Registration deadline: March 3
Application deadline: September 5

The Program encourages and supports the development of new theatre organizations that demonstrate artistic potential and/or accomplishment. Funding is generally directed to artists' fees and production expenses for a season. Grants in this category generally do not exceed $5,000.

Eligibility Criteria

First-time applicants must meet the following conditions.

Have an artistic director

Have produced for no more than five seasons prior to the year of application

NYSCA program audits on file (see information below)

Application Instructions

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with Program staff well in advance of the March registration deadline.

Application Narrative Questions

1. Program Overview
Describe the development of your organization and its programs in relation to your mission.

2. Marketing
Describe your marketing efforts and intended audience, including print and non-print media, ticket pricing, subscription plans, related events and partnerships. Describe any outreach efforts to develop new audiences.

3. Facilities
Briefly describe your organization's performance facilities. If you rent performing space, do you have a regular space and/or what are your usual production needs? Cover the technical requirements in terms of suitability of performance venue and production values, including lights, sound, floor, and other performance requirements.

4. Technology
For technology-based activity, describe the technical capacity and staff support for the program.

5. Finances
Describe plans, projects, and activities for meeting the expenses of this project.  

6. Collaborations/touring
If you are collaborating with any other arts organization, describe the nature of that collaboration. If you are involved in touring a production, describe that activity.

7. Production Summary
List your previous, current, and proposed years' seasons with names of playwrights and directors, the range of artists' salaries or fees, number of subscriptions, single ticket prices, and indicate the AEA union agreement (e.g. Showcase Tier, LOA, SPT), if applicable.

Support Materials

Support materials 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. Press packet (if available) or program brochures

2. Resumés of new key personnel