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Grants of $25,000 to USA nonprofit theater companies for performances and educational activities for high school and middle school students. Applicants must submit an intent to apply prior to submitting an application. Funding is intended to support professional productions of Shakespeare plays and related educational activities for students in underserved schools.

The grant award will be awarded to up to 40 theater companies to support performances and related educational activities for students from 10 or more schools.

In order to fulfill the goals of Shakespeare in American Communities, theater companies must:

• Perform a Shakespeare play with a professional team of actors. It is not required that the actors be part of an Equity contract. The purpose of this program is to give students exposure to a live theatrical performance. If the production is abridged (a shortened version), it must maintain the theme of the play and offer students the opportunity to experience Shakespeare’s text. Performances may be held in the theater company’s facility, a school, or a community venue, but must be conducted in partnership with schools. 
  
• Conduct related educational activities for students. Activities must be led by experienced teaching artists or actors with strong credentials and training. Activities must take place in conjunction with the Shakespeare production. Examples of these activities include workshops, in-depth pre- or post-performance discussions/talkbacks, seminars, and curriculum-based residencies.
• Reach 10 or more middle or high schools with a performance and educational activity(ies).The majority of schools must educate underserved students who access to the performing arts is limited by ethnic background, economic conditions, disability, geographic location, or other barriers. This may include schools in rural or urban communities or federally-recognized tribal communities.