2021 Grant Recipients
A total of $10,000 was granted from SETC to 10 Outdoor Theatre companies in amounts ranging from $500 to $1,500 each.
Cherokee Historical Association (Unto These Hills) in Cherokee, NC
Cumberland Mountain Arts & Crafts Council, Inc. (The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come) in Jenkins, KY
Hip to Hip Theatre Company in Woodside, NY
Idaho Shakespeare Festival in Boise, ID
Roanoke Island Historical Association (The Lost Colony) in Manteo, NC
Southern Appalachian Historical Society (Horn In The West) in Boone, NC
Stephen Foster Drama Association, Inc. (The Stephen Foster Story) in Bardstown, KY
The Scioto Society, Inc. (Tecumseh!) in Chillicothe, OH
Water Works Theatre Company, Inc. (Shakespeare Royal Oak) in Royal Oak, MI
Yampa Valley Performing Arts Council (Piknik Theatre) in Steamboat Springs, CO
About the Grant
The 2021 Outdoor Theatre Pandemic Assistance Grant was intended for non-academic professional theatres with current/planned SETC organizational membership status. Funds were to be used to support theatre operations related to reopening theatres and best practices for pandemic safety protocols including equipment, supplies, training, and/or other pandemic-related reopening expenses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is SETC?
Our Mission: Connecting You to Opportunities in Theatre Nationwide
Our Vision: SETC is the strongest and broadest network of theatre practitioners in the United States. We provide extensive resources and year‐round opportunities for our constituents. Our services, publications, and products contribute significantly to the careers of emerging artists, seasoned professionals, and academicians. SETC energizes the practical, intellectual, and creative profile of theatre in America.
Our Ethos: SETC is resolutely committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the life and culture of our organization. We are actively interrogating our policies and practices to deliberately take action and institutionalize anti-racist and anti-oppressive policies and practice. SETC will work to center marginalized voices, bodies, and stories. We will listen and learn about racism, discrimination, and adversity.
What organizations were eligible for the Outdoor Theatre Pandemic Assistance Grant?
Organizations were eligible to apply to the Outdoor Theatre Pandemic Assistance Grant if they met the following eligibility requirements:
- Were current SETC organizational member or would join upon receipt of a grant award
- Were a producing outdoor theatre company that is not primarily funded by a college or university
- Possessed and/or have possessed 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as defined by the IRS for at least two years
- Provided an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, marital status, as well as gender expression, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, or physical appearance. We expect professional companies to celebrate unique differences, create a welcoming and inclusive experience, and comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances, including but not limited to those that bar discrimination on the characteristics above or any other characteristic protected by law
- Compliance with Fair Labor Standards
What is SETC’s definition of a professional outdoor theatre?
A theatre that provides monetary compensation/salary on a contracted basis to a minimum of 85% of their staff, designers, technicians, actors, and musicians. In addition, companies must have been in production a minimum of two full seasons and perform the majority of their programming in outdoor spaces.
What was involved in completing a grant application?
Details were provided on the grant guidelines documents, but the application process had been specifically designed to be simple and straightforward. SETC encouraged interested professional outdoor theatre companies to apply.
How many grants were be awarded?
SETC granted $10,000 to outdoor theatres in the summer of 2021. Grants were in the amounts of $1,000 to $2,000 with the number granted determined based on response.
What if I have additional questions?
This set of grants was a one time initiative from SETC for theatres due to the challenges of the COVID pandemic. For answers to questions about the grants, please email info@setc.org. Please provide return contact information (email and phone). Every attempt will be made to reply to requests within two business days.