportunities, including a special luncheon and the International Reception. This program aims to foster collaboration and mentorship among emerging designers and experienced industry leaders, enhancing professional growth within the performing arts community.

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

The Founders Concept Development Grants, offered by the Children's Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA), support US non-profit theatres in developing innovative concepts and strategies for engaging young audiences. This initiative emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to enhance the quality of theatre for youth. CTFA encourages artists to explore new ideas while ensuring that all children have access to impactful theatrical experiences. This grant embodies a commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in youth theatre.

The Youth in Theatre Grants aim to financially support theatrical productions in Door County that prominently feature youth in key roles. Grants can provide up to $500 for qualified charitable, educational, civic, or youth groups primarily composed of Door County residents. This initiative encourages the engagement of young individuals in the arts, fostering their talents and contributions to the local cultural landscape.

The ISF Film Scholarship Program, initiated by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, supports Muslim students pursuing careers in film and media. With scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, the program aims to enhance Muslim representation in media and counter negative portrayals. Eligible applicants must be full-time students or professionals in relevant fields, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative not only fosters talent but also empowers voices in policy-making and public opinion.

The Joe Salek Scholarship for Theater Arts Trust, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing a degree in Theatre Arts, including acting, playwriting, and design. Open to high school seniors and college students in the USA, this scholarship requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment. Renewable for up to one year, it aims to empower the next generation of theater artists by providing essential financial aid for tuition, fees, and living expenses.

The Helen Duranleau-Brennan Theater Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students pursuing theater studies. Eligible applicants must be graduates from specific Davenport high schools, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled in a four-year program or graduate school for theater. This scholarship provides up to $1,000 annually, renewable for up to four years, encouraging students committed to theater-related disciplines and community service.

The Jerry and Martha Taylor Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from Rock Island County pursuing post-secondary education. With awards of up to $1,000, this scholarship is not renewable and is open to applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Preference is given to students majoring in journalism, theater arts, or special education, or those attending accredited trade schools.

Wisconsin secondary school theater educators seeking professional development support can access funding through the United States Institute for Theatre Technology. Grants up to US $500 help cover conference or workshop registration, travel and housing, facilitator stipends, training supplies, software licenses, and instructional equipment, with funded activities to be completed within one year.

Emerging theater and entertainment design professionals in Wisconsin and across the U.S. can apply for the Sherry Wagner-Henry Board Fellowship, awarding US $3,000 - US $3,500 in mentorship value for nonprofit leadership development. Offered by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, it provides 12–18 months of board access, travel, and governance experience.

Wisconsin theater and arts organizations fostering broad, diverse engagement with Shakespeare through teaching, scholarship, performance, or activism may be eligible for this national award. Shakespeare Association of America provides support to SAA members or collaborations led by a member whose projects build and sustain vibrant Shakespeare publics.

Wisconsin professional theater companies producing work at Madison’s Overture Center for the Arts can access funding through Madison Community Foundation to help cover production costs. Eligible applicants must meet at least three professional criteria, such as equity contracts and paid actors or staff, and cannot already hold a Great Performance Fund endowment at the foundation.

Native performing artists and Native-led performing arts organizations in Wisconsin can receive US $30,000 for live theater, dance, music, and other performance productions in active development. Grants from First Peoples Fund help U.S.-based Native creators stage multi-artist live productions, which may include theater projects and tours serving Native communities.

High schools in Wisconsin and across the U.S. producing plays or musicals that explore diverse perspectives can apply for the Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant, awarding US $10,000 for productions and professional mentors. Funding supports student collaboration with industry professionals and community events that spark meaningful dialogue.

High school seniors pursuing college-level arts education can receive $5,000 from the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship to support tuition. Focused on dance, drama, visual arts, and music, Arts Council of the Morris Area invites talented students, including those active in theater, to apply if they are Morris County, New Jersey residents attending New Jersey schools.

High school seniors in New Jersey pursuing dance, drama, visual arts, or music degrees can receive $1,500 toward tuition through the Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship. Focused on supporting young artists’ training, Morris Arts invites Morris County residents with strong theater or other arts portfolios to submit work samples, essays, and recommendations.

Emerging U.S.-based music critics and writers in Wisconsin can receive US $5,000 in unrestricted support to advance their arts writing careers, including paying themselves to write. Japanese American National Museum’s Irene Yamamoto Arts Writers Fellowship funds critical, analytical, or interpretive writing on music, with opportunities to publish on the Democracy Center blog and give a public talk.

Individual artists, arts organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects creating environmentally focused theater and other art forms can apply for Puffin Foundation support, with priority for U.S.-based projects including Wisconsin. This program funds solution-oriented environmental artistic activism; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients with an SSN may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) theater companies in Wisconsin and nationwide can receive US $20,000 - US $30,000 to support paid apprenticeships for early-career theater administrators and technicians. Arts Midwest’s Shakespeare in American Communities: Apprenticeships program funds roles like technicians, set designers, and operations, tied to community-based, cross-sector theater activities and professional development convenings.

Professional dramatists in Wisconsin needing help with essential living costs can receive one-time $500 support for housing, food, utilities, health care, and other basic needs. With a mission to sustain theater writers in hardship, Dramatists Guild Foundation provides U.S.-based playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists with Bridge Grants; individuals must meet specific professional criteria and financial need thresholds.

The EdTA Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants support theatre programs by providing financial assistance for troupe expenses, including travel to professional productions and participation in state conferences. Founded by the Educational Theatre Foundation, these grants aim to enhance educational theatre access and representation. By the end of 2024, 349 grants totaling over $286,000 will have been awarded, benefiting schools with Title 1 designations and empowering students and educators in their creative pursuits.

The Educational Theatre Foundation (EdTA) offers the Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants to support production expenses for school theatre programs. Grants of up to $1,000 can cover essential costs such as licensing fees, rentals, sets, and costumes. With a commitment to enhancing educational theatre, EdTA prioritizes applications based on demonstrated need, particularly for Title 1 schools, helping to foster creativity and collaboration in diverse educational settings.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Educator Support ($500)

Can be used for professional development for theatre educators that would benefit their students, including coursework, EdTA’s Theatre Education Conference registration fees, and related travel expenses.