Theatre Funding Opportunities

Over the summer, the League of Professional Theatre Women and the Women in the Arts & Media Coalition have teamed up to take over the WomenArts funding newsletters. The LPTW will be handling all theatre-related funding opportunities, while the Coalition will take over film and television opportunities. We’re all very excited to be continuing these fabulous newsletters that get funding and submission opportunities out to artists!

Click Here to visit our Theatre Funding Opportunities Archives.

Red Text Indicates a women-only opportunity.

PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVALS/CALL FOR ENTRIES

Bottle Tree Productions One Act Play Competition – Seeking one-act plays of 10 to 70 minutes, in any style or genre, that have not been previously produced professionally (amateur productions and workshops ok). First prize is $1,000; second is $250; third is $100. Top ten plays will be posted on website. Multiple submissions accepted. Hard copy submissions should be bound. FEE: $25 CDN. Bottle Tree Productions, 445 Southwood Dr., Kingston, Ontario K7M-5P8, T: (613) 384-8433, contest@bottletreeinc.com, www.bottletreeinc.com/script_contest.html. Deadline: November 30, 2013

Flashpoint (Washington, DC) – Two open calls for performing artists, visual artists (including filmmakers), directors, playwrights, curators, theatre companies, and “those that work creatively, but eschew such limiting labels.”

Source Festival (June/July, 2014, Washington, DC) – Three-week performing arts festival. Seeking theatre artists interested in directing original plays, artists of all stripes (including filmmakers and playwrights) to create an original artistic blind date, and submissions of 10-minute play scripts. Play submissions are open to applicants living anywhere in the U.S. or abroad; all other applicants must be based in the DC metro area. See website for complete guidelines and application instructions. NO FEE.http://www.sourcefestival.org/opportunities.html. Receipt Deadline: November 5, 2013 @5pm

Mead Theatre Lab (2014/2015 Season, Washington DC) – Intensive program for performing artists and independent theatre companies, musicians, dancers, choreographers, and filmmakers, as well as producers and arts organizations presenting performing arts in any genres, with an emphasis on work that explores provocative new ideas. They are especially interested in productions that offer new perspectives and presenting techniques. Over the course of the season the program provides fifteen weeks of theatre space, production management support, and mentoring. Apply through website. FEE: $30. Mead Theatre Lab, Jenny McConnell Frederick, Producer, T: (202) 315-1306, FAX: (202) 315-1303,http://www.culturaldc.org/performing-arts/mead-theatre-lab-program/. Receipt Deadline: December 2, 2013. Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20001, jenny@culturaldc.org, http://www.flashpointdc.org/about/flashpoint.html.

Luna Stage Theatre Company – Seeking script submissions from writers who are currently represented by a theatrical agent, hold an MFA in Playwriting, or are currently enrolled in an MFA Playwriting program. Those who do not meet this criteria may also submit scripts only if it is accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the Artistic Director or Literary Manager of an Equity theatre. You can also apply if your permanent residence is in the state of New Jersey. No email submissions! NO FEE. All Submissions mailed to: Luna Stage, 555 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ 07052 Email inquiries about submissions: submissions@lunastage.org, http://www.lunastage.org/index.php/connect/submit-your-scripts/. Opened: September 15, 2013 Deadline: April 15, 2014

Lakeshore Players Theatre 10-Minute Play Festival (June 2014, White Bear Lake, MN) – Seeking original, unpublished, unproduced 10-minute plays for production in festival. Scripts should have 5 or fewer characters and simple technical requirements. Only one submission per playwright. High school students are encouraged to submit; one play chosen for production will be the work of a high school playwright (include letter from teacher or school administrator on school letterhead verifying that the play was written during high school). Send 2 copies of play via postal or electronic mail; one copy should have all contact information on title page; the other should have no contact information. See website for complete submission guidelines. NO FEE. Lakeshore Players 10-Minute Play Committee, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110, office@lakeshoreplayers.com,http://www.lakeshoreplayers.com/13-14PlayContestRULES.html. Deadline: November 15, 2013

Jewish Plays Project – Seeking plays from all types of playwrights, however the play content must include the Jewish Culture, more specifically from the 21st Century, tackling current day interest (social justice, economic justice, diversity, strong women in Jewish life, LGBTQ inclusion, new perspectives on Israel, environmentalism, and interfaith relations). Please check the website for submission eligibility. No musicals. NO FEE. David Winitsky (Artistic Director) david@jewishplaysproject.org, Jeremy Stoller (Resident Dramaturg & Contest Producer) jeremy@jewishplaysproject.org.http://www.jewishplaysproject.org/contest. Deadline: November 21, 2013 @6pm

id Theater Seven Devils Playwrights Conference (June, 2014, McCall, Idaho) – Seeking full-length plays in any genre or style, particularly works that embrace, explore and challenge the diverse geographical, philosophical, cultural, aesthetic, and political landscape of the American experience – rural and urban, east and west, coastal and inland. 4 playwrights will be invited to participate in staged readings and will be provided with transportation, housing, access to a car, and a modest stipend. 2-4 playwrights will be invited to participate in a Playwrights Intensive Program of Sit Down Readings and will be provided with housing and access to a car during the conference. Invited playwrights are expected to be in residence for the entire two weeks of the conference. Submit a copy of the play you are interested in working on, bio or resume, full name and contact information, and a #10 business sized SASE. FEE: $10. Jeni Mahoney, co-Artistic Director, id Theater, 343 E. 30th St. #19J, New York, NY 10016, Attn: Seven Devils Playwrights Conference, . Deadline: November 15, 2013

Sundog Theatre Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry 2014 (March/April, 2014, Staten Island and Manhattan, NY) – Seeking original, short one-act plays about the Staten Island Ferries. Plays should be 10-25 minutes long and be set on the Staten Island Ferry. Plays must be unproduced and unpublished (include signed note confirming this). Plays should be contemporary, involve 2-3 characters and have minimal set requirements. Six authors will receive $100 each and be produced in a series of 8 performances. Send 2 hard copies of script, bound or stapled, with author name and contact information on title page only. Also include a brief synopsis, play history, 70-word bio and author resume. NOTE: No electronic submissions. NO FEE. Sundog Theatre Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry, Susan Fenley, Producer, PO Box 10183, Staten Island, NY 10301, ferry@sundogtheatre.org,www.sundogtheatre.org. Deadline: December 1, 2013

**Jewish Women’s Theatre Culture Klatch** (2014 Season, Los Angeles, CA) – Gathers women in homes to listen to new stories and share thoughts, while enjoying coffee and dessert! Seeking submissions of plays, monologues, poems, essays, stories, songs, etc. that have an element of Jewish resonance and feature women or a woman’s point of view. Works may be of any length, but short one-acts (10 minutes maximum) and monologues (7 minutes maximum) are preferred. Plays should be topical for the 21st century and have small casts. Previously produced or published work is welcome (include production and/or publication history). Submissions should address the season’s themes: January 12-27 – “Hold Me, Heal Me” – Kindness comforts us even in our most broken moments. This show about vulnerability and strength in the face of adversity calls up as many laughs as tears; March 16-31 – “Sex, Lies, and Virtual Relationship” – This startling, funny, thought-provoking show examines the connect and the disconnect of relationships in the age of the Internet; May 18-June 2 – “Unknown Stories of Biblical Proportions” – Stories from our sacred texts are reinterpreted for the modern age. Any preconceptions are sure to be upended with this hilarious and provocative show of newly commissioned pieces. Submissions should be in Word, PDF, or Final Draft format; include cover letter with brief bio and history of the material (if applicable). NO FEE. Jewish Women’s Theatre, 521 Latimer Rd., Santa Monica, CA 90402, info@jewishwomenstheatre.org, www.jewishwomenstheatre.org. Deadline: November 1, 2013 (evening 1), December 1, 2013 (evening 2), January 15, 2014 (evening 3)

Denton Community Theatre Method and Madness Festival (May 30-31, 2014, Denton, TX) – Seeking one-act plays (50 minutes or shorter) on the theme of imagination, the human condition, and/or mental health issues. Awards range from $2000 for first place to $200 for fifth place. Submit 2 paper copies of script, along with entry form (available on website), short synopsis, cast list, and technical requirements by postal mail. Multiple submissions accepted, but each entry must include fee. FEE: $25. Denton Community Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201, T: (940) 382-7014, thedctteam@campustheatre.com, www.dentoncommunitytheatre.com. Deadline: December 1, 2013

ONGOING FESTIVALS/CALL FOR ENTRIES

NOTE: There are no new ongoing opportunities this month. For more ongoing opportunities, visit ourTheatre Funding Archive.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The Richard Rodgers Awards for Musical Theater – Administered by the American Academy of Arts and Letters, these awards subsidize full productions, studio productions, and staged readings by nonprofit theaters in New York City of works by composers and writers who are not already established in this field. The term “musical theater” is understood to include musicals, plays with songs, thematic revues, or any comparable work. Submission of innovative and experimental work encouraged. Submitted works must be of significant length to fill an evening, and may consist of a group of smaller, related pieces. Only one submission by a collaborative group or a sole creator will be accepted. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. See website for complete guidelines and application procedures. Richard Rodgers Awards, American Academy of Arts and Letters, 633 West 155th St., New York, NY 10032-7599, T: (212) 368-5900, FAX: (212) 491-4615,http://www.artsandletters.org/awards2_rodgers.php. Receipt Deadline: November 1, 2013

Playwrights’ Center Jerome Fellowship (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015) – Provides emerging American playwrights with funds and services to aid them in the development of their craft. Fellows spend a year’s residency in Minnesota receiving Center opportunities including readings and workshops with professional directors, dramaturgs, and actors. Four $16,000 fellowships will be awarded; fellows will receive $1,500 in development support. To apply, create a single PDF document containing the following elements, arranged in the specified sequence: cover sheet with name, work sample title, phone number(s), e-mail address, and mailing address, along with the following statement: “I hereby certify that the information contained in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge;” one full-length play script with your name and play title on cover page (no co-written submissions; musical scripts may be submitted by book writer only; script should be a complete draft, preferably of your most recent work); a one-page playwriting resume (listing all readings, productions, awards, commissions, etc.) and/or autobiographical narrative; a one-page description of artistic goals for the fellowship year. Name the PDF file with your last name, and e-mail to address below. You must also submit a reference form (download from website) filled out by two people who are familiar with your work. The Playwrights’ Center, 2301 Franklin Ave. East, Minneapolis, MN 55406-1099, T: (612) 332-7481, info@pwcenter.org, http://www.pwcenter.org/fellows_jerome.php. Receipt Deadline: November 21, 2013

**Nightwood Theatre’s OAC Theatre Creators’ Reserve Grants** – Given through the Ontario Arts Council, Nightwood Theatre focuses primarily on women writers, but the play does not have to be women’s stories. Grant requests can be from $1,000 – $5,000. Please see the website for farther information. Send To: Michelle Alexander, Associate Artistic Director,  Attn: OAC Theatre Creator’s Reserve Submission , Nightwood Theatre , 15 Case Goods Lane, Studio 306, Toronto, ON, M5A3C4,http://www.nightwoodtheatre.net/index.php/artists/oac_theatre_creators_reserve. Deadline: November 15, 2012

Shubert Foundation – Awarding unrestricted grants of $5,000-$275,000 to not-for-profit professional U.S. theatre companies for general operating support. The Foundation factors in artistic achievement, administrative strength, and fiscal stability in its evaluation. No grants to individuals; no funds for project support, audience development, direct subsidy of reduced-price admissions, conduit organizations, renovation projects, loans, or capital or endowment campaigns. No emailed queries or applications. Shubert Foundation, Attn: Applications, 234 W. 44th St., New York, NY 10036, T: (212) 944-3777, FAX: (212) 944-3767,www.shubertfoundation.org/grantprograms/theatre.asp. Receipt Deadline: December 2, 2013, 6pm

US Artists International Travel Grants – Funds American dance, music, and theatre ensembles and solo artists that have been invited to participate in international festivals outside the U.S. Open to dance, music, or theatre ensembles, including folk and traditional forms, that work at a professional level and have 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization status or have a fiscal sponsor with such status. A majority of members must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. Eligible festivals must be sponsored or organized primarily by a non-U.S. based organization; be international in scope with representation from at least two countries outside the host country, or have a U.S. theme with representation from at least three U.S. performing groups; reach a wide audience and be open and marketed to the general public; provide the applicant with a signed letter of invitation or signed contract to perform at the festival; and provide some support to the invited ensembles in the form of cash remuneration, paid travel-related expenses, or in-kind contributions. See website for complete application information. Brigid Myers, Program Assistant, International, US Artists International, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, 201 North Charles St., Ste. 401, Baltimore, MD 21201, T: (410) 539-6656 x113, brigid@midatlanticarts.org,http://www.midatlanticarts.org/funding/pat_presentation/us_artists/index.html. Receipt Deadline: December 6, 2013 (for projects taking place between March 1, 2014 and February 28, 2015); April 18, 2014 (for projects taking place between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015)

RESIDENCIES

Sundance Institute Theatre Lab (July 7-27, 2014, Sundance Resort, UT) – 3-week play development retreat that provides a private creative environment for playwrights, directors, composers, and librettists to develop new work with the support of dramaturges and full casts. Applications welcomed for projects at any stage of development from playwrights, directors, composers, ensembles, performance artists, and choreographers. Plays without directors will be matched with directors. Submitted work may not have been previously produced. Both established and emerging theatre artists are invited to apply, as well as artists making transitions from areas outside of theatre. Participants must be available for the entire length of the lab. Only one application per artist. Each chosen fellow receives a $1,500 honorarium and company of actors (if applicable). Application must be submitted online, then supplemental materials sent via postal mail to address below (you must include the log number from the online application form); see website for complete guidelines and instructions. FEE: $35. Sundance Institute Theatre Lab Application, Log Number: [log number here], 180 Varick St., Ste. 1330, New York, NY 10014, T: (646) 822-9564, theatre@sundance.org, https://my.sundance.org/applications/theatre/.Deadline: November 15, 2013

Creative Arts Residencies at the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center (August 19-November 27, 2014, Bellagio, Italy) – 4-week residencies between August and November, 2012. Open to composers, novelists, playwrights, poets, video/filmmakers and visual artists from around the globe, with the goal of bringing together people of diverse expertise and cultures in a thought-provoking creative environment. Spouses/life partners may accompany the resident, or may apply for a concurrent residency. The Center also offers collaborative residencies for two to four persons working on the same project. Residents will engage with each other over meals and informal presentations, and interact with the participants of international conferences hosted at the Center. Applicants must demonstrate a history of significant achievement in their discipline. Individuals from developing countries and young artists with significant accomplishments — exhibitions, publications, performances — are particularly encouraged to apply. Residency provides housing and studio/work space. Residents are responsible for travel, food, and materials. NOTE: Application must be completed online in English. Applicants from developing countries who have trouble accessing online forms may contact the office by phone or e-mail to discuss alternative ways to submit application. Hard copies of work samples should be sent to the program administrators in New York. NO FEE. Residency address: Bellagio Center, Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio (Lago di Como) 22021, Italy; Administrative address: Program Administrators, Institute of International Education (IIE), Bellagio Competition, 809 United Nations Plaza, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10017, T: (212) 984-5537, bellagio_res@iie.org, http://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/bellagio-center/residency-program/arts-literary-arts-residency/overview. Deadline: December 3, 2013

ARTErra Residencias (Tondela, Portugal) – Residency that encourages cross-disciplinary artistic creation in a small rural village in Portugal. Artists may stay from 3 days to 6 months; average stay is 6-8 weeks. Artist responsible for travel, residency fee (budgeted on a case by case basis according to the artist’s needs), and meals (residency provides some fruit, vegetables, eggs and jam from the property; artists have access to fully equipped kitchen); residency provides room, work space, and some materials and tools according to the artists’ needs. NO FEE. ARTErra Residencias, R. Nossa Senhora do Crasto, nº380 Lobão da Bei, Tondela, Portugal 3460-207,arterra.geral@gmail.com, www.arterra.weebly.com. Deadline: Ongoing

SOURCES FOR ONGOING FUNDING INFORMATION

Women in the Arts and Media Coalition Film/Video Funding Newsletter
Partnering with the LPTW, the Coalition has taken over the film, video and television funding opportunities newsletter. The purpose of the Women in the Arts & Media Coalition is to focus the power of our member organizations together and to use that combined strength to address issues of concern to women in the arts, media, and new media. We are committed to being the link between our member organizations as we collaborate to impact the various topics that affect women in our industry through advocacy, networking, and events.

WomenArts Funding ArchiveWomenArts is a worldwide community of artists and allies that works for empowerment, opportunity, and visibility for women artists. WomenArts coordinates Support Women Artists Now Day (SWAN Day), an annual international holiday celebrating women’s creativity, and maintains a website with helpful information for women artists. WomenArts does not make cash grants, but the Funding Resources section of their website lists many funding opportunities.

New York Foundation for the ArtsNYFA continues to research and update information in NYFA Source, which continues to promote the mission of NYFA’s former Hotline to “empower artists by providing them with complete and accurate information about resources that will facilitate their artistic work.” Additionally, as part of NYFA Source’s ongoing development, UI will regularly produce analytical reports about the patterns of support represented in the database.

The Playwrights Center – $50/yearOne of the nation’s most generous and well-respected theater organizations, the Playwrights’ Center focuses on both supporting playwrights and promoting new plays to production at theaters across the country. The Center has helped launch the careers of numerous nationally recognized artists, notably August Wilson, Lee Blessing, Suzan-Lori Parks, Jordan Harrison, Carlyle Brown, Craig Lucas, Jeffrey Hatcher, Melanie Marnich, and Kira Obolensky. Work developed through Center programs has been seen nationwide on such stages as the Yale Rep, Woolly Mammoth, Guthrie, Goodman, and many others.

The Official Playwrights of FacebookA Facebook Group for playwrights with monthly updated submission listings and funding opportunities.

Kanjy.co
Kanjy is a community for writers. Kanjy fosters sharing, discovery and creation among screenwriters, playwrights and industry professionals. Opportunities highlights can be found here.

Theatre Communications Group
Theatre Communications Group is a national alliance of non-profit theatres that offers a range of online information services, publications and grants. They publish ArtSearch, a newsletter for theatre job-seekers that lists available positions all over the country, and American Theatre, a monthly magazine that provides news about the non-profit theatre world. They provide helpful resources about international theatre activities at: http://www.tcg.org/international/index.cfm.

Women in the Arts and Media Coalition

11/01/2013