The Philadelphia Theatre Initiative (PTI) is a program funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and administered by The University of the Arts. Now in its twelfth year, the program represents The Pew Charitable Trusts’ ongoing commitment to the theatre professionals that serve, entertain and educate the people of Philadelphia and the surrounding communities. The program found its roots in 1990-1993 as the Philadelphia Small Theatre Program, a pilot project designed to support the work of small, emerging theatres. In 1995, an extensive review of conditions under which theatres of all sizes were operating revealed that competing pressures and fiscal realities frequently superseded a focus on innovative artistic development and growth. In response, the Trusts initiated a landmark program, the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative, which continues to evolve to meet changing needs. Since 1995, The Pew Charitable Trusts have invested $7.8 million in the artistic development of the region's professional theatre through 164 Philadelphia Theatre Initiative project grants and 154 PTI sponsored professional opportunities for study, research, mentor projects, and artistic consultancies.  To enhance the creative capacity of local theatre professionals, PTI also sponsors seminars, workshops and trips to other theatre centers.

The Philadelphia Theatre Initiative is one of seven cultural initiatives funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, administered by The University of the Arts, and now co-located at The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage (PCAH).  Opened in November 2005, PCAH also houses the Philadelphia Cultural Management Initiative, Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative, Pew Fellowships in the Arts, Dance Advance, the Heritage Philadelphia Program, and the Philadelphia Music Project.  Together these programs assist cultural organizations and artists in the five-county Southeastern Pennsylvania region in developing high quality public programs and effective management practices.  For more information, visit www.pcah.us.

On to Applicant Eligibility