National alliance for musical Theatre Announces $100K+ in Grants for new Musicals and Theatre Programs
Table of Contents
NEW YORK CITY - The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) has distributed over $100,000 in funding through its Frank Young Fund for New Musicals and Impact and Exploration Fund, bolstering the creation and development of new theatrical works and innovative capacity-building initiatives. The awards, announced recently, represent a significant investment in the future of American musical theatre.
Frank Young Fund Grants Fuel New Musical Projects
Five theatre companies will receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 through the Frank Young fund, which directly supports the development and production of new musicals.These recipients are:
- Barrington Stage Company (Pittsfield, MA) for fuzzy, a new musical by Will Van Dyke and Jeff Talbott.
- La Jolla Playhouse (La Jolla, CA) for The Heart, a collaboration between Kait Kerrigan, Anne Eisendrath, and Ian Eisendrath.
- Seattle Repertory Theatre (Seattle, WA) for Freak the Mighty, based on the novel by Rodman Philbrick, with music by ryan Fielding Garrett and lyrics by Anthony Drewe.
- Transport Group (New York, NY) for lovely Jolie Gabor, Her Glamorous Three Daughters, and Always the Happiness Is Life, a new work by Michael john LaChiusa.
- ZACH Theatre (Austin, TX) for Shoe: A Folklorico SUPERHERO, a vibrant musical by Jesse J.Sanchez.
Did You Know? The frank Young Fund was established in 1988 to honor the legacy of Frank Young, a pivotal figure in the development of new musicals and a long-time NAMT board member.
Impact and Exploration Fund Drives Theatre Innovation
Seven theatres will benefit from the impact and Exploration Fund, receiving grants between $2,000 and $5,000 to pilot new programs aimed at strengthening their organizations and sharing best practices with the wider theatre community. These initiatives include:
- Center REP (Walnut creek, CA) for Lewis Loves Clark by Dylan MarcAurele and Mike Ross.
- MusiCoLab (New York, NY) for Red & Black by Nick Hatcher, Sheridan Merrick, and David Thomas.
- Prospect Musicals (New York, NY) for Songs for Hands on a thursday by Jay Alan Zimmerman.
- Theatre Now New York (New York, NY) for The Sustain by Alice Jankell, Pamela Weiiller Grayson, and Aaron Dr.
- TheatreWorks Silicon Valley (Palo Alto, CA) for The Tell-Tale Heart by Carlos Aguirre.
- Theo everywhere cabaret theatre (New York, NY) for things We Don’t Say by EllaRose Chary and Brandon James Gwinn.
Pro tip: NAMT membership provides theatres with access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and funding programs like these, fostering collaboration and growth within the field.
Regional Theatre News: Awards and Company Announcements
Beyond the NAMT grants, several regional theatres recently announced significant achievements.
PlayGround Announces 2025-26 Company
SAN FRANCISCO – PlayGround has unveiled its 2025-26 company, comprising over 160 writers, playwrights, and artists who will contribute to the institution’s incubator programs. This cohort will drive the development of more then 150 original plays over the coming season.
Colorado Theatre Guild Celebrates Excellence with Henry Awards
DENVER – The Colorado Theatre Guild honored outstanding theatrical productions at its 2025 Henry Awards. Curious Theatre Company received the award for best play for Bruce Norris’s Downstate, while Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre was recognized as best musical for Come From Away. Jake Brasch’s The Reservoir, presented by the Denver Center for the Performing arts Theatre Company, earned the award for outstanding new play or musical.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Invests in Future Artists
SARASOTA, FL – The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has awarded $16,000 in scholarships to eight aspiring artists, supporting their education in music and film. The scholarships recognize talent and dedication, fostering the next generation of Black artists.
| Fund | Grant Range | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Frank Young Fund | $5,000 – $10,000 | New Musical Development & Production |
| Impact and Exploration Fund | $2,000 – $5,000 | Capacity Building & Innovation |
What role do these types of grants play in fostering a vibrant and diverse theatre landscape? How can audiences best support the development of new theatrical works?
The Importance of Funding for New Theatre
Investment in new musical and theatrical works is crucial for the continued evolution of the art form. Grants like those offered by NAMT provide vital resources for artists to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and bring fresh perspectives to the stage. This funding not only supports the creation of new works but also strengthens the entire theatre ecosystem, fostering collaboration and innovation. According to a 2023 report by the National Endowment for the Arts Arts and economic prosperity 5, nonprofit arts and culture organizations generate $166.3 billion in economic activity annually, supporting 4.6 million jobs nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Frank Young Fund? The Frank young Fund provides grants to non-profit theatres for the development and production of new musicals.
- What is the Impact and Exploration Fund? This fund supports theatres in piloting innovative programs to enhance their operations and share best practices.
- Who is eligible for NAMT grants? NAMT member nonprofit theatres are eligible to apply for these grants.
- How does NAMT support the theatre community? NAMT offers a range of resources, including grants, networking opportunities, and professional development programs.
- Where can I learn more about NAMT? Visit the NAMT website at https://namt.org/.
We hope you enjoyed this report on the latest developments in the American theatre scene. Share this article with your friends and colleagues, and join the conversation about the future of theatre!
