The Po-Hsien Chu International Scholar Award funds research by international, especially Asian, scholars in U.S. theatre and performance studies, supporting their participation in ASTR’s scholarly community.
Funder: American Society for Theatre Research
Due Dates: July 16, 2026
Funding Amounts: $1,000 total; may be split between up to two recipients; includes ASTR membership and conference fee waiver for winners
Summary: Annual research award supporting international scholars in the U.S., prioritizing Asian scholars, for work in theatre and performance studies.
Key Information: Applicants must self-nominate; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency holders are not eligible.
The Po-Hsien Chu International Scholar Award is an annual initiative of the American Society for Theatre Research (ASTR) designed to address structural inequities faced by international scholars studying or working in the United States, particularly those affected by visa restrictions and limited funding access. The award honors the legacy of Po-Hsien Chu, a distinguished Sinophone theatre scholar, by providing research support to up to two international scholars each year, with at least one recipient being an Asian scholar as defined by the U.S. census. Recipients are encouraged to participate in ASTR’s annual conference or mentoring network, contributing to the broader field of theatre and performance studies.