Shakespeare in American Communities
Forecasted
Shakespeare in American Communities supports nonprofit theaters with funding for youth Shakespeare programming and paid administrative or technical apprenticeships to foster engagement and career experience.
Funder: Arts Midwest
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Intent to Apply) | February 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Schools and Juvenile Justice: $15,000–$25,000; Apprenticeships: $20,000–$30,000
Summary: Supports nonprofit theater organizations delivering youth Shakespeare programming and paid administrative or technical apprenticeships nationwide.
Key Information: Each organization may apply to only one track: Schools, Juvenile Justice, or Apprenticeships.
Description
Shakespeare in American Communities is a National Endowment for the Arts theater program administered in partnership with Arts Midwest. Its three grant tracks support performances, theater education, and paid apprenticeships across the United States. Schools grants bring Shakespeare-related productions and educational activities to middle and high school students. Juvenile Justice grants support theater education exploring Shakespeare’s work with young people in the justice system.
The Apprenticeships track helps emerging theater administrators and technicians gain paid, on-the-job experience while supporting community-based, cross-sector theater activities. That programming does not have to involve Shakespeare. The program welcomes first-time applicants, organizations with operating budgets of all sizes, and organizations serving rural and urban communities.
