McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships
McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships support mid-career Minnesota theater artists beyond playwrights, funding continued artistic development and new work to advance their practice and careers.
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Funder: Playwrights' Center
Due Dates: March 25, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. CT (Application and supporting statements)
Funding Amounts: $25,000 per fellowship; July 1, 2027–June 30, 2028
Summary: Supports mid-career Minnesota theater artists other than playwrights to advance their artistic practice and careers.
Key Information: Applicants must have continuously resided in Minnesota since March 25, 2026, and remain residents throughout the fellowship.
Description
The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships, administered by Playwrights’ Center as part of the McKnight Foundation’s artist fellowship program, recognize accomplished theater artists other than playwrights. The program supports mid-career artists living and working in Minnesota who demonstrate sustained accomplishment, commitment, and artistic merit. Selection focuses on professional achievement and a body of work developed over multiple years, rather than a proposal for a single production.
The fellowships are intended to significantly advance recipients’ art and careers, creating space for continued artistic development and helping artists remain in Minnesota to make their work. Eligible practices span acting, directing, dramaturgy, stage management, theatrical design, and other qualifying live-theater disciplines. Mid-career status is not defined by a fixed number of years or projects; applicants should demonstrate an established practice and continued artistic activity.
