In recognition of the importance that regional theatres play in the American theatre, and how the work of American playwrights advances the art form and culture, the American Theatre Wing has announced the five recipients of its National Theatre Company Grants program.

Five grants of $100,000 each have been awarded to regional companies that have demonstrated innovative strategies to present the work of American playwrights: the Breaking Wave Theatre Company in Guam; Two River Theater in Red Bank, New Jersey; Goat in the Road Productions in New Orleans, Louisiana; City Theatre in Miami, Florida; and Shabach Enterprise/Fade To Black in Houston, Texas. 

Among the requirements: grants must go to a regional venue, and funds must be used towards an American playwright’s work. Examples of eligible projects include co-productions of world premieres, national not-for-profit tours of new work, regional or local debuts of work, fresh approaches to audience development and community outreach around new work, and educational or low-cost ticket initiatives that introduce younger and diverse audiences.

Through this program, ATW looks to emphasize work which supports living American playwrights but also considers the presentation of deceased writers whose work remains unknown or under-presented.

The 2025 panelists for The National Theatre Company Grant recipients include Tony-winning playwright David Henry Hwang, 11th National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu, former executive director of Development and Planning at Lincoln Center Hattie Jutagir, Super Awesome Friends Managing Director Crystal Chase, Tony-winning producer Amanda Dubois, theatre professional and Relay Influence President Ayanna Prescod, and Webby Award-winning marketing strategist and ATW Vice President Ian Weiss. 

In addition to being the founder and co-presenter of the Tony Awards and the home of the Obie Awards, the American Theatre Wing addresses all aspects of the national theatre ecology. Heather Hitchens is president and CEO.

Visit AmericanTheatreWing.org.