The seven initial support recipients are American Blues Theater (Chicago, IL), Bedlam (New York, NY), Chance Theater (Anaheim, CA), Classical Theatre Company (Houston, TX), Cygnet Theatre Company (San Diego, CA), South of Broadway Theatre Company (Charleston, SC) and Yellow Tree Theatre (Osseo, MN). The inaugural second-time support grants will be presented to the following five companies: 16th Street Theater (Berwyn, IL), 1812 Productions (Philadelphia, PA), Golden Thread Productions (San Francisco, CA), Portland Playhouse (Portland, OR) and Synchronicity Theatre (Atlanta, GA).

Initial Support grants, in the amount of $10,000 each, will be distributed for general operating support to these companies which, according to grant guidelines, “have been in operation at least five, but not more than fifteen years; have articulated a distinctive mission; cultivated an audience; and nurtured a community of artists in ways that strengthen and demonstrate the quality, diversity, and dynamism of American theatre.”

This year marked the implementation of new guidelines, creating second-time support grants. These grants, also in the amount of $10,000 each, will be distributed for general operating support to companies who have already received the National Theatre Company Grant in grant cycles between 2010-15. It is the Wing’s hope to “provide additional support for companies who plan to advance their work in a significant way and have a strategic goal to build the organization’s capacity to continue to innovate and create a more dynamic American Theatre and have described an actionable plan to achieve that goal.”

“The quality of work that these remarkable theater companies produce is nothing short of inspiring,” said Marva Smalls, Chair of the National Theatre Company Grants committee, in a statement. “They further the conversations of issues important to their local communities.”

“I am delighted to be honoring this year’s selections for the National Theatre Company Grants, and for the first time ever awarding Second-Time Support grants to five companies that have previously been supported by this initiative,” added Heather Hitchens, president of the American Theatre Wing. “The Wing remains dedicated to promoting excellence in theatre across the county, which these young companies have more than demonstrated.”

For more information on the ATW’s National Theatre Company Grants, visit http://americantheatrewing.org/program/national-theatre-co-grants/. The application period for 2017 grants will open in the spring of next year.

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The American Theatre Wing is dedicated to advancing artistic excellence and nurturing theatre’s next generation: on the stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience.