PROGRAM GOALS

The Philadelphia Theatre Initiative exists to foster and promote artistic excellence in the region’s nonprofit theatre. By strategically assisting a limited number of theatre companies, performing arts presenters and independent theatre performance artists to present exemplary and innovative work on area stages, the program hopes to enhance the cultural life of the community and further establish Philadelphia as one of the country’s leading theatre centers.

To those ends, the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative seeks to:

Provide theatres, presenters and independent theatre artists with the resources required to stimulate artistic development and to create or present theatre of the highest standards.  PTI funds substantive projects of compelling artistic merit. Such projects are complex, diverse, original and often risky.

Strengthen and expand the creative capacity of theatres, presenters and independent theatre artists of the region. 
PTI supports the introduction of new artistic influences encountered through project grants, professional development grants, roundtables, workshops, group trips and consultation with specialists.

Expand the range of theatrical programming available to a wide range of audiences.  
PTI supports important and adventurous productions not previously seen on area stages. Most funded projects represent a stretch for the creators or presenters in scale, subject matter, and/or artistic practice.

Develop a sense of community through the exchange of ideas, information and resources. PTI fosters cooperation and collaboration as a means for developing and strengthening both artists and organizations. The Initiative serves as an advocate for and a promoter of theatre in the region.

On to Applicant Eligibility