In recognition of the importance that regional theatres play in the American theatre ecology, and how the work of American playwrights advances the art form and culture, the American Theatre Wing has relaunched its National Theatre Company Grants program.

Five grants of $100,000 each will be awarded annually to regional theatres innovating new strategies to present the work of American playwrights.

Among the requirements: grants must go to a regional venue, and funds must be used towards an American playwright’s work. Examples of eligible projects include co-productions of world premieres, national not-for-profit tours of new work, regional or local debuts of work, fresh approaches to audience development and community outreach around new work, and educational or low-cost ticket initiatives that introduce younger and diverse audiences.

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ATW hopes to emphasize work that supports living playwrights, but will consider late authors whose work remains unknown or under-presented in the national theatre canon.

“On the heels of the Regional Tony Award announcement, which annually honors a pioneering and exceptional theatre company, we are thrilled to relaunch our American Theatre Wing National Theatre Company Grants program,” says American Theatre Wing President and CEO Heather Hitchens in a statement. “The work that regional theatres do is vital to the communities around them and to the theatre ecosystem as a whole. With this program, we want to help regional theatres tell compelling new stories that reflect the world and times we are living in, to build, diversify, and expand audiences and the American theatre canon.”

“Most of my plays and musicals began their lives at regional theatres, whose health and vitality have always been critical for both playwrights and our field,” adds American Theatre Wing Trustee David Henry Hwang. “These Grants will support new and rediscovered plays as the lifeblood of the American theatre, while helping these companies during this challenging time to innovate, experiment, and transform."

Applications will open in August and will be due by mid-September. Recipients will be announced and funds distributed in November.

In addition to being the founder and co-presenter of the Tony Awards, and the home of the OBIE Awards, the American Theatre Wing offers a suite of programs that address all aspects of the national theatre ecology

For applications and official requirements, visit AmericanTheatreWing.org.