Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant

Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Educational Theatre Association Foundation
Amount: US $10,000
Last Updated: February 15, 2026

Summary

The Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant aims to enhance high school theatre programs in underserved communities. By providing $10,000 grants, this initiative fosters collaboration between students and industry professionals, while promoting performances that address diverse perspectives. The grant encourages schools to select plays that spark important conversations, ensuring inclusivity and representation in the arts. Ultimately, it seeks to inspire students and open doors to future careers in theatre.

Overview

The Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant (or simply “Pathway”) is designed to enrich high school theatre programs in communities facing equitable disparities. This grant provides students with meaningful opportunities to collaborate with industry professionals while performing works that spark important community conversations. Craig Zadan dedicated his career to making theatre more accessible to diverse audiences across geography, income, and age groups. He championed inclusivity by supporting productions in low-income communities, highlighting plays and musicals that reflect diversity, and connecting students with successful professionals from Hollywood and Broadway. His work aimed to break barriers in the arts and ensure that theatre could inspire and engage people from all backgrounds. Each year, ETF awards $10,000 grants to high schools to support their production of a musical or play that encourages dialogue on diverse perspectives and experiences. These funds help schools bring in professional mentors who reflect the student body, allowing students to connect with industry professionals, see a future for themselves in theatre, and explore potential career pathways in the arts.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grants to high schoolsThe proposed project will be led by a theatre educator in coordination with school leadership with a strong production concept. The project and performances will take place in the 2026-27 school year. Choose a play or musical that encourages dialogue on diverse perspectives and experiences. Hire professionals who mirror the student population to mentor students on the project (i.e., one performance mentor and one technical theatre mentor). Culminate the project with a minimum of three performances and one community event promoting conversations around the themes of the show.