5th Floor Theatre Company has always been committed to helping the New York City theatre community grow and thrive, a mission that has become especially critical as the arts continue to regain their footing in a post-COVID-19 environment. 

Beginning this Fall, 5th Floor Theatre will renew this mission through Groundbreakers, which will award up to five individuals and/or groups to support their development of theatre projects in New York City.  Grantees may receive up to $2,500 USD based on the scope of their project. 

TO APPLY

Submit a proposal to info@5thfloor.org totaling no more than 500 words, describing the project and its potential meaning to the broader New York City theatre community.  Feel free to include attachments, links or any additional supporting materials that may be helpful in your submission.

Please also include the grant amount requested and a budget for how the funds will be used. As 5th Floor evaluates proposals, we appreciate efforts that:

  • Present original work, or bring a new and diverse point of view or representation to traditional material;

  • Create artistic opportunities for women and/or BIPOC voices; and/or

  • Amplify voices or stories of historically underrepresented groups and/or communities.

We do not fund:

  • Individuals or groups that do not pay the artists involved in their project (Can be in the form of transportation benefit or stipend); or

  • Organizations or groups that have an annual operating budget totaling more than $10,000.

TIMELINE

CYCLE 1:

September 13 – October 8, 2021: Application period is open

October 9 – November 7, 2021: 5th Floor Theatre reviews applications

November 8, 2021: 5th Floor Theatre announces grant recipients 

August 1, 2022: Submit a one-page report on project status and how funds were used

CYCLE 2:

February 28 – April 1, 2022: Application period is open

April 2 – April 24, 2022: 5th Floor Theatre reviews applications

April 25, 2022: 5th Floor Theatre announces grant recipients 

October 1, 2022: Submit a one-page report on project status and how funds were used

GRANT AGREEMENT

In addition to the awarded funds, grant recipients will receive 5th Floor Theatre team resources for guidance on budgeting, fundraising, production, marketing and press. 5th Floor Theatre has a decade-long history of producing theatre in New York City, with a network of established artists to connect with as appropriate. We are here to help all applicants and grantees on theiryou  on your artistic development journey.

Grant recipients will agree to the following terms:

  • 5th Floor Theatre will be listed as a supporter of the work on all promotional materials and/or credited as an initial supporter of the work where appropriate 

  • Grantee will provide 5th Floor Theatre a final summary report on expenditure and project impact of award amount

  • 5th Floor Theatre will be offered the opportunity to continue supporting the work through future phases of development and performance

  • Grant recipients will attend one fundraiser or event for 5th Floor Theatre and may be asked to discuss or present a portion of their project to encourage future support

If you have any questions regarding your application or the application process, please reach out to info@5thfloor.org.