Howard Vincent Kurtz Student Engagement Grant

Howard Vincent Kurtz Student Engagement Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: United Institute for Theatre Technology Inc.
Amount: Up to US $1,200
Last Updated: October 05, 2025

Summary

The Howard Vincent Kurtz Student Engagement Grant, funded by USITT, supports emerging theater artists with financial assistance up to $1,200 for academic costs. Grants cover research, travel, and project completion, along with a complimentary conference registration. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students in theatrical design and technology, nominated by a USITT member. Winners receive mentorship for six months, fostering professional growth and development in the entertainment industry.

Overview

About USITT USITT connects performing arts design and technology communities to ensure a vibrant dialogue among practitioners, educators, and students. USITT was founded in 1960 as an organization to promote dialogue, research, and learning among practitioners of theatre design and technology. Today, the Institute boasts thousands of members at all levels of their careers and has embraced the new technologies being used in entertainment. USITT is now the leader in life-long learning opportunities for the entertainment design and technology industry. Student Engagement Grants Student Engagement Grants funded by Professor Emeritus of Costume Design and USITT Costume Commissioner, Howard Vincent Kurtz, encourage and support emerging theater artists — the future of our industry. These grants support academic expenses such as research, travel to conferences or research institutions, and project completion — including supplementing a realized production. These grants are given annually and provide financial assistance to USITT student members with up to $1,200 to support academic costs and a complimentary full-Conference registration for the Annual Conference & Stage Expo. Grant winners will also be matched with a mentor in their discipline of theatre design and technology. Their chosen mentor will work with them for a minimum of six months from the time of award. This six month period offers time for mentorship, education, and a solid foundation to build a lasting relationship. Up to two grants will be awarded annually.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicant must be one of the following:2nd year undergraduate3rd year undergraduate2nd year graduate studentApplicant must be studying any area of theatrical design and technology at the undergraduate or graduate level.Applicant must be nominated by a current USITT member.Applicant must be a US Citizen or enrolled in a US-based college or university.Applicant must be able to attend the USITT Annual Conference to meet with their assigned mentor. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:Project-specific administrative feesSpace and equipment rental feesSubscription and training feesExpendable project-specific supplies and materialsPrinting, advertising, promotion, and postageTravel expenses (such as plane tickets or housing costs)Equipment purchases (no individual item may exceed 50% of the proposed budget)

Ineligibility

Grants cannot be used for student loan repayment.Recipients of a Student Engagement grant may not reapply for a Student Engagement grant in a future cycle.