Best Grants for Theater in Virginia

Virginia local and tribal governments and public educational institutions can receive up to US $5,000 to create arts programs commemorating the American Revolution and “Revolution of Ideas” in Virginia. With a mission to support innovative arts programming, Virginia Commission for the Arts funds theater, festivals, performances, and related activities that engage communities and ensure ADA-accessible participation.

Theater and arts-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia can seek funding for literacy, children, arts, social justice, or environmental programming. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help eligible nonprofits, especially those in preferred local Virginia counties, cover project costs and related operating expenses, with typical awards up to US $5,000.

Virginia high school drama students seeking one-time support for theater education can apply for the Lee Wingate Pappandreou Drama Award, honoring dedication, professionalism, and talent in theater arts. Grants from The Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region help local graduating seniors pursue higher education in drama and related theater studies.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Virginia theater designers, technicians, and students can access funding through United States Institute for Theatre Technology for international travel-based research and professional development. Eligible USITT members and student members may receive up to US $2,500 for travel, lodging, registrations, and related expenses to attend theatre exhibitions, festivals, events, seminars, or workshops abroad.

Emerging theater and entertainment design professionals in Virginia and across the U.S. can apply for the Sherry Wagner-Henry Board Fellowship, awarding US $3,000 - US $3,500 in board mentorship and travel support. Offered by United Institute for Theatre Technology, it provides 12–18 months of nonprofit leadership training and access to USITT’s board and committees.

Theater and arts organizations in Virginia fostering broad and diverse Shakespeare publics through teaching, scholarship, performance, or activism can access recognition and support via the Shakespeare Association of America’s Shakespeare Publics Award. Eligible projects must involve at least one SAA member in good standing, either applying directly or as a primary collaborator.

Native-led performing arts organizations, businesses, collectives, and individual Native performing artists in Virginia can receive US $30,000 to produce live theater and other performances. Grants from First Peoples Fund support U.S.-based Native creators presenting active-stage live productions featuring multiple Native performers, including original or re-adapted plays, tours, and community-based 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 for productions and professional mentors. Virginia schools planning 2026–27 performances with community events and industry collaboration may be especially well positioned.

High school seniors pursuing arts studies can receive $5,000 for college tuition through the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship from Arts Council of the Morris Area. Focused on artistic excellence in theater, dance, music, or visual and other arts, this annual award supports further education at accredited institutions.

Morris County, New Jersey high school seniors pursuing college-level studies in dance, drama, visual arts, or music can receive $1,500 in tuition assistance through the Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship. Focused on developing young artists, Arts Council of the Morris Area invites applicants with strong artistic excellence, including those active in theater, to submit work samples and recommendations.

Emerging U.S.-based arts writers focusing on music criticism can receive US $5,000 in unrestricted fellowship support, which may benefit those engaged with theater-related music in Virginia. Grants from the Japanese American National Museum support writers of color with under two years of publication experience to deepen critical, analytical, or interpretive writing on live or recorded music.

Theater artists, arts organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects in Virginia creating environmental or climate-focused artistic activism can apply for Puffin Foundation support. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients with Social Security numbers are eligible. Virginia theater groups addressing pressing environmental issues through solution-focused performances may be strong candidates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) theater companies in Virginia and nationwide can receive US $20,000 - US $30,000 to fund paid apprenticeships for early-career theater administrators and technicians. Arts Midwest, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, supports community-based, cross-sector theater activity and requires a cash match equal to or greater than the grant request.

Professional playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists in Virginia can receive one-time need-based support for essential living expenses through Dramatists Guild Foundation’s Bridge Grants. With a mission to sustain dramatists in hardship, the foundation provides $500 to eligible U.S.-based theater writers for housing, food, health care, transportation, and other daily costs.

Individual artists, 501(c)(3) organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects in theater or video/film can apply for Puffin Foundation’s Annual Artist Grant, with awards up to US $3,500. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients, including those creating theater projects in Virginia, may receive support for new artistic work in these genres.

Virginia high school seniors planning to study theater at a U.S. university can access funding through American Theatre Wing’s Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative. Scholarships of up to US $10,000 per year support any theater discipline for students with financial need, including performance, design, writing, stage management, arts administration, and more.

Emerging musical theatre composers, lyricists, librettists, and writing teams creating new, fully producible work can receive support for their artistic careers, including those based in Virginia. American Theatre Wing’s Jonathan Larson Grants provide unconditional US $10,000 awards to professional musical writers to further their creative endeavors and help sustain long-term careers in the field.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative offers Classroom Resources Grants aimed at enhancing theatre education in under-resourced public schools. Funded by a $1.3 million grant from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, the initiative provides essential resources, scholarships, and grants to foster artistic growth. By supporting diverse students and schools, this program opens pathways to careers in theatre, ensuring all young people have access to quality arts education, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of America.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Howard Fellowships, administered by the George A. and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation, support early mid-career artists and scholars with $40,000 awards for independent projects in selected fields. This unrestricted, non-residency fellowship encourages significant creative development and public visibility through exhibitions or publications. Applicants should demonstrate a promising program of work and must currently reside in the U.S. or its territories. Ten fellowships are awarded annually, promoting artistic and intellectual advancement.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Geographical Area

The official geographic service area of Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc., beginning to our west and traveling clockwise, includes the following communities in addition to Marshfield (It also includes towns and rural areas between these communities.): Chili, Granton, Neillsville, Loyal, Greenwood, Withee, Owen, Spencer, Unity, Colby, Curtiss, Pittsville, Abbotsford, Dorchester, Stetsonville, Medford, Stratford, Rozellville, Hewitt, Auburndale, Blenker, Milladore, Sherry, Arpin.

James Brasington Theater Scholarship

This scholarship is for a student wo is attending school full-time pursuing an undergraduate degree intending to study theater arts. Preference to a student who shows interest in and affinity for the art of acting and shows financial need. This scholarship can be renewed 3 additional years.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Susan Falsetti-Burdett Memorial Scholarship Fund for Music

Born in Kittanning in 1957, Susan Burdett was the daughter of Aldo and Dorothy (Trenchik) Falsetti, and was a lifelong resident of our community. Susie was a loving daughter, sister, mother, wife, and friend. She taught music to many over the years, and also taught at Divine Redeemer School. She was caring, compassionate, sharing and understanding. Her charity will live on through this Susan Falsetti-Burdett memorial Scholarship Fund for Music.

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Bernie G. Yvon Memorial Fund Scholarship

For High School Seniors & College Students in The Theatre/Performing Arts

The purpose of the fund is to perpetuate the legacy of Bernie G. Yvon by supporting students pursuing study in the Theatre/Performing Arts with need-based scholarships. In this tenth year (2026), amounts up to $2000 each will be available from contributions to the fund via The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. In selecting the successful candidate(s), the review committee will consider the following:

• Knowledge of Bernie G. Yvon
• Theatre/Performing Arts potential and past experiences
• Financial need
• Academic record
• Two letters of recommendation
• GPA