Organizations may request support for one Theatre Commission and/or one Composer Commission per year. Artists who have received support from the Program may not apply for a new project in the following year. In addition, producing, presenting, or performing organizations that received commissioning support for their own organizational activity may not apply in that discipline in the following year.

Theatre Artist Commissions

Registration deadline: March 3
Application deadline: September 5

The category offers support of up to $10,000 for companies to commission playwrights, directors, designers, and solo theatre or performance artists to create new work. Individual artists may initiate a request for the development of special ensemble works and collaborations. The project must culminate in either a production or workshop; however, a full-scale production is not required.

Applications may be made by theatre companies or presenting organizations. Unaffiliated artists and unincorporated ensembles must apply under the sponsorship of an eligible New York State nonprofit organization. Funding is directed toward the commissioned artist's creative fee, exclusive of production expenses or other costs related to the project. Requests for artists currently on staff of the applicant organization are a low funding priority.

Composer Commissions

Registration deadline: March 1
Application deadline: July 2

The category offers support of up to $10,000 for the creation of new works in a variety of genres. Requests are considered for composition of chamber, orchestral, choral, jazz, electronic, and solo instrumental music, and scores for dance, theatre, film, video, new media, and radio. Funding is directed toward the composer's fee exclusive of copying costs, performance or recording expenses, or fees for a composer to appear in conjunction with the presentation of the work.

Requests may be initiated by musical or presenting organizations and artists, or companies (under the sponsorship of a nonprofit organization) that are commissioning work for dance, theatre, or film, video, or radio scores. Requests for composers on staff of the applicant organization are generally a low funding priority.

Evaluative Criteria
(for Composer and Theatre Artist Commissions)

Sponsoring organization's ability to carry out the project, including capacity to ensure a workshop or performance in the near future, if applicable

Relationship and suitability of the project to the artistic goals and philosophy of the sponsoring organization/commissioning company, including the suitability of the work to the performing group

Appropriateness of the proposed artist fee

Application Instructions

The on-line application form includes the following questions, and a project budget. Required support materials are listed below.

Application Narrative Questions

1. Project Description
Describe the project for which you are seeking support.

2. Work Sample
Describe the work sample and the relationship between the work sample and the proposed project, noting any stylistic or technical elements that are, in your view, directly related to the proposed project. If the proposed project represents a new direction or departure from your past work as demonstrated in the work sample, this should also be discussed.

3. Schedule
List projected performance dates and locations of the commissioned work, if known.

4. Prior Support
Describe any prior support from the Individual Artists Program to the artist, company, or ensemble and the status of the project.

Support Materials

Support material must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the program by the application deadline. If you want support materials returned, provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

1. One or two work samples (Note: The work sample is the most critical component of the review process in this Program.)

2. Resumé of the artist(s)