Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF) is a national charity that fuels the future of American theater by supporting the writers who create it. DGF fosters playwrights, composers, lyricists, and bookwriters at all stages of their careers. We sponsor educational programs; provide awards, grants, and stipends; offer free space to create new works; and give emergency aid to writers in need. By supporting and nurturing the creators of today, we protect the stories of tomorrow.

The Dramatists Guild Foundation is thrilled to announce the opening of submissions for the Indigenous Theater-maker Award, a prestigious grant of $20,000 dedicated to honoring and supporting the outstanding work and unwavering commitment of Indigenous theater-makers in New York State and Connecticut.


About the Award

The Indigenous Theater-maker Award is a testament to DGF's long-term commitment as allies, advocates, and investors in the inclusion and celebration of the voices of dramatists from Indigenous communities. This award specifically recognizes and uplifts the contributions of Indigenous theater-makers and theaters, acknowledging their stellar work and dedication to the preservation of Indigenous storytelling in the realm of theater.


Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be Indigenous theater-makers based in New York State (not including New York City) or Connecticut, demonstrating excellence in their craft and a commitment to advancing the representation of Indigenous voices in the theatrical landscape.


Award Details

Grant Amount: $20,000


How to Apply:

Please submit your application materials by February Friday, February 16th. Late submissions will not be considered.


Contact Information

For any inquiries or additional information, please contact Community Engagement & Impact Manager, Jacquie Jordan at jacquie@dgf.org


The Indigenous Theater-maker Award is made possible through funding from the Lucille Lortell Foundation and is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive and representative theatrical community. We encourage all eligible Indigenous theater-makers to submit their applications and join us in this celebration of diverse voices and stories.


Thank you for your commitment to the arts, and we look forward to receiving your submissions.


This form is for dramatists (playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists) to apply for emergency financial assistance from the Dramatists Guild Foundation. 

Please note: DGF's eligibility restrictions have recently changed. If you have received a DGF Crisis Relief Grant in 2024 or hold a minimum of $15,000 in your combined bank accounts, we kindly ask that you refrain from re-applying at this time. 

DGF serves all dramatists based in the United States, regardless of their immigration status. 

This form is for dramatists (playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists) who wish to apply for a Bridge Grant from the Dramatists Guild Foundation.
Please note: DGF's eligibility restrictions have recently changed. If you hold $10,000 in your combined bank accounts, we kindly ask that you refrain from re-applying at this time. Dramatists who have previously received a COVID-19 Emergency Grant or Housing Assistance Grant are eligible to apply. DGF serves all dramatists based in the United States, regardless of their immigration status. 

Ends on This opportunity will close after 350 submissions have been received.

The DGF Fellows program is a year-long New York City-based intensive for professional dramatists who are looking to develop their existing work at the next level of their careers. The Fellows program is a free program hosted by the Dramatists Guild Foundation, designed to eliminate historical barriers of entry for many emerging dramatists.

This cohort of playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists, and bookwriters will work together under the guidance and leadership of prominent program chairs to develop their current work in pursuit of further development and production.

This year, the program will work as an accelerator program for dramatists with existing works still in their revision process. Within the structure of the program is a uniquely successful format of partnering playwrights and musical theater writers during the learning process. Fellows who are selected will receive a $5,000 scholarship, access to career resources, and the opportunity to partner with several arts organizations.

Additionally, the program provides its Fellows with one-on-one mentoring from accomplished professionals in the field who help them hone their process, find their unique voice, and revise and edit existing work ready for development.  At the end of the program, each Fellow will have an opportunity to participate in a presentation of their work for top theater professionals.

Please note: In keeping our promise of transparency, please be aware that applications for the 2024-2025 DGF Musical Theater Fellowship will close at 350 submissions or on April 19th 2024, whichever happens first. This will allow us to make a decision on applications in a timely manner. We look forward to reading your applications. A virtual info session will be held on April 4th for anyone interested in learning more about the fellowship before applying.

Dramatists Guild Foundation