Jonathan Larson Grants

The Jonathan Larson Grant is an annual, unrestricted award program designed to support emerging talent in musical theatre. Administered by the American Theatre Wing, the grant honors the legacy of composer and playwright Jonathan Larson by investing in early-career composers, lyricists, and librettists. The program is built to sustain artistic development and ensure musical theatre creators have the opportunity to advance their work and careers without limitations on how the grant money must be used. The purpose of the grant is to give artists the flexibility and confidence to pursue their creative vision, much like Larson did in his lifetime. Jonathan Larson, best known for the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Rent,” lived and worked as a dedicated theatre artist in New York's East Village. His journey included years of independent writing and composing, and he benefited from a small number of grants that provided crucial support in his artistic development. The Jonathan Larson Grant reflects that history, seeking to empower a new generation of writers to bring culturally resonant, emotionally compelling, and theatrically dynamic works to life. The funding is offered without conditions regarding spending categories, encouraging recipients to use the resources where they see fit to further their creative work. The grant is available to individuals and collaborative teams who serve as composers, lyricists, and/or librettists within the field of musical theatre. Applicants must be professionally active in the field and not currently enrolled in academic programs, as the grants are not scholarships. Prior recipients of the Jonathan Larson Grant are not eligible. While U.S. citizenship is not required, applicants must be eligible to work in the United States and have submitted work that is primarily in English. Each applicant or team may only apply once per cycle and must choose between applying as a team or an individual—not both. The application requires a series of materials submitted through the American Theatre Wing’s online portal. These include an artistic statement, a creative CV for each member of a team, and a detailed Work Sample List. Work samples must align with the applicant’s chosen role—only music for composers, only lyrics for lyricists, and only books/librettos for librettists. Combined submissions are allowed if the applicant works across disciplines. Submissions may include up to six songs and a one-act libretto (or a 60-page excerpt) with a brief synopsis. Adapted works must include proof of rights. Optional letters of support may be submitted by artists or educators. The application window for the 2025 Jonathan Larson Grants is open with a submission deadline of Friday, September 26, 2025. There is no pre-application or LOI requirement. The evaluation focuses on talent, artistic merit, and a demonstrated commitment to musical theatre. Applications are judged by a committee of industry professionals. Selected recipients are provided with a monetary award to support their work and may be featured in a celebratory event funded separately from the grant amount. Applicants with questions or in need of clarification regarding eligibility, work sample requirements, or the submission process are encouraged to contact the American Theatre Wing at programs@americantheatrewing.org. The grant program is permanently funded by the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation and the Larson family, with additional support from the Saw Island Foundation.

Submit strongest work first, consider diversity of style, and apply as a team if you frequently collaborate.