Theatre Program

Announcement | What We Have Accomplished | More Information

Flintridge Foundation has concluded the Theatre program and will no longer be making grants in this program area.

Theatre grants for 2008 have been awarded.

SUPPORTING THE CREATIVE VISIONS OF ENSEMBLE THEATRES
Flintridge Foundation's Theatre program is grounded in the belief that many of twentieth-century American theatre's most vital contributions have grown out of ensembles—theatres in which all artists are engaged as equal participants in the creation of theatrical works. Our grantmaking has focused on small to mid-size ensemble companies in California, Oregon, and Washington that have made a sustained commitment to collaboration, allowing them to develop a distinctive artistic vision and language unique to all of the artists involved.

In response to the needs of ensembles—some without a permanent performing space—we cultivated a flexible funding approach. This included providing initial funds to help companies dream and take risks during their often long arcs of exploration and offering small, quick turnaround grants so that ensembles could pursue opportunities to improve organizational and performing skills, travel, or spend time on reflection. Additionally, we helped broaden awareness of this under-recognized performance discipline by supporting the Network of Ensemble Theaters (NET), a national consortium dedicated to promoting and strengthening ensembles. The NET has embraced a mission to increase visibility and resources for the ensemble field, while providing services for its members. We also funded the residency of five Los Angeles ensembles at [Inside] the Ford, an 87-seat theatre in a complex owned by the County of Los Angeles, and supported the publication of an anthology of ensemble performance texts edited by Ferdinand Lewis.

Since 1986, when the Foundation made its first grants, Flintridge has awarded a total of $3.5 million to 52 theatres in California, Oregon, and Washington, some receiving support for more than a decade. See the List of Ensemble Grants for distributions to ensembles from 1995 to 2008.

In 2007, Flintridge was awarded a Critical Impact Award from the Council on Foundations for its efforts to raise the profile and strengthen the legacy of ensemble theatres and for supporting the development of a national association for ensembles, the Network of Ensemble Theaters.

We are honored to have supported the growth and creative work of West Coast ensemble companies. We value the relationships we have formed with so many insightful and expressive voices through the years. Ensembles, with their willingness to tackle complex issues, have invigorated audiences, stimulated social dialogue, and expanded the possibilities of theatre. With their boldness, innovation, diversity, artistic integrity, and commitment, they will continue to be a powerful and generative force.

Call Jack Goosey, Grants Manager
626/449-0839 ext. 126
Email: Jack [at] FlintridgeFoundation.org

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