Selection Process

Selection

Selected projects will receive support for both the development and touring of the work. Grants will range from $80,000 to $130,000 depending upon the needs of the project based on its stage of development and readiness to tour, as well as the costs and incentives needed to establish a plan for touring. The range of selected pilot projects could include those in early phases of development; works that have been workshopped, but not fully produced; and produced (and performed) works that could be remounted for touring.  

Types of Projects

The National Theater Pilot is interested in projects developed using a variety of methods and varying types of collaborations. These could include (but are not limited to) the following: 

• Artists and ensembles who lead projects and engage collaborating artists on a project basis
• Artists and ensembles with touring experience who have innovative project proposals
• Artists and ensembles who have little previous touring experience, but have relationships with presenters or other theaters
• Artists and ensembles with local support and organizational partners who will assist in development and tour planning

Types of projects that will not be considered:

• Projects focused on children’s and family theater
• Projects by solo artists and performers
• Projects developed by lead artists who are non-U.S. based

Organizational Partners

Applicants (see Eligibility for who can apply) will be asked to name organizational partners that can support the development of the work to make it ready for touring, as well as organizational partners that are potential tour sites, if known at the time of application. The potential spectrum of presenters and producing theater partners involved in pilot projects includes, but is not limited to, established, multi-disciplinary presenters who seek more choices and better works of contemporary theater; producing theaters that can provide resources to develop work as part of their seasons or as special events and promote it to other theaters; ensemble theaters with venues that can present other work and/or want to exchange with another theater; non-theater partners with an interest and ability to present the work.

Timeline

Timelines for the development and touring of the supported work will range from 18-36 months and depend on the project’s complexity, stage of development, and the activities necessary to develop relationships with presenters and other theaters to tour the work. However a substantial amount of the touring activities should be completed by February of 2013.  

Evaluation

Each project will include a comprehensive evaluation component designed to leverage the learning from this pilot for the artists, presenters, theater community, and funders. The evaluation methodology will be conducted based on the Expected Outcomes.