The BACKstage+ Grant is designed to be a funding opportunity from USITT that empowers secondary school theatre educators to enhance their professional practice and bring richer learning experiences to their students.
Twice a year, USITT awards $500 grants to ten educators (five each in fall and spring), designed to support a range of professional development opportunities — from attending national conferences to upgrading classroom equipment.
BACKstage+ was created to support the incredibly hardworking teachers theatre education: the teachers who juggle direction, design, budgeting, and mentorship every day. Whether you're helping students build sets, run lights, or explore costume design, this grant is about giving you the resources to keep learning and leading.
Grant funds can be used for:
- Conference, Workshop, or Professional Development Registrations
- Travel/housing expenses for conference or workshop
- Travel/Stipend expenses for workshop facilitator
- Supplies for a student training workshop
- Professional development training for educators
- Rental or licensing fees for tech software and/or updates
- Purchase for equipment to be used in theatre instruction or production.
BACKstage+ covers up to 100% of eligible expenses up to $500 (no matching funds required) allowing educators to focus on what matters most: elevating student learning through theatre.
It’s not just about financial support, it’s about validation and visibility for the essential work theatre educators do. And for many recipients, it's a chance to bring new tools and perspectives into their classrooms without taking on the burden alone.
BACKstage+ is open to educators currently teaching theatre, design, technology, management, or production at the secondary level. If you're creating hands-on experiences for students in any backstage discipline, you're exactly who this grant was designed for.
Theatre educators are resourceful by nature but you shouldn’t have to do it all on your own. BACKstage+ exists to lighten the load and open new doors. Whether you're developing new curriculum, attending a workshop, or upgrading your program’s tools, this grant helps you grow professionally and helps your students see what’s possible behind the curtain.
Learn more about eligibility and upcoming application dates below.