WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced that 40 nonprofit, professional theater companies will receive grants of $25,000 each to participate in "Shakespeare for a New Generation" from June 1, 2010-May 31, 2011.
Six of the participating companies will receive additional grants of $10,000-20,000 through a partnership with the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, which organizes federal programs for at-risk youth among multiple federal agencies. Funds for the grants are provided through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), U.S. Department of Justice, and will support performances and educational activities targeted to youth involved with the juvenile justice system.
Each of the 40 participating companies will present productions of Shakespeare plays with accompanying educational activities to at least 10 schools. Activities may also include in-school residencies, workshops, or post-performance discussions.
In 2008-2009, the Barter Foundation/Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Va. participated in the program.
Part of the NEA's "Shakespeare in American Communities" initiative, "Shakespeare for a New Generation" introduces middle and high school students to the power of live theater and the masterpieces of William Shakespeare. Managed by Arts Midwest, the program has benefitted more than 1.5 million students and their teachers with live performances and educational activities since the program began in 2003.
For more information, click HERE.
