Princess Grace Awards in Theater (Directing, Design, Playwriting/Other)

The Princess Grace Awards, given by the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, support and elevate extraordinary early-career artists in theater, dance and film through substantial grants and ongoing career support. Theater awards cover directing, design, playwriting and performance, with candidates nominated by theater companies or institutions in a two-round process (Round 1 due February 2, invited Round 2 due May 1). The 2026 cycle produced 18 winners and 11 honoraria across disciplines; information on the 2027 cycle will be posted in autumn.

US-based artists with permanent work authorization; must be nominated by a non-profit university, theater company, media arts center, or a prior Princess Grace Award winner (no self-nominations). Theater panel reviews designers (set, costume, lighting, sound, projection) alongside directors and performers. Playwrights apply separately via New Dramatists.

Two-round process: nomination/Round 1 due Feb 2; invited Round 2 due May 1. 2026 cycle closed; 2027 info posted in autumn. 2026 winners included a scenic designer. | One of the few national awards that routinely funds emerging actors (via theatre-company nomination). | 2026 cycle awarded 18 winners and 11 honoraria across theater, dance, and film. Also offers Dance/Choreography awards for choreographers (nominated via dance companies). | 2026-27 recipient: Madison Fiedler. Winning script added to New Dramatists library.