The Autistic Theatremakers Alliance (ATA) has announced three educational grants, the first step in its multi-tier rollout as a non-profit. The ATA seeks to reduce stigma and increase inclusion of autistic persons in all aspects of theatre making and offer support and foster connections between autistic artists and the American theatre industry at large.
The non-profit is an alliance of autistic-friendly theatre companies and industry leaders dedicated to the mission of uplifting autistic individuals in the arts through institutional support. The ATA also provides resources for autistic artists in the form of grants and affinity events to foster community connections, plus resources regarding sensory-friendly performances and training.
As part of the ATA's public opening, applications are now open for the three following grants:
- Youth Education Grant: $3,000 to fund theatre education (vocal lessons, dance classes, acting classes, etc.) for an autistic child between 6 and 12.
- Teen Education Grant: $5,000 to fund theatre education (vocal lessons, dance classes, acting classes, etc.) for an autistic teen between 13 and 17.
- Young Adult Education Grant: $7,000 to fund theatre education (vocal lessons, dance classes, acting classes, college tuition, etc.) for an autistic individual between 18 and 30.
All grant applications are free of charge, and open to all autistic theatremakers within the age parameters. Applicants must reside within the U.S. and its affiliated territories, and applicants with both clinical and non-clinical autism diagnoses are accepted.
Youth Grant applications should be filed by the legal guardian, and all Teen Grant applications must be co-signed by the legal guardian. Applications for the first round of grants will be open until March 1, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST, and recipients will be notified by March 15, 2024.
The ATA is a non-profit by autistic artists, for autistic artists, with leadership who are autistic individuals themselves. Visit Autistictheatremakers.org for more information.
