Miller Outdoor Theatre Performance Grant

Miller Outdoor Theatre Performance Grant

Funder: Miller Theatre Advisory Board Inc (MTAB)

Geographic Scope: Houston, Texas area

Program Description: MTAB is charged by City Ordinance with allocating Hotel Occupancy Tax revenues and other funds to performing arts and cultural organizations to conduct an annual season of free performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Applicants selected to perform enter into a Performance Grant Agreement with MTAB.

Core Values & Evaluation Criteria

All applicants are evaluated based on:

1. Quality - Professional caliber performances are foremost consideration
2. Diversity - Programs serving diverse Houston communities with cross-over, multi-cultural, and multi-generational appeal are encouraged
3. Broad Popular Appeal - Performances must attract sizeable audiences (target 1,000-6,000 per night); performances with anticipated attendance exceeding 6,000 per night are not suitable
4. Accountability - Non-profit organizations must follow sound business practices and comply with grant process rules, regulations, and facility policies
5. Cost-Effectiveness - Programs must demonstrate efficient cost-per-capita funding yield; those exceeding average per capita costs may face reduced or eliminated future funding

Funding Categories

MTAB accepts applications for:

2026 Season Special Note

Due to scheduled venue construction Fall 2025 through Summer 2026, MTAB will have reduced number of dates available. Applications will be carefully reviewed; programming strategically selected. Performance dates: July 4, 2026 - November 14, 2026.

Strategic Program Goals (2026)

• Audience Development and Outreach - Focus on younger adults (under 60), diverse cultural heritage, disability, and socioeconomic status
• Spotlighting Houston - Prioritize partnerships with local artists and creative workers
• Impact - Highest possible artistic, social, and economic impact within shortened calendar
• Cultural Tourism - Quality programming attracting visitors to Houston

General Eligibility Requirements

• Must be tax-exempt, charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of Internal Revenue Code
• Must have been in operation for at least one full year
• Must be able to produce financial statements for most recently completed fiscal year
• Must have recent 990 filing with IRS before deadline
• Must be governed by Board of Directors that meets regularly
• Must provide programs open to general public
• No admission may be charged at Miller Outdoor Theatre
• No outstanding reports or payments due to MTAB from prior funding cycles

What MTAB Funds

• Performance production costs on MOT main stage
• Marketing for the event (in addition to MTAB's own marketing)
• Artist fees, production crew, and related performance expenses
• Livestreaming costs (if applicable and contractually required)

MTAB will cover:

Matching Funds: Not required, but if grant doesn't cover all production costs, recipient must supplement with other funds/sponsorships.

What WILL NOT Be Funded

• Administrative expenses
• Activities not taking place on MOT main stage
• Photography/video of MOT performance (only pre-performance marketing expenses eligible)
• Programs whose primary purpose is religious or political
- Exception: Religious organizations eligible if: (1) primary effect neither advances nor inhibits religion; (2) does not promote one religion over another; (3) performance open to general public
• Festival activities beginning prior to 6:00 pm
• Vendor booths at festivals

Financial Requirements

• IRS Determination Letter required with application
• Financial Statement required
• Disclosure of annual operating amount
• Project budget using provided template
• Supporting Documents: 2-4 materials showing quality/capability (photos, video links, marketing materials, supplemental materials)
- Do NOT upload video files; provide links only

Payment & Reporting

• Producing Partners may request 50% of fee no sooner than 45 days prior to performance
• Final payment after receipt of required Final Reports, no later than 30 days following performance completion
• Balance due payment dependent on MTAB's receipt of Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds; delays may occur

Scoring Criteria

Applications scored using weighted system:

Review by MTAB Managing Director and Programming Committee; Board members with conflicts recuse themselves. Final curation by Managing Director considers both staff and board scores. MTAB Board of Directors approves final season lineup. All decisions final.

Contact Information

• Business/Funding Questions: Celeste Walker, MTAB Business Manager - [email protected]
• Artistic/Date Availability Questions: Claudia de Vasco, Managing Director - (832) 487-7127, [email protected]
• Technical Questions: Ciara Ayal, Production Manager - [email protected]
• General Programming Questions: Use contact form on website, select "Programming"

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 66267, Houston, TX 77266-6267
Physical Address: 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (832) 487-7123