Theatre Communications Group Announces New Grant Program for Theatre Practitioners

 
Theatre Communications Group (TCG) has received $1 million from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to launch Leadership U[niversity], a grant program to support the development of theatre leaders at various points in their career. The overall intent of this program is to strengthen the field by developing the individuals who are the core and the future of theatre.

"Our long-standing partnership with The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation allows us to meet such a crucial need for our field—leadership development opportunities for practitioners from all areas of the theatre," said Teresa Eyring, executive director of TCG. "Having thoughtful and hands-on mentorships as well as opportunities to observe professionals at the top of their craft, continues to shape the trajectory of theatre leaders for the better."

For many early-career theatre professionals and recent graduates of advanced training programs, the combination of limited job openings in theatres, low compensation and student loan debt make a career in the not-for-profit theatre a questionable future. Leadership U[niversity] is not only designed to provide financial support for early-career leaders, but will also prepare recipients with greater leadership skills to enable a stable and a long-term career in the theatre.

Learning opportunities are also extended to mid-career professionals who could benefit from a short-term immersion outside of their organization and in their area of expertise. Observing the work of critical thinkers inside and outside the theatre field can help veteran leaders gain new perspectives on the opportunities and challenges within their own organizations as well as the field. Leadership U[niversity] provides practitioners with the rare time for reflection and inspiration to continue onward.

Leadership U[niversity] will award grants in two initiatives: One-on-One for early-career leaders and Continuing Ed for mid-career and veteran professionals.

One-on-One grants of $75,000 will be awarded to six exceptionally talented early-career leaders from all areas of the theatre for professional development via mentorships at a TCG Member Theatre, with an additional $5,000 honorarium for their mentor. Up to an additional $14,500 in supplemental funds may be used for student loan repayment, professional development or life needs (i.e. health care, child or elder care, or other medical expenses).

Continuing Ed grants of up to $6,000 will be awarded to eight mid-career to veteran professionals at TCG Member Theatres for learning opportunities to advance their leadership skills in areas that include artistic, administrative, educational and production. Grants will be awarded to the applicant’s home theatre on behalf of the theatre practitioner.

Online registration, applications and guidelines will be available in mid-October. One-on-One preliminary applications are due December 12, 2011. Continuing Ed applications are due April 9, 2012. For more information about the program, visit: http://www.tcg.org/grants.