JONATHAN LARSON PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION

INDIVIDUALS

Q: Who should apply?

A: Composers, lyricists and bookwriters who work in musical theatre are the primary focus of the Foundation at this time. We are aware that composers and lyricists work in multiple venues; it is not necessary that you only compose for musical theatre.

Q: Can I apply if I am still in school?

A: No. The Foundation grants are not scholarships. Artists applying for individual grants should have completed their formal training and begun working in their professional field.

Q: Are there any age restrictions?

A: No, although the focus is on individuals in early to mid-career who have not yet received a significant level of acclaim (and attendant income) in their field. Artists who have had a work successfully produced on Broadway, for example, will most likely not be considered.

Q: What are the criteria for selection?

A: Talent, commitment to a career in musical theatre, and financial need. Applications are judged first on artistic merit; financial need is a secondary consideration.

Q: Should I submit an application for project or general support?

A: If you have been working in the field for a while and have several strong pieces in development, request general support. If you are really focusing on one work and specifically need help to move that work to completion/production, submit a project request. There is no particular advantage for an individual to apply for project support . If the panelists do not like the project, even if they like your other work, you will not receive a grant.

Q: What can I use the money for?

A: These grants recognize your talent as an artist, and are specifically meant to be used in ways that will help you the most in furthering your work – rent, equipment, babysitters, copying costs – there are no restrictions.

Q: If I work with a collaborator, should we apply separately or as a team?

A: You can do either. Teams that work together on a regular basis should send in one application as a collaborative team. Artists who work with several collaborators should most likely apply as an individual.

Q: If I am both a composer and lyricist (or any other combination) should I submit multiple applications or just one?

A: You will be judged as an individual artist; you need submit only one application.

Q: How should I choose my musical selections?

A: Simply submit your best work; this is one of the most important parts of your application.

Make selections that showcase the variety of styles you work in. If you are a composer and a lyricist, you should not submit separate tapes for each talent. Prepare one tape that shows both of these skills to their best advantage.

Remember, first impressions are important: although your tape submission will be heard in full by each reader, the first selection should be a strong one, so the reader looks forward to hearing more. If you can, submit work from more than one piece (although if all your best work is from one piece, this is not a requirement).

Q: Can my letters of recommendation come under separate cover?

A: Yes, but they should arrive no later than one week after the application deadline.

Q: What is the selection process?

A: Each application is read by at least two readers with a background/expertise in music composition. Approximately half of the applications move on to the next stage, where they are reviewed by the Foundation's staff and Board of Trustees. (Applicants who go on to this second stage will be asked to complete a Financial Application in order to determine financial need.) The best of these applicants (approximately 15 to 20) go to an Expert Panel for the final decision on funding.

Q: If I have not been selected to receive a grant, can I reapply?

A: Yes. As a general rule, however, applicants should not resubmit the same material. If you have submitted a project, and significant work has been done on that project, by all means resubmit it, but use your common sense. If the selections you chose were not successful the first time, and there have been no changes, it is usually best to select at least some different work samples.

Artists who have applied as a collaborative team may choose to apply as individuals. If you are uncertain what to do, call the office for guidance.

ORGANIZATIONS

Q: Who should apply?

A: Organizations that can demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the development of musical theatre artists, and the production of musical theatre. We do not fund organizations for general support. Beginning with the 2006-07 grant cycle, project applications must include a creative artist (composer/lyricist/bookwriter) who is a prior recipient of a Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation individual award (see "How to Apply" for more specific information and requirements).

Q: Are there any budgetary requirements?

A: No, although historically the Foundation has been interested in giving grants to small to mid-sized organizations, where the grant can make a noticeable difference to the organization.

Q: Should we apply for general or project support?

A: The primary focus of the Foundation is the support of individual creative theatre artists in the musical theatre field. Organizations may only apply for project support for the development or production of a new musical theatre project; a portion of the project support grant must go to the creative artists involved in the project.

Feel free to call the office for guidance before submitting your application at (212) 529-0814.

Have a different question? E-mail us at JLPAF@jlpaf.org

JONATHAN LARSON ™