Best Grants for Theater in Arizona

Arizona nonprofit professional theaters can seek funding to produce contemporary live productions on current social issues and to support change-capital projects strengthening their business models and community connections. Grants from Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation support artistic, production, and community engagement expenses for eligible 501(c)(3) theaters in select Western states, including Arizona, with awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000.

Arizona 501(c)(3) presenters, government units, colleges, and tribal governments can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 to present touring performers or literary artists through Creative West’s TourWest program. Funding supports artist fees, travel, facilities, accessibility, marketing, and administration for regional touring that expands theater and performing arts access, especially in underserved Western communities.

LRPenn.com is home to the novels, plays, and screenplays of LR Penn. His books specializes in Thrillers, Dramatic Comedies, and Film Noir. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, grants may be available to nonprofit theater companies in the United States with 501(c)(3) status that are staging productions of plays written by LR Penn.  

What is Emergency Assistance Fund

Emergency Financial Assistance is available to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals:

• In times of unexpected critical need.
• To assist towards basic living expenses, such as health care, housing and utilities to prevent eviction or shut-offs.

Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund

The Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund offers emergency financial assistance to current or former employees of Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

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 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.

Secondary school theatre educators in Arizona seeking professional development support can apply for the BACKstage Grant, which offers up to US $500 for training, conferences, travel, software, and equipment. With a mission to connect performing arts design and technology communities, United States Institute for Theatre Technology helps strengthen theatre education and student training workshops.

Emerging theater and entertainment design professionals seeking nonprofit leadership experience can apply for this fellowship, which offers board mentorship and professional development in the U.S. Focused on leadership in theater and nonprofit growth, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology invites Arizona theater practitioners engaged with USITT to deepen governance skills and access national networking opportunities, with a package valued at US $3,000 - US $3,500.

Theater educators, scholars, and practitioners working with Shakespeare-focused projects in Arizona and beyond can be recognized for innovative public engagement, teaching, performance, or activism. The Shakespeare Association of America’s Shakespeare Publics Award honors SAA members, including collaborative projects with at least one member in good standing, advancing broad and diverse Shakespeare publics.

Native-led performing arts organizations, businesses, collectives, and individual Native artists in Arizona can receive US $30,000 to produce live theater and other performing arts productions. First Peoples Fund’s Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant supports U.S.-based Native creators presenting active-stage live productions featuring multiple Native performers, including plays, tours, and community performances.

High school theater programs 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 per school. Grants from Educational Theatre Association Foundation help Arizona and other U.S. schools hire professional mentors and present multiple performances plus a community event.

Graduating high school seniors in New Jersey pursuing college-level theater, dance, music, or visual arts studies can receive tuition assistance through the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship. Grants from Arts Council of the Morris Area provide US $5,000 paid directly to the student’s chosen arts or fine arts program, rewarding artistic excellence and dedication.

Arizona high school seniors focused on theater, dance, music, or visual arts may be eligible for this arts scholarship supporting post-secondary study. Morris Arts’ Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship awards US $1,500, paid directly to the student’s chosen college or arts program, based on artistic excellence, dedication, and submitted work samples.

Emerging U.S.-based arts writers focusing on critical reviews or criticism of music can apply for the Irene Yamamoto Arts Writers Fellowship, awarding US $5,000 in unrestricted support. Grants from Japanese American National Museum help writers of color, including those in Arizona theater communities who also write about music, advance their early-stage criticism careers.

Theater and other arts organizations in Arizona creating projects on environmental issues and climate crisis may be eligible for this Environmental Artistic Activism funding, including fiscally sponsored groups. With a mission to support socially engaged art, Puffin Foundation prioritizes solution-focused U.S. projects that educate the public and serve under-resourced communities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit theater companies offering community-based, cross-sector theater activities can apply for US $20,000 - US $30,000 to fund paid apprenticeships for early-career theater administrators and technicians. Arts Midwest, partnering with the National Endowment for the Arts, supports roles like technicians, set designers, assistant directors, operations, HR, communications, and marketing staff, including organizations in Arizona.

Professional dramatists in Arizona can receive one-time emergency aid for essential living costs, including housing, utilities, food, health care, and transportation. The Dramatists Guild Foundation’s Bridge Grants provide $500 to eligible playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists across the U.S. who are experiencing financial hardship and possess limited personal savings.

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 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.