National Theater Project

The National Theater Project (NTP) promotes the development of contemporary artist-led collaborative, ensemble, and devised theater work while extending the reach and life of these projects through touring.

Background

In 2009, supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation (AWMF), NEFA conducted a study which identified unrealized potential for theater projects that expand the boundaries of contemporary theater in the U.S. Multi-disciplinary presenters, theaters, and audiences nationwide demonstrated an appetite for artist-led, collaborative, ensemble, and devised theater work.

Beginning in 2010, with support from AWMF, NEFA’s 2-year National Theater PIlot tested questions and assumptions about theater development and touring in the U.S. toward the shaping of a fully-realized program of grants and services. Through the Pilot, NEFA and a core group of Advisors identified 12 projects (six selected in each of two years) to help evaluate the National Dance Project model as one means of realizing that potential.

Central goals for the Pilot were to support developing productions to tour and to support presenters, ensembles, and producing theaters to take the work to different regions and audiences. Further research and evaluation of the Pilot at various stages assessed how to best support this developing field.

In 2012, again with the support of AWMF, NEFA launched the National Theater Project to build on the knowledge gained through the Pilot phase and provide a critical means of support for artist-led, devised, collaborative, ensemble, and devised theater work.

View the National Theater Pilot projects here.

Program Goals

Modeled on NEFA’s National Dance Project, NTP not only provides funding but also animates an informed, interactive network of producing theaters, presenters, and ensembles that promote the funded projects and the development of the field as a whole. Projects are supported through Creation & Touring Grants, which fund creation and preparation for touring of collaborative, devised projects and Presentation Grants, which are awarded to presenters and support up to 50% of the artistic fee for NTP projects.

NTP is particularly interested in supporting work that reflects the evolving environment for theater, including but not limited to projects that:

• Expose audiences to devised theater work of outstanding quality and originality.
• Push the aesthetic boundaries and reflect the cultural and aesthetic diversity alive in theater today.
• Nurture long-term, productive and multifaceted partnerships between project and development partners, leading to the highest quality possible in the production of the completed work.
• Have an understanding of touring devised work and strategies for creating a tour.
• Offer the potential for deeper community engagement.
• Enhance the creation of a national network of presenters, producing theaters, and ensemble theaters with venues that will increase the potential for touring.

Advisors

The National Theater Project Advisors provide critical guidance to applicants in proposal preparation and tour development. They also guide project selection and serve as consultants and ambassadors for the program. Advisors represent presenters, producing theaters, festivals, and theater artists. Selection of advisors takes into account geography, gender, cultural and racial equity and includes new and established leaders in the field.

Funders

Leadership support for NEFA’s National Theater Project is generously provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Contact

Quita Sullivan | Program Manager
National Theater Project
qsullivan@nefa.org | 617.951.0010 x531

Elizabeth Bouchard | Program Coordinator
National Theater Project, Presenting & Touring
ebouchard@nefa.org | 617.951.0010 x516

 
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