Best Grants for Theater in Mississippi

The Tickets for Kids Grant Program, offered by the Tickets For Kids Foundation, aims to support low-income, at-risk children and youth by providing access to ticketed experiences at no cost. Organizations eligible for partnership include nonprofit agencies, schools serving primarily low-income students, and government agencies. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks, with responses expected within five business days after review. This initiative enriches existing programming through valuable experiences.

The Actors' Equity Foundation, established in 1962, is dedicated to supporting the professional theatre community through grants. Annually, it funds over 150 nonprofit theatres and arts organizations, promoting initiatives that enhance the performing arts landscape. The Theatre Grants are specifically aimed at organizations with 501(c)(3) status, ensuring a commitment to artistic excellence and fiscal responsibility. By investing in diverse programs, the Foundation plays a pivotal role in nurturing both emerging and established talent within the theatre industry.

The Jim Henson Foundation offers annual grants for innovative contemporary puppet theater works, with three categories: Workshop Grants ($3,000), Production Grants ($7,000), and Family Grants ($4,000). These grants support puppet creation and performance, encouraging artistic excellence. Eligibility is primarily for IRS tax-exempt organizations, with individual artists needing a fiscal sponsor. International collaborations are welcome if the primary artist is a U.S. citizen. Grants are not available for projects based outside the U.S. or for non-puppet related activities.

The Aurand Harris Grants & Fellowships support children’s theatre by funding projects that foster artistic growth and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofit theatres and individual artists. The grants cover various expenses, such as fees for artists and equipment costs, while prioritizing projects that align with the values of the Children's Theatre Foundation of America. Notably, funding will not cover general operating support or projects already in progress.

The Shakespeare in American Communities Grant, funded by Arts Midwest, supports professional theater companies in the U.S. to produce Shakespeare's works and conduct educational activities. This initiative aims to engage middle and high school students, particularly from underserved communities, through performances and interactive workshops. Eligible applicants must demonstrate experience in theater education and comply with federal regulations. The program emphasizes accessibility, aiming to enrich students' understanding of Shakespeare's relevance in contemporary society.

The Shubert Foundation provides unrestricted grants to not-for-profit professional theatre and dance companies in the U.S. Its focus is on organizations with a proven track record in artistic and administrative excellence. Eligible applicants must have a minimum annual budget of $150,000 and demonstrate financial stability, strong community engagement, and the ability to generate income. The foundation does not fund individuals, project-specific requests, or organizations without 501(c)(3) status.

The Shubert Foundation's Shubert Scholars program offers unrestricted grants to support the training of theatre artists in the United States. Targeting preeminent graduate drama departments, it emphasizes merit-based scholarship support while promoting exemplary theatrical training. Funding is primarily allocated to not-for-profit professional theatres and dance companies, fostering artistic excellence in the performing arts. For further guidance, applicants are encouraged to consult the FAQs on the foundation's website.

The Lotte Lenya Competition, established in 1998 by the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, honors the legacy of renowned actress Lotte Lenya. This unique contest blends acting and vocal skills, targeting performers aged 19-32 from diverse backgrounds. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, the competition has increased its prize offerings, with over $1.6 million awarded to more than 800 singers. It's a prestigious platform that has propelled many winners to successful careers in musical theater and opera.

The Shubert Foundation offers grants to not-for-profit professional theatre and dance companies in the U.S., focusing on general operating support rather than project-specific funding. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and a proven track record in artistic and administrative excellence. Evaluations consider artistic achievement, community service, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring support reaches those making significant contributions to the arts community.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

High school seniors in Mississippi pursuing theater studies at a U.S. university can receive up to US $10,000 annually for tuition through the Andrew Lloyd Webber University Scholarships. American Theatre Wing supports students from historically underrepresented populations in any theater discipline, offering renewable four-year awards plus mentorship, master classes, and career development opportunities.

Emerging musical theatre composers, lyricists, librettists, and writing teams creating new, fully producible work can receive support for artistic development in Mississippi and across the U.S. The Jonathan Larson Grants from American Theatre Wing provide unconditional funding for professional musical theatre writers to further their creative careers, which may benefit theater artists and companies in Mississippi.

Public K–12 schools and 501(c)(3) parent groups in Mississippi can seek funding to create or enhance in-school theater programs through the American Theatre Wing’s Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative Classroom Resources Grants. Focused on theater education, these national grants offer up to US $50,000 for equipment, instruments, production supplies, licensing fees, and artistic consultants.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries studying theater or related arts fields full-time in the U.S., including Mississippi, can receive funding for travel and living expenses. Asian Cultural Council offers US $15,000 for one academic year, with possible renewal, to support coursework-based graduate study and international cultural exchange.

Theater artists, scholars, and arts professionals seeking research-based cultural exchange experiences, including those from Mississippi, can apply for Asian Cultural Council’s Individual Fellowship to support self-directed travel and study. Applicants must be experienced practitioners from eligible countries or regions, pursuing immersive activities like meetings, site visits, workshops, or archival research rather than production-focused residencies or single events.

Individual theater artists, scholars, and arts professionals from eligible Asian countries can apply for Asian Cultural Council’s six‑month New York Fellowship to deepen their practice through cultural immersion in New York City and across the U.S. Those working in theater in Mississippi who meet the citizenship and experience criteria may be eligible if based in Asia.

Early mid-career artists and scholars in theater, dance, and performance studies across the U.S., including Mississippi, can receive US $40,000 fellowships to buy time for independent creative or scholarly projects. George A and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation support is unrestricted, non-residential, and intended mainly to free recipients from other responsibilities to advance new work.

Emerging or early career artists in theatre, film, television, dance, music, visual arts, design, literature, photography, or fashion can receive up to US $5,000 for cross-country artistic development between Australia and the U.S. Focused on international training and exchanges, American Australian Association invites artists, including those working in theater, to fund travel, tuition, residencies, and related costs.

Graduate students researching theatre or performance can receive support to attend the ASTR annual conference, including up to US $800 and complimentary registration. Focused on advancing theatre scholarship, American Society for Theatre Research invites Mississippi and other U.S. students to deepen their engagement with the field through conference participation.

Untenured theatre scholars with terminal degrees, including independent, adjunct, and tenure-track faculty in Mississippi, can apply for American Society for Theatre Research travel grants; awards up to US $800 for conference travel and registration. Funding helps cover costs to attend ASTR’s annual November conference, with selection based on interest statement and scholarly or service record.

Graduate students, independent scholars, and faculty working at the intersection of theatre and dance/movement can apply for the American Society for Theatre Research’s Selma Jeanne Cohen Conference Presentation Award; awards Up to US $1,000 for travel and hotel to present at the ASTR conference. Mississippi theater scholars may benefit if accepted to a 2025 ASTR plenary or working session.

International advanced graduate students or contingent faculty in theatre and performance studies working in the U.S., including Mississippi, can apply for the Po-Hsien Chu International Scholar Award, which offers more than US $1,000 for research. Focused on global perspectives and equity, American Society for Theatre Research prioritizes Asian scholars and those facing visa-related barriers.

Scholars conducting theatre, dance, or performance research projects, including those focused on underrepresented global traditions or pre-1900 work, can receive up to US $3,000 for targeted research. With a mission to advance theatre research, American Society for Theatre Research provides Mississippi and U.S.-based theatre scholars with honoraria for projects, excluding curriculum development.

College-level theatre instructors with heavy teaching loads can receive support for significant research projects, including up to US $1,000, from the American Society for Theatre Research. ASTR supports theater scholarship in Mississippi and nationwide by offering an honorarium, complimentary conference registration, and a one-year membership to advance theatre studies.

Theater and performance studies scholars holding a terminal degree, including those based in Mississippi, can apply for American Society for Theatre Research fellowships supporting research expenses in this field. Awards up to Up to US $3,000 may be split among multiple recipients and can supplement other funding sources.

Independent or affiliated scholars with terminal degrees working on theatre, dance, or performance studies books can receive up to US $600 to cover illustration rights and reproduction costs, including for electronic publications. With a mission to support scholarly theatre research, American Society for Theatre Research provides Mississippi and U.S. theatre researchers with subvention funding for contracted book projects.