Arts >> Theater >> Playwriting

Play Writing Grants

Even as funding for the arts declines, there are still sources available for creative individuals to fund their projects. Many playwrights receive small grants through community theaters or local cultural arts agencies. There are a few large-scale grant programs that can fund major individual projects and provide long-term support for theater projects.
  1. National Performance Network Creation Fund Awards

    • The National Performance Network awards grants to artists each season, four times a year. The awards of $10,000 go directly to artists who are creating new performance pieces. Many playwrights who have received grants from NPN have created award-winning plays. The artist must have a sponsoring partner organization, like a theater or cultural center. A three-year residency is required with the sponsor. The commissioned work must be presented in the sponsoring partner's facility during the three-year time frame.

      National Performance Network
      P.O. Box 56698
      New Orleans, LA 70156-6698
      504-595-8008
      www.npnweb.org

    National Endowment for the Arts New Play Development Program

    • The NEA New Play Development Program awards financial support for new plays. The program is managed by Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., and awards occur annually. There are two categories in the program. The NEA Outstanding New American Play award is granted to two individual artists. Five selections are made for the NEA Distinguished New Play Development Project. An artist can only apply in one category. The monetary award for each category is $10,000. There is an extensive application process of two rounds. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents.

      National Endowment for the Arts
      1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
      Washington, DC 20506
      202-682-5400
      www.nea.gov

    Creative Capital

    • Creative Capital supports "visionary, adventurous, and thought-provoking" arts. The New York City-based organization focuses on funding the work of experienced artists. Creative Capital requires that applicants be at least 25 years old with at least five years of experience as professional artists. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is another prerequisite. Award amounts vary depending on the scope of the applicant's project. Creative Capital tailors its awards and advisory support to each project. Up to $50,000 can be awarded for an individual project.

      Creative Capital
      65 Bleecker Street
      7th Floor
      New York, NY 10012
      212-598-9900
      www.creative-capital.org

    New Dramatists

    • The New Dramatists is the nation's oldest playwright development program. It focuses on long-term support of artists. Playwrights apply to become a resident of the company, and if accepted receive support for a span of seven years. During that time, they enjoy access to a writing space, free office services, retreats, casting support, dramaturgical assistance and the opportunity to workshop their work in the organization's Playwrights Laboratory. Awards are made on an annual basis.

      New Dramatists
      424 West 44th Street
      New York, NY 10036
      212-757-6960
      www.newdramatists.org

Playwriting

Related Categories