National Endowment for the Arts FY 2017 Fall Grant Announcement

True Colors Theatre Company, Inc.
$25,000 Atlanta, GA
To support the regional premiere of "Exit Strategy" by Ike Holter. The play tells the story of a group of Chicago
schoolteachers and students facing the demolition of their school due to city budget cuts. Featuring a
multigenerational and multiracial cast, the play looks at the American epidemic of failing public schools. In
conjunction with the production, the theater will offer a community discussion series with local Board of
Education members, superintendents, teachers, and community leaders regarding how those in authority
address problems in the public education system.
Trustees of Amherst College (On behalf of Folger Shakespeare Library)
$10,000 Amherst, MA
To support the Folger Theatre's production of Shakespeare's "Timon of Athens." This rarely produced work tells
the story of a philanthropist turned misanthrope, and is a commentary on materialism and greed. The
production will be directed by Robert Richmond, and will be accompanied by audience enrichment programs
including pre-show seminars with Folger Shakespeare Library Director Michael Witmore, post-show discussions,
and corollary materials provided in the playbill, the "Folger Magazine," study guides, and online.
Two River Theater Company (aka Two River Theater)
$20,000 Red Bank, NJ
To support a production of "Oo Bla Dee" by Regina Taylor. The play tells the story of a jazz band of African-
American women traveling the country in the 1940s, and carving out a place for themselves in a culture not yet
safe for musicians of their race and gender. The production will be directed by Ruben Santiago Hudson and will
feature actress S. Epatha Merkerson. Artistic Director John Dias, who has been actively developing the play with
Taylor for several years, will serve as dramaturg for the production. The theater will feature supporting events in
conjunction with the production, including talkbacks with the creative team, pre-show lectures, and a lobby
installation focused on the roles of women during World War II.
Underground Railway Theater
$15,000 Cambridge, MA
To support the world premiere of "Paradise," a new play by Laura Maria Censabella. The play tells the story of a
young Yemeni-American woman inspired by the study of science and eager to re-envision her future, and her
disaffected high school biology teacher with a mysterious past. An unlikely research team, they embark on a
study of adolescence and risk, leading to stormy conflicts over science, culture, and mentorship. Community
outreach will engage a diverse audience and a series of public conversations will address questions brought up
in the play regarding science and religion, tradition and emancipation, family and individualism, and the
experiences of Muslim-American youth.
VORTEX Repertory Company (aka The VORTEX)
$10,000 Austin, TX
To support the creation of Performance Park, a site-specific, multidisciplinary, interactive theatrical event and
installation. Throughout the event, audience participants will co-create their own path of experience, with
costumed performers serving as guides. Professional performers and designers from the VORTEX ensemble will
create an installation encompassing the theater's entire venue, including its indoor theater, outside yard, and
ancillary spaces. The performance will include story-driven monologues and scenes from key characters,
choreographed musical performances, improvisation, aerialists, and carnival style games and contests.
Victory Gardens Theater (aka Victory Gardens; VGT)
Some details of the projects listed are subject to change, contingent upon prior Arts Endowment approval. Information is current as of
December 7, 2016.