Response to the April announcement about the new Jeff Awards grant program called the Jeff Impact Fellowship has resulted already in numerous applications from early to mid-career artists of color in the Greater Chicagoland area. A reminder that applications are due June 30, 2023 at 5pm (CDT) and can be submitted online here.
This year, the Jeff Impact Fellowship will award grants of $10,000 each to two artists to support their work to pursue artistic excellence in Chicago theater. Funding and administration for the grant awards has been provided to the Jeff Awards through a very generous anonymous donor to extend its mission to promote and recognize theater excellence. The Jeff Awards will conduct annual fund raising to support the grant awards program. Interested donors can make a contribution designated for the Impact Fellowship via the Jeff Awards website at www.jeffawards.org.
More Details on the Grant Awards
- The Fellowship is intended for the professional, academic, and/or personal development of candidates in the theater community.
- Eligible recipients are early to mid-career artists of color who reside in or are based in Chicago or a Chicago suburb and are at least 18 years of age. They must have been involved in Chicago theater for at least one year as actors, directors, choreographers, stage managers, designers, theater technicians, cabaret artists, playwrights, music directors, theater composers, theater musicians, producers and improvisational performers.
- All applications must be accompanied by two letters of recommendation, one of which must come from an Artistic Director of a Chicagoland theater company that has produced in the area for at least two years, and be submitted by the recommender via email to fellowship@jeffawards.org.
- All applicants will be notified within 48 hours to confirm submission including two required letters of recommendation.
- For applicants that would like to submit additional documentation, information can be submitted via email to fellowship@jeffawards.org with document(s) and email subject line titles as “[Applicant Name] - Jeff Impact Fellowship 2023.”
Fellowship recipients and all applicants will be notified by September 1, 2023.
Applicants with questions are encouraged to email John Glover, Chair of the Jeff Awards, at chair@jeffawards.org. A phone conversation with an applicant may be arranged upon request.
The Jeff Awards is one of the most active and engaged theater awards organizations in the country evaluating hundreds of theatrical productions annually and holding two awards ceremonies highlighting work over the past Equity and Non-Equity seasons. Through our recommendations, awards, and honors we help foster the growth of companies, encourage artists, bring new appreciation for diverse storytelling, and cultivate civic pride in the achievements of the Chicago theater community. Originally chartered in 1968 to recognize Equity productions, the Jeff Awards Non-Equity Wing was established in 1973 to celebrate outstanding achievement in non-union theatre. For more information, visit www.jeffawards.org.