Best Grants for Theater in New Hampshire

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) educational, medical, and cultural/arts organizations can apply for Davis Family Foundation project grants supporting innovative education, medical, or arts initiatives that benefit Maine learners and communities. Theater groups whose primary mission is cultural/arts and whose projects impact Maine residents may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s geographic and program criteria.

The Joe Salek Scholarship for Theater Arts Trust, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing a degree in Theatre Arts, including acting, playwriting, and design. Open to high school seniors and college students in the USA, this scholarship requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment. Renewable for up to one year, it aims to empower the next generation of theater artists by providing essential financial aid for tuition, fees, and living expenses.

American Theatre Wing provides New Hampshire theater students with university scholarship support for theatre-related study. High school seniors graduating in 2027 from underrepresented communities can receive up to US $10,000 annually toward tuition at accredited U.S. universities for any theatre discipline. This opportunity may benefit New Hampshire students pursuing theater degrees who demonstrate talent and financial need.

Emerging musical theatre composers, lyricists, librettists, and writing teams creating new, fully producible work in New Hampshire and across the U.S. can receive support for their artistic careers. American Theatre Wing’s Jonathan Larson Grants provide US $10,000 in flexible funding to writers working professionally in musical theatre, including those residing or working part-time in the U.S.

Public K–12 schools and 501(c)(3) parent groups in New Hampshire can apply for American Theatre Wing’s classroom resources grants to purchase theatre equipment, instruments, and supplies, with awards up to Up to US $50,000. Funding can support production equipment, costumes, licensing fees, and artistic consultants to strengthen in-school theatre education for youth.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries pursuing full-time theater or related arts coursework in the U.S., including New Hampshire, can receive US $15,000 for travel and living expenses. Asian Cultural Council supports international cultural exchange and connects fellows with a global community of artists, scholars, and cultural institutions.

Individual theater artists, scholars, and arts professionals in New Hampshire and across eligible countries can seek Asian Cultural Council’s Individual Fellowship to fund self-directed international research and cultural exchange projects. Fellows pursue activities like meetings, site visits, workshops, and archival research that deepen cross-cultural dialogue and artistic practice, including theater-focused work.

Individual theater artists, scholars, and arts professionals from eligible Asian countries can apply for Asian Cultural Council’s New York Fellowship, a six‑month cultural immersion program in the U.S. The fellowship supports independent exploration of theater and other arts in New York City, which may benefit New Hampshire organizations collaborating with or hosting these fellows.

Early mid-career theater, dance, and performance artists and scholars in New Hampshire and across the U.S. can receive US $40,000 fellowships to dedicate substantial time to new creative or scholarly work. The George A and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation supports independent projects in writing for performance, choreography, and theatre, dance, and performance studies.

Emerging or early-career individual artists in theatre, film, television, dance, music, visual arts, design, literature, photography, or fashion can receive up to US $5,000 for artistic development between Australia and the U.S. Focused on cross-cultural exchange, the American Australian Association supports graduate study, residencies, internships, mentorships, and masterclasses that may benefit theater practitioners in New Hampshire.

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

Graduate students researching theatre or performance can receive up to US $800 and complimentary registration to attend the ASTR annual conference in November. Focused on professional development, American Society for Theatre Research invites eligible students, including those based in New Hampshire, to apply based on their interest statement and record of scholarship or service.

Untenured theatre scholars with terminal degrees, including independent, tenure-track, and adjunct faculty in New Hampshire, can apply for American Society for Theatre Research David Keller Travel Grants; awards up to US $800 plus registration to help attend ASTR’s annual November conference. Applicants are evaluated on interest in the meeting and scholarly or service achievements.

Graduate students, independent scholars, and faculty working at the intersection of theatre and dance can apply for the American Society for Theatre Research’s Selma Jeanne Cohen Award, offering up to US $1,000 and complimentary registration toward ASTR conference travel. Theater scholars in New Hampshire may be eligible if already accepted to present at the 2025 ASTR conference.

International advanced graduate students or contingent faculty in theatre and performance studies working in the U.S., including New Hampshire, can receive more than US $1,000 to support their research projects. Focused on global theatre scholarship, American Society for Theatre Research gives priority to Asian scholars and projects that address visa-related barriers and enrich the field.

Scholars conducting theatre, dance, or performance studies research, including work on under-represented regions or pre-1900 topics, can receive up to US $3,000 for specific projects from the American Society for Theatre Research. With a mission to advance theatre research, it provides New Hampshire and U.S. scholars with honoraria for targeted research rather than curriculum development.

Scholars with a terminal degree conducting theater or performance studies research, including those based in New Hampshire, can apply for American Society for Theatre Research fellowships, awarding up to US $3,000 for research expenses. Eligible applicants must be ASTR members and may combine this support with other funding sources.

Independent or affiliated theatre, dance, or performance studies scholars holding a terminal degree can receive up to US $600 to cover illustration rights and reproduction costs for a contracted book project, including electronic publications. With a mission to support theatre research, American Society for Theatre Research gives preference to junior scholars; ASTR members in New Hampshire may be eligible.

Full-time or contingent college-level theatre instructors with heavy teaching loads can receive support for theatre research projects through the American Society for Theatre Research in New Hampshire and nationwide. This grant offers up to US $1,000, plus complimentary conference registration and a one-year ASTR membership, for feasible, significant projects, especially those lacking institutional backing or enriching diversity.

New Hampshire theater students pursuing a four-year or graduate theater program can access funding through the Helen Duranleau-Brennan Theater Scholarship, offering up to US $4,000 total and renewable support. Administered by Quad Cities Community Foundation, applicants must major or minor in theater and meet GPA and school-specific eligibility criteria.

The Jerry and Martha Taylor Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from Rock Island County pursuing post-secondary education. With awards of up to $1,000, this scholarship is not renewable and is open to applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Preference is given to students majoring in journalism, theater arts, or special education, or those attending accredited trade schools.

The BACKstage Grant Fall 2025, offered by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), provides funding for secondary education theatre teachers to enhance their professional development. Grants support various expenses, including workshop registrations, travel, and educational supplies. Eligible applicants must be secondary school educators teaching theatre-related subjects, and all funded activities must be completed within a year. This initiative fosters growth and innovation in the performing arts community.

The Sherry Wagner-Henry Board Fellowship, initiated by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), offers a unique opportunity for emerging leaders in the theatre and entertainment industry. This 12-18 month program connects Fellows with experienced board members to enhance their professional skills. Participants gain access to board resources, attend meetings, and receive support for conferences, all valued at approximately $3,000 to $3,500. Ideal for individuals with 2-5 years of experience, this Fellowship fosters growth and leadership in nonprofit governance.

The SAA Shakespeare Publics Award, presented by the Shakespeare Association of America, celebrates innovative efforts that engage diverse publics with Shakespeare's works. Open to SAA members, the award recognizes projects that promote teaching, scholarship, performance, and activism. Since its inception in 1972, the SAA has fostered dialogue and collaboration among scholars, enhancing the appreciation of Shakespeare's impact on culture. This award highlights the importance of broadening access to Shakespeare's legacy in today's society.

The Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant (LPG) supports Native artists and organizations in staging live performances, fostering cultural expression. With a $30,000 grant for one year, this initiative prioritizes projects that actively engage Native performers, enhancing their artistic skills and community connections. By addressing the unique needs of Native creators, the program aims to empower them with resources, mentorship, and equitable opportunities in the performing arts landscape.

The Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant aims to enhance high school theatre programs in underserved communities. By providing $10,000 grants, this initiative fosters collaboration between students and industry professionals, while promoting performances that address diverse perspectives. The grant encourages schools to select plays that spark important conversations, ensuring inclusivity and representation in the arts. Ultimately, it seeks to inspire students and open doors to future careers in theatre.