Background

Toward a System of Support for Theater:
NEFA’s National Theater Pilot

A study conducted by NEFA in 2009 identified unrealized potential for theater projects that expand the boundaries of contemporary theater in the U.S.  As multi-disciplinary presenters, theaters, and audiences nationwide demonstrate an appetite for artist-led, collaborative, ensemble, and devised theater work, NEFA’s 2-year pilot will help test questions and assumptions about theater development and touring in the U.S. toward the shaping of a fully-realized program of grants and services.

The Pilot

With leadership support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, NEFA’s National Theater Pilot is designed to promote the development of contemporary collaborative theater works and the reach of these works through touring. Modeled on NEFA’s National Dance Project, the program will provide grants for 12 projects over two years while animating an informed, interactive network of producing theaters, presenters, and ensembles that will support the promotion of the projects throughout their development and touring.

Identification & Selection

NEFA will accept applications from eligible artist/ensembles. A diverse group of advisors will select a broad range of projects in varying stages of development, from which six in each year will be selected to participate. Funding will support:

• the artist/ensembles’ costs to develop productions intended to tour
• the presentation of the work by presenters, ensembles, and producing theaters via touring in different regions and communities

The timeline and allocation of funding will be flexible and project-specific, depending on the project’s complexity and the activities necessary to develop relationships with presenters and other theaters to tour the work. Each grant will include an evaluation component designed to leverage the learning from this pilot for the artists, presenters, theater community, and funders.

Expected Outcomes

• Creation and development of original, high-quality devised, collaborative, and/or ensemble theater
• Better realized works, produced with a plan for subsequent performances and engagements in multiple sites
• Collaborations with presenters and producing theaters who are involved in the development and promotion of the work
• A national network of presenters, producing theaters, and ensemble theaters with venues that will increase the potential for touring
• A strong core and expanded network of Advisors who are seeing, talking about, and referring others to theater works of interest
• Understanding of the necessary elements for successful contemporary theater work that can tour