Research Grant

The Society for Theatre Research (STR), a UK-based charitable organization, offers Research Grants to support rigorous scholarly and practice-based investigations into the history and practices of British theatre. Originating in 1987 with funds from the defunct Studio Theatre Ltd., the Research Grants program has steadily evolved into a significant funding stream for researchers across disciplines. STR’s purpose is to encourage research that contributes original insight into the British theatrical tradition, broadly defined to include performance, history, historiography, theory, and associated crafts. The grants are intended for a range of researchers, including early career academics, independent scholars, and theatre practitioners whose work intersects with British theatre. The scope of eligible topics is expansive, embracing historical and contemporary themes, theatre buildings, people, performance practices, and theoretical approaches, so long as there is a strong connection to British theatre. While there are no restrictions based on nationality or geographic location of the applicant, the subject matter must centrally address British theatre. Projects relating to Ireland are acceptable where the content significantly overlaps with British theatre. Applicants must choose between two distinct programs: the Research Grant, which supports traditional archival and academic inquiry, and the Practitioner Grant, which supports practice-based research conducted by UK-based theatre professionals. The Research Grants typically range from £100 to £600. Practitioner Grants offer £200 per award. Research Grants may cover travel, accommodation, reproduction fees, subvention toward publication, or training in specific research techniques. However, the grants do not cover subsistence, general equipment purchases, or course fees, and funding cannot be used for wages or compensation to collaborators. The application process requires submission of a project statement, detailed purpose for the grant, an itemized budget, qualifications, and a summary of any other funding support. References are a mandatory part of the application. Two professional and relevant letters must be submitted by the application deadline, and one must come from a party independent of the project. These references should assess the significance of the proposed research, the applicant’s ability to complete it, and the availability of other funding. Applications for the 2026 Research Grant cycle are currently open and will close on March 20, 2026. All components of the application, including references, must be received by this date. The evaluation process, conducted by the STR Research Grants Sub-Committee, will consider the progress already made on the project and the availability of other support. Award notifications will be made in May 2026 at the STR Annual General Meeting. Successful applicants will also receive a complimentary one-year membership to the Society for Theatre Research. Awardees are required to submit a summary of the outcomes achieved with the support of the grant by April 1, 2027. The Society strongly encourages recipients to disseminate their findings through various STR-supported platforms, including lectures, publications in Theatre Notebook, or articles on the Green Room Blog. The grants are paid in sterling, preferably via bank transfer, and STR assumes no responsibility beyond the awarded amount. The Society reserves the right to reassign applicants to the most appropriate grant stream based on the content of the proposal.

Itemize budget clearly; ensure references address significance and viability.