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Now Accepting Applications: 2026-27 Shakespeare in American Communities

by Arts Midwest

Five actors in brightly colored costumes standing below a silver disco ball with their arms in the air on a black stage while colorful confetti showers down from the ceiling. Two more actors stand on a raised platform behind them supported by metal scaffolding.
Photo Credit: Nile Scott Studios, courtesy of Actors' Shakespeare Project
The ensemble of A Midsummer Night's Dream from Actors' Shakespeare Project.

Grants of up to $30,000 will support theater programming in schools, juvenile justice programs, and arts apprenticeships across the nation.

Applications are now open for the 2026-27 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.

For the second year, there are three different grant opportunities available.

Theaters can bring Shakespeare’s works to life for students with support from the Schools and Juvenile Justice Programs, or offer hands-on opportunities for early-career theater professionals with support from the Apprenticeships Program. The programming that apprentices support does NOT have to be Shakespeare-related

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 with at least two years of relevant experience for their chosen grant opportunity are welcome to apply. 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 29, 2026, with final applications due February 12, 2026.

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: Supports theater companies in providing paid apprenticeships to early-career theater professionals. Matching grants range from $20,000 to $30,000.

Take the Quiz

Sixteen teenaged students standing on a black stage in front of metal scaffolding, posing next to a blue banner with an image of William Shakespeare superimposed over an American flag entitled "National Endowment for the Arts Presents Shakespeare in American Communities."
Photo Credit: Kelsey Tidball, courtesy of Actors’ Shakespeare Project

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.

Through the Schools program, organizations can also stage productions and educational activities in community settings, expanding access beyond traditional schools alone. Grantees are not required to produce original Shakespeare plays. Rather, they may use adaptations or create new work inspired by William Shakespeare.  

Grantees will participate in virtual and in-person gatherings 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 person with curly brown hair dressed in a multi-patterned shirt and yellow pants, delivering a soliloquy from Hamlet while five other actors in brightly colored street clothes sit on chairs behind them, with their hands clasped in their laps.
Photo Credit: Ivan Lopez, courtesy of GableStage Theatre Company

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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