Best Grants for Theater in Nevada

The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation's LIFT program offers critical support to early career Native artists through one-year grants of $10,000. This initiative aims to nurture emerging voices and foster community engagement while promoting environmental sustainability. Selected artists will benefit from professional development training and culturally appropriate evaluations to enhance their artistic practices. By providing vital resources, LIFT empowers artists to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

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.

The Puffin Foundation's Annual Artist Grant Program, focused on odd years, supports individual artists and non-profit organizations in the genres of video/film and theater. Grants, typically around $1,750, aim to uplift marginalized voices in the arts. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with an SSN. The program excludes proposals in other disciplines and projects involving AI. This initiative prioritizes diverse artistic expression and aims to maximize funding impact for those with limited financial resources.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative: University Scholarships, by the American Theatre Wing, supports high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds with a $10,000 annual scholarship for four years. This initiative addresses financial barriers for students pursuing theatre disciplines, including performance, design, and administration. Scholars are matched with mentors and gain exclusive opportunities such as master classes. This program aims to cultivate a diverse future in theatre, ensuring that talent is nurtured and accessible to all.

Emerging musical theatre composers, lyricists, librettists, and writing teams creating new, fully producible work can receive flexible support for their artistic careers, including those based in Nevada. American Theatre Wing’s Jonathan Larson Grants provide US $10,000 in unrestricted funding to writers working professionally in the field and eligible to work in the U.S.

Nevada public K–12 schools and their 501(c)(3) parent groups can seek funding to create or enhance in-school theater programs, including equipment, instruments, and production materials. Focused on theater education, American Theatre Wing invites under-resourced schools nationwide to apply for up to US $50,000 to support plays, musicals, and related classroom resources.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries pursuing full-time, in-residence theater or related arts degrees in Nevada or elsewhere in the U.S. can receive US $15,000 for one academic year to cover travel and living expenses. Asian Cultural Council also connects fellows with a global community of artists, scholars, and cultural institutions.

Individual theater artists, scholars, and arts professionals in Nevada and other eligible regions can pursue self-directed research and cultural exchange projects abroad through Asian Cultural Council’s Individual Fellowship. Focused on arts and cultural immersion, this fellowship supports travel-based inquiry, collaboration, and dialogue across Asia and the U.S. for experienced practitioners meeting ACC’s eligibility criteria.

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 and across the U.S. Nevada theater organizations working with Asia-based practitioners may benefit by encouraging qualified collaborators to pursue this professional development opportunity.

Early mid-career theater, dance, and performance scholars or artists in Nevada can receive US $40,000 fellowships to devote substantial time to new creative or scholarly work. The George A and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation supports individuals living and working in the U.S. or territories whose projects fit this year’s eligible performance-related fields.

Emerging or early career individual artists in theatre, film, television, dance, music, visual arts, design, literature, photography, or fashion can receive up to US $5,000 for artistic development between Australia and the U.S. Focused on cross-cultural exchanges, the American Australian Association funds travel, living, tuition, residencies, internships, and related training that may benefit theater practitioners in Nevada.

Graduate students researching theatre or performance can receive funding to attend the annual ASTR conference, including up to US $800 and complimentary registration. Focused on advancing theatre scholarship, the American Society for Theatre Research invites eligible students in Nevada and across the U.S. to apply based on their interest statement and academic or service record.

Untenured theatre scholars with terminal degrees who need help attending the ASTR annual conference, including those based in Nevada, can apply for travel support; awards up to US $800 plus registration. The American Society for Theatre Research evaluates applicants on their interest in the conference and their record of scholarship and/or service.

Graduate students, independent scholars, and faculty in theatre and dance presenting at the ASTR conference can apply for the Selma Jeanne Cohen Award, which offers up to US $1,000 and complimentary registration toward travel and hotel. Nevada theater scholars working at the intersection of theatre and dance/movement may benefit from this support.

College-level theatre instructors with heavy teaching loads conducting theatre research can receive support in Nevada and nationwide through the American Society for Theatre Research. ASTR supports significant, feasible projects by offering up to US $1,000, plus complimentary conference registration and a one-year membership, particularly for faculty with limited institutional research backing.

International advanced graduate students or contingent faculty in theatre and performance studies working in the U.S., including Nevada, can apply for American Society for Theatre Research’s Po-Hsien Chu International Scholar Award. This more than US $1,000 honorarium supports research projects, with preference for Asian scholars and work enriching global theatre and performance studies.

Scholars working on underrepresented theatre, dance, or performance studies projects, including those in Nevada, can receive up to US $3,000 for targeted research through the American Society for Theatre Research. With a mission to advance theatre research, ASTR provides members with honoraria for projects such as translations and studies in Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern theatre.