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Now Accepting Applications: 2025-26 Shakespeare in American Communities

Actors perform a Shakespeare play in a school gym
Photo Credit: Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Performance of Midsummer Night's Dream by Idaho Shakespeare Festival at Anser Charter School.

Grants of up to $30,000 to support theater programming across the nation – including a brand-new Apprenticeships program.


Applications are now open for the 2025-26 cycle of Shakespeare in American Communities, a national program that offers support to nonprofit theater companies bringing Shakespeare-inspired performances and educational activities to their communities.

This year, we are excited to introduce a new grant program for paid Apprenticeships. Grants of up to $30,000 offer theaters the ability to provide opportunities for early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience in roles such as set design, operations, and theater administration. The programming that apprentices support does NOT have to be Shakespeare related. 

As in previous years, theaters can continue to bring Shakespeare’s works to life for students through our Schools and Juvenile Justice grant programs.

Shakespeare in American Communities At-A-Glance

  • What is it? Shakespeare in American Communities is a theater program that provides grants to nonprofit theater organizations in the U.S. to present high-quality productions and educational activities based on Shakespeare’s works. There are three grant opportunities available: the Schools Program, Juvenile Justice Program, and Apprenticeships Program.
  • Who can apply? Nonprofit theater organizations that have at least two years of relevant experience for their chosen grant opportunity. Take a short eligibility quiz to find out which opportunity is the best fit for your organization.
  • Where? Your organization must be located and operate within the United States or the Native Nations that share this geography.
  • When to apply? A mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 30, 2025, with final applications due February 13, 2025.

Take an Eligibility Quiz

Curious which Shakespeare in American Communities grant is the best fit for your organization? Take a short eligibility quiz to find out!

Schools Program: Brings Shakespeare-inspired theater and education programs to middle and high schools, with new flexibility to perform in community venues. Matching grants range from $15,000 to $25,000  

Juvenile Justice Program: Engages young people in juvenile justice settings, offering performances and workshops. Non-matching grants range from $15,000 to $25,000.  

Apprenticeships Program: New this year, supports theater companies in providing paid apprenticeships to early-career theater professionals. Matching grants range from $20,000 to $30,000

Take the Quiz

Actors on stage in character
Photo Credit: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

About Shakespeare in American Communities

An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with Arts Midwest, Shakespeare in American Communities brings the works of William Shakespeare to students, communities, and juvenile justice facilities across the country.

Since its inception in 2003, Shakespeare in American Communities has supported more than 16,000 performances and 60,000 educational activities in all 50 states. Each year, the program reaches thousands of young people with inspiring productions and hands-on learning experiences.

New this year, the Schools program continues to offer more flexibility in where and how performances and educational activities take place. Organizations can now stage productions and educational activities in community settings, expanding access beyond traditional schools. Grantees are also not required to produce original Shakespeare plays. Rather, they may use adaptations or create new work inspired by William Shakespeare.  

Also new this year, grantees will particpate in virtual and in-person convenings with other program participants. Travel, lodging, and some meal costs for one representative will be covered.

Get Ready to Apply

For more details on how to apply and to explore our guidelines, visit the Shakespeare in American Communities program page.

Learn More

A group of actors in a classroom.
Photo Credit: American Players Theatre of Wisconsin

Have questions about Shakespeare in American Communities?

We’re happy to answer any questions you have about Shakespeare in American Communities. If you’d like to talk to us we’re just an email or a phone call away. 

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