About the Program

Shakespeare in American Communities began in 2003 as a project of the National Endowment for the Arts aiming to conduct the largest tour of Shakespeare in American history. Six professional theater companies were chosen to tour Shakespeare's plays to all 50 states, conducting educational activities in community middle and high schools across the nation. That first tour reached many communities that have little opportunity to experience live, professional theater otherwise. The NEA also partnered with the Department of Defense (DOD) to present Shakespeare at military bases in 14 states, and produced a comprehensive educational toolkit for educators.

Shakespeare for a New Generation

In its second year, the program expanded to involve 21 theater companies and to focus on encouraging the next generation of audiences in the U.S. to attend and appreciate live theater. This new focus, Shakespeare for a New Generation, has carried the program since the start of the 2004-2005 season.

Over the past six years, Shakespeare for a New Generation has awarded 175 competitive grants--supporting the work of more than 75 theater companies, employing more than 1,500 actors, directors, and crew, and bringing Shakespeare to life for over one million students.

Selected companies receive grants of approximately $25,000 to support performances and educational activities. These funds have enabled theater companies to offer more performances to schools for free or for radically reduced rates. It has expanded the geographic reach of their touring programs and provided improved access to the arts for underserved schools.

Shakespeare for a New Generation is helping to build future audiences by educating and inspiring students to become informed theatergoers and active participants within the arts and civic organizations that bring distinction to their communities. The prestige of a Shakespeare for a New Generation grant has allowed theater companies to leverage new connections with funders as well as teachers, school boards, and local arts agencies.