Fun Home and Finding Neverland Receive Grants From the Broadway League

The Broadway League has awarded the New York Education and Engagement Grants to Broadway's Fun Home and Finding Neverland. Each production received a $5,000 grant towards its 2016 educational and engagement initiatives.

"The New York Education and Engagement Grants are vital for the Broadway industry’s continued effort in encouraging students of all ages to learn about and experience theater," said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. "Both of these programs reflect the importance of educating young people, inspiring them to embrace the arts and fostering inclusivity — essential aspects for the continued prosperity of Broadway."

In the Spring of 2016, Finding Neverland will partner with The Robin Hood Foundation, New York’s largest poverty-fighting organization, to launch "Mapping My Stars," a program created to empower youth to think outside the box when it comes to career possibilities. The program will introduce participants to all aspects of the theater world including backstage, the box office, marketing, costumes and design, and more. Four times a year, ten participants will spend a day shadowing professionals in all disciplines and conclude their program by attending a performance of Finding Neverland at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre with a chosen family member.

Meanwhile, Fun Home, the 2015 Tony-winning Best Musical, has embarked on a year-long partnership with GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network — a leading advocacy organization for ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Having begun in January 2016, the partnership will include collaborative workshops for 75 students over the next year on becoming better allies to LGBT youth and how that ties in to the show’s themes. The program will also include engagement with national GLSEN chapters and a community-themed art project to be installed at the Circle in the Square Theatre in summer 2016. At the conclusion of each of the workshops, selected participants will attend a performance of Fun Home at the Circle in the Square Theatre.

The Broadway League established the New York Education and Engagement Grants in 2002 to recognize education initiatives and to support related programs for Broadway shows. As the national trade organization for the commercial theater industry, the League also sponsors a grant program supporting education and engagement programs for touring Broadway productions. The two programs combined have to-date awarded over $1 million to theaters in New York and across the country. Both grants were established by the League with additional financial support from the Theatre Development Fund.

For tickets to Finding Neverland, click here.

For tickets to Fun Home, click here.