There are several grants and scholarships available for actors and acting schools or programs that accept them. These grants can help cover tuition, training, or living expenses. Below is a list of options for actors and programs that may accept them.
1. Grants and Scholarships for Actors
a. General Acting Grants
1. Theatre Development Fund (TDF)
• Supports actors pursuing training, education, or theatrical productions.
• Primarily for those engaged in nonprofit or educational settings.
2. The Actors Fund
• Offers financial assistance and grants for actors in times of need or to pursue training.
• Also provides career-transition support for performers.
3. SAG-AFTRA Foundation Scholarship
• For members of the SAG-AFTRA union or their dependents.
• Assists with acting education and professional development.
4. Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF)
• Provides emergency grants and funding to actors, playwrights, and theater artists.
5. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
• Funds creative projects, residencies, or training for actors and performing artists.
• Usually applies to nonprofit projects or collaborations.
6. Princess Grace Foundation Awards
• Offers grants to emerging theater, dance, and film artists.
• Recipients are nominated by affiliated schools or companies.
7. The Awesome Foundation
• Provides micro-grants ($1,000) for creative projects, including acting initiatives.
8. Art Omi: Residency Grants
• Supports actors, playwrights, and theater artists by providing funding for residencies.
b. Scholarships for Acting Schools
1. Juilliard School Drama Division Scholarships
• Merit-based and need-based scholarships for students pursuing acting training.
• Financial aid may cover partial or full tuition.
2. New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts Scholarships
• Provides need-based and merit-based scholarships for acting students.
• Accepts grants like FAFSA-based federal aid and outside scholarships.
3. Yale School of Drama Scholarships
• Offers full-tuition scholarships to all students accepted into its MFA acting program.
• Additional funding may be available for living expenses.
4. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) Acting Program
• Accepts external grants and scholarships, and offers need-based financial aid.
5. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
• Provides scholarships for international students, including Americans.
• Accepts external grants and funding.
6. American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) Scholarships
• Offers internal scholarships and accepts external grants and financial aid.
7. National YoungArts Foundation
• Offers grants and scholarships for students pursuing performing arts education.
• Winners are eligible for further scholarships at partner institutions like Juilliard or NYU.
2. Grants for Acting Schools and Nonprofits
Many acting schools or nonprofit programs are eligible to apply for grants that directly benefit their students or productions.
1. Shakespeare in American Communities Grant (NEA)
• Offers funding to schools and companies teaching Shakespeare or classical acting.
2. Theatre Communications Group (TCG) Grants
• Provides funding for acting schools, theaters, and artists.
• Includes grants for professional training.
3. Creative Capital
• Funds experimental or emerging artists, including actors and performance art projects.
3. Schools That Accept Grants
Most accredited acting programs in the U.S. accept grants, scholarships, or financial aid, including:
1. Public and Private Universities
• Schools with performing arts programs like NYU Tisch, USC School of Dramatic Arts, and UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television accept federal and private grants.
2. Nonprofit Acting Schools
• Institutions like AADA, Stella Adler Studio, and HB Studio accept private grants or financial aid.
3. Community Colleges
• Community college drama programs (e.g., Santa Monica College) often accept state and federal grants.
4. International Programs
• Schools like RADA, LAMDA, and Guildhall School of Music & Drama accept scholarships or grants from foundations and governments.
Steps to Access Grants
1. Research Grant Opportunities: Use platforms like Grants.gov or Arts foundations’ websites.
2. Prepare a Portfolio: Include headshots, a resume, and examples of your acting work.
3. Apply to Multiple Grants: Each grant has different deadlines and requirements—apply broadly.
4. Connect with Schools: Confirm that the institution accepts the grants you’re applying for.
By combining these grants and scholarships, aspiring actors can find financial support for their education and career advancement.
