ATW Announces New Guidelines For Theatre Company Grants program

The American Theatre Wing has announced new guidelines for its long-standing Theatre Company Grants Program. Ten grants for the 2010 cycle in the amount of $10,000 each will be distributed for general operating support to companies in operation at least five, but not more than fifteen years, which have articulated a distinctive mission, cultivated an audience, and nurtured a community of artists in ways that strengthen and demonstrate the quality, diversity, and dynamism of American theatre. ATW is soliciting applications from emerging not-for-profit companies around the country, as well as New York.

The American Theatre Wing has long shown its dedication to theatrical producing organizations through its Theatre Company Grants Program. Now in its 53rd year, the ATW Grants have distributed some $3 million dollars over that time, with guidelines that have varied over the years. Most recently, the program had restricted its grant making solely to New York City organizations.
Commenting on the new guidelines, ATW Board Chairman Ted Chapin said, "The Wing has been working for several years both to recognize the word ‘American' in our name, and to focus on those who aspire to or have begun working in the theatre. The Board of Directors believes ATW can have significant impact by identifying and supporting companies which are relatively new on the scene, offering seed money and recognition. We believe that even in risky times, new artistic voices and organizations must be encouraged."

Details for application can be found online at http://americantheatrewing.org/grants/.

The intent to apply deadline is April 1 and full applications are due May 1. Grants will be announced in September.

The American Theatre Wing (Theodore S. Chapin, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Howard Sherman, Executive Director) is best known as the creator of the Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards®, which it presents annually with The Broadway League. In addition to the media programs "Downstage Center," "In The Wings," "Working in the Theatre," and a host of other online resources, The Wing sponsors many activities, all dedicated to recognizing excellence and supporting education in theatre. These programs include the Theatre Intern Group, a career development program for young professionals; SpringboardNYC, a two-week college-to-career boot camp for young performers moving to NYC; and the Jonathan Larson® Grants, given annually to honor emerging composers, lyricists and book writers. Visitors to americantheatrewing.org can listen to, watch or download from ATW's extensive media collection, and learn more about all of its programming for students, aspiring and working professionals, and audiences who want to learn more about the making of theatre.

For more information about all of the American Theatre Wing programs, go to americantheatrewing.org. You can also Follow ATW on Facebook.com/TheAmericanTheatreWing and Twitter.com/TheWing.