Best Grants for Theater in New Hampshire

The Venturous Capital Grants aim to empower small and medium-sized not-for-profit theaters to produce bold and experimental new plays. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000, covering extraordinary costs that enable productions to thrive. The program supports text-based, author-driven works that are ambitious, challenging, and innovative, while emphasizing the importance of playwright compensation and adhering to AEA standards. This initiative fosters creativity and helps overcome financial barriers in theater production.

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.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries pursuing full-time theater or related arts coursework in the U.S., including New Hampshire, can receive US $15,000 for travel and living expenses. Asian Cultural Council supports international cultural exchange and connects fellows with a global community of artists, scholars, and cultural institutions.

Individual theater artists, scholars, and arts professionals in New Hampshire and across eligible countries can seek Asian Cultural Council’s Individual Fellowship to fund self-directed international research and cultural exchange projects. Fellows pursue activities like meetings, site visits, workshops, and archival research that deepen cross-cultural dialogue and artistic practice, including theater-focused work.

Individual theater artists, scholars, and arts professionals from eligible Asian countries can apply for Asian Cultural Council’s New York Fellowship, a six‑month cultural immersion program in the U.S. The fellowship supports independent exploration of theater and other arts in New York City, which may benefit New Hampshire organizations collaborating with or hosting these fellows.

Early mid-career theater, dance, and performance artists and scholars in New Hampshire and across the U.S. can receive US $40,000 fellowships to dedicate substantial time to new creative or scholarly work. The George A and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation supports independent projects in writing for performance, choreography, and theatre, dance, and performance studies.

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 exchange, the American Australian Association supports graduate study, residencies, internships, mentorships, and masterclasses that may benefit theater practitioners in New Hampshire.

Graduate students researching theatre or performance can receive up to US $800 and complimentary registration to attend the ASTR annual conference in November. Focused on professional development, American Society for Theatre Research invites eligible students, including those based in New Hampshire, to apply based on their interest statement and record of scholarship or service.

Untenured theatre scholars with terminal degrees, including independent, tenure-track, and adjunct faculty in New Hampshire, can apply for American Society for Theatre Research David Keller Travel Grants; awards up to US $800 plus registration to help attend ASTR’s annual November conference. Applicants are evaluated on interest in the meeting and scholarly or service achievements.

Graduate students, independent scholars, and faculty working at the intersection of theatre and dance can apply for the American Society for Theatre Research’s Selma Jeanne Cohen Award, offering up to US $1,000 and complimentary registration toward ASTR conference travel. Theater scholars in New Hampshire may be eligible if already accepted to present at the 2025 ASTR conference.

International advanced graduate students or contingent faculty in theatre and performance studies working in the U.S., including New Hampshire, can receive more than US $1,000 to support their research projects. Focused on global theatre scholarship, American Society for Theatre Research gives priority to Asian scholars and projects that address visa-related barriers and enrich the field.

Scholars conducting theatre, dance, or performance studies research, including work on under-represented regions or pre-1900 topics, can receive up to US $3,000 for specific projects from the American Society for Theatre Research. With a mission to advance theatre research, it provides New Hampshire and U.S. scholars with honoraria for targeted research rather than curriculum development.

The Gerald Kahan Scholar's Prize, awarded by the American Society for Theatre Research, honors the best essay published in English in a refereed scholarly journal or edited collection within the field of theater research. Eligible authors must be untenured and within seven years of their doctorate or enrolled in a doctoral program. The prize includes a $500 honorarium and complimentary registration for the ASTR annual meeting, acknowledging the editor's contribution to scholarship.

Scholars with a terminal degree conducting theater or performance studies research, including those based in New Hampshire, can apply for American Society for Theatre Research fellowships, awarding up to US $3,000 for research expenses. Eligible applicants must be ASTR members and may combine this support with other funding sources.

The ASTR Translation Prize recognizes the vital contributions of translators in theater and performance studies. It honors an exceptional English translation of works such as plays, performance texts, scholarly books, and articles published in the last calendar year. The award includes a $500 honorarium and free registration to the annual ASTR conference, promoting the importance of translations in enhancing the global theater landscape.

Independent or affiliated theatre, dance, or performance studies scholars holding a terminal degree can receive up to US $600 to cover illustration rights and reproduction costs for a contracted book project, including electronic publications. With a mission to support theatre research, American Society for Theatre Research gives preference to junior scholars; ASTR members in New Hampshire may be eligible.