Now Accepting Applications: 2027-28 Shakespeare in American Communities

Washington, DC, and Minneapolis, MN-Applications are now open for the 2027-28 cycle of Shakespeare in American Communities, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. This national program offers grant support to nonprofit theater companies bringing Shakespeare-inspired performances and educational activities to their communities.

The Phase 1 Application deadline is January 26, 2027. Matching grants range from $15,000 to $50,000 each. Visit Arts Midwest's website for complete grant guidelines and to apply.

This year, the maximum grant amount has increased to $50,000, helping connect even more young people across the nation to high-quality theater and learning opportunities. As in previous years, there are three different programs offered as part of this grant:

• Schools Program : Brings Shakespeare-inspired theater and education programs to middle and high schools, with flexibility to perform in community venues. Matching grants range from $15,000 to $50,000.
• Juvenile Justice Program : Engages young people in juvenile justice settings, offering performances and workshops. Non-matching grants range from $15,000 to $50,000.
• Apprenticeships Program : Supports theater companies in providing paid apprenticeships to early-career theater professionals. Matching grants range from $15,000 to $50,000.

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. Organizations may only apply for one Shakespeare in American Communities grant program each year.

In addition to funding, all Shakespeare in American Communities grantees will have the chance to participate in virtual learning sessions and meet for an in-person convening in summer 2028, with travel, lodging, and meals for one representative covered. Theater leaders will trade ideas in cohort breakouts, give presentations about their work, and learn from others across the country.

Applicant Resources

Arts Midwest has created a series of resources for applicants:

You can also join Arts Midwest staff for office hours for each program:

Apprenticeships Program

• December 14, 2026, from 1-2 pm Central Time. Sign up.
• January 18, 2027, from 11 am-12 pm Central Time. Sign up.

Schools Program

• December 15, 2026, from 11 am-12 pm Central Time. Sign up.
• January 18, 2027, from 1-2 pm Central Time. Sign up.

Juvenile Justice Program

• December 15, 2026, from 1-2 pm Central Time. Sign up.
• January 20, 2027, from 11 am-12 pm Central Time. Sign up.

How to Apply

• Visit Arts Midwest's website for complete guidelines for each program and what information is required to apply.
• Register your organization in Arts Midwest's SmartSimple grant portal.
• Intent to Apply deadline: January 26, 2027. Arts Midwest will confirm applicant eligibility and forward to the application stage.
• Full application deadline: February 9 2027

About Shakespeare in American Communities

Shakespeare in American Communities is a theater program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Since 2003, Shakespeare in American Communities has supported over 16,000 performances and 60,000 educational activities, engaging more than 4,700 communities across all 50 states. Grants are awarded to nonprofit theater companies and help bring theater to middle and high schools, juvenile justice facilities, and other community spaces.