NEFA Awards $630,000 to Support New Works in Ensemble & Devised Theater

(Boston, MA) The New England Foundation for the Arts announces $630,000 in grants through its National Theater Project to support the development and touring of six new theater works.

The National Theater Project (NTP) promotes the development and touring of artist-led collaborative, ensemble, and devised theater works. Modeled on NEFA’s National Dance Project, NTP functions as a full system of support for devised theater, which in addition to funding animates an informed, interactive network of producing theaters, presenters, and ensembles.

Since the first round of NTP grants in 2010, NEFA has infused over $3.4 million into the field through the program. To date, 31 new theater works have been supported; touring of those works will reach 29 different states across the U.S. NTP projects have toured to large and small arts presenters, military bases, universities, regional theaters, and festivals. Leadership support for NEFA’s National Theater Project is generously provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, with additional support from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the California Community Foundation.

“We are thrilled to announce these selections, which represent just a fraction of the powerful, original theater that is being made across the country,” said NEFA interim co-executive director and director of programs Jane Preston. “Thanks to the Mellon Foundation and our NTP program advisors, U.S audiences will have opportunities to experience productions created by some of the most exciting artists working today.”

Grants for this fifth round ranged from $90,000-$130,000. The six grant recipients are:

• 600 HIGHWAYMEN (New York, NY) for The Fever
• Carpetbag Theatre (Knoxville, TN) for Speed Killed My Cousin
• Early Morning Opera (Los Angeles, CA) for The Institute of Memory (TIMe)
• Theater Mitu (New York, NY) for JUÁREZ: A Documentary Mythology
• VisionIntoArt (New York, NY) for Aging Magician
• Working Group Theatre (Iowa City, IA) for OUT OF BOUNDS

Organizations interested in presenting any of these works – or works from previous grant rounds – may apply for an NTP Presentation Grant after contacting its tour coordinator; NTP also provides travel support for arts presenters interested in seeing projects. Contact program manager Quita Sullivan at qsullivan@nefa.org or 617.951.0010 x531, or visit www.nefa.org to learn more.

About NEFA

NEFA builds connections among artists, arts organizations, and funders, powering the arts to energize communities in New England, the nation, and the world. NEFA is a nonprofit that operates in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the New England state arts agencies, with additional funding from foundations, corporations, individuals and other government agencies.

NEFA’s work is accomplished through grantmaking, services, and initiatives which strengthen and advance the national arts infrastructure. For more information, please visit www.nefa.org or call 617.951.0010.

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Contact: Ann Wicks | 617.951.0010 x534