Hamilton and In the Heights creator Lin-Manuel Miranda has announced plans to fund scholarships for artists of color participating in the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Theater Institute.

NTI’s semester-long programs offer students a springboard to the professional world. The credit-earning theatre intensives train actors, singers, directors, dancers, designers, playwrights, and composers in comprehensive training. The Miranda Family Fund will help further the inclusion of artists of color in the NTI program.

Miranda developed his first musical In the Heights at the O’Neill in 2005. “My time at the O’Neill was challenging and formative,” the Pulitzer and Tony winner said in a statement. “The work we did there was instrumental in the development of In The Heights. The long days and nights immersed in the musical, alongside the cast and creative team, was a thrilling first for me in that kind of environment. I want as many emerging artists as possible to enjoy that experience. My family and I are excited to be able to partner with the O’Neill to help make that happen for more talented artists of color who are creating new work.”

“Lin-Manuel Miranda’s contribution to theatre’s artistry, relevance, and excellence inspires all of us. We see the influence of his artistry everyday in our classrooms,” NTI Artistic Director Rachel Jett added in a statement. “The Miranda Family Fund’s belief in the future of theatre with this gift helps us ensure that NTI’s unique multi-disciplinary training is available to everyone and that our ensembles represent the diverse voices that make this art form and this country so unique and wonderful.”

For more information, visit NationalTheaterInstitute.org.

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