New Generations Program

Objective #1: Future Leaders

The New Generations Program was designed by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and TCG.

The Future Leaders objective seeks to identify exceptionally talented theatre professionals who will impact the field in a positive way. The program hopes to nurture future leaders in all areas of theatre including but not limited to acting, administration/management, craft areas, design, directing, dramaturgy/literary management, playwriting, producing, stage management or technical production.

In round 10, eighteen-month grants of $80,000 per theatre ($40,000 per 9-month period) will be given to foster such relationships and develop a new generation of leaders through mentorship programs. Up to an additional $10,000 per grant ($5000 per 9 month period) will be available upon request either to defray outstanding student loans or to meet unique travel and legal costs incurred if an international mentee is selected.

Both mentors and mentees should approach this relationship with the assumption that it will be an eighteen-month commitment, and that the mentored individual will be in residence at the theatre in a full-time capacity (at least 35 hours/week). The mentee may not be enrolled in a full-time university or conservatory training program at the commencement of the mentorship.

While the bulk of grant funds must be applied to compensation and benefits for the mentee, we recognize that theatres will inevitably incur costs as a result of participating in the program. Theatres will be allowed to apply grant funds (not to exceed 10% of the grant) towards costs incurred as a result of additional mentorship activities.

This program is not designed to provide stopgap labor for the host theatre or to meet long-term staff needs. All parties should approach this relationship with the assumption that the mentee will leave the theatre at the end of the eighteen-month grant period. In exceptional situations, the mentee may remain at the theatre beyond the grant period.

Read what American Theatre says about the New Generations Program, in "Hot Seats and Safety Nets" (PDF) and "The Audience as Art" (PDF) by Suzanne M. Sato. You can also download Spotlight On (PDF), an annual publication that introduces the mentees of the program to the theatre field.