Foundation For Stage Managers Announces Spring 2026 Grants

The Foundation for Stage Managers is pleased to announce the selection of five professional Stage Managers to receive monetary grants in the Foundation’s seventh grants cycle.

Grantees:

• Ana Muñoz (New York), a stage manager seven years into their career, received a grant allowing them to take classes in a language immersion program These classes will give them access to more employment as a bilingual stage manager. They will become a stronger candidate for productions featuring Latin artists and stories. It will also give them an advantage for tours to Spanish speaking countries. The grant will cover the full cost of the immersion program.

• Suzanne Lucas (North Carolina), a 30-year career stage manager, is awarded a grant funding courses at the Event Training Academy. Completing these courses will expand her skill set, creating more professional opportunities. The grant will cover the full course fees.

• Lara Maerz (Colorado), also a 30-year career stage manager, given a grant to supplement the cost of her attending the Broadway Symposium for the first time. Lara, a mentor to young stage managers, is looking to expand her knowledge of trends in stage managing and strengthen her opportunities as a guest lecturer and ability to host workshops. Her grant covers registration, travel and hotel costs.

• Mandy Spartz (Arizona), a career stage manager of five years, receives a grant funding a course in stage combat. The grant allows Mandy to use a full holiday weekend and travel to take the course. These stage combat skills will enhance her value and creates further opportunities throughout her career. The grant covers training/course fees, travel and hotel.

• Rachel Zwerver (New Jersey), a career stage manager for the past six years, is awarded a grant to attend the LDInstitute/Stage Management Academy in Las Vegas. Participating in this program will sharpen and add to her stage management skills, thus making her a more valued member on a production team. The grant will cover travel and hotel expenses.

FSM’s mission is to support career stage managers by providing funds for continuing career education and skill development. The Foundation also supports public events, such as workshops and symposia, that enhance stage management skills, and advocates for both organizations and freelance stage managers. Additionally, the FSM contributes to research and development initiatives within the field. The Foundation awards grants twice per year - a previously 24 small grants have been announced since its founding in 2022. The next grant cycle will take place in the fall of 2026. To apply for a grant or to learn more about F4SM, visit stagemanagersfoundation.com.

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