McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships – Playwrights' Center

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, March 25, 2027

FELLOWSHIP PERIOD: July 1, 2027–June 30, 2028

ORGANIZATION: Playwrights' Center

LOCATION: Minnesota

AWARD: $25,000 Fellowship

ELIGIBILITY: Midcareer Theater Artists Living and Working in Minnesota, Ages 18+

The Playwrights' Center is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships, recognizing and supporting midcareer theater artists in Minnesota who demonstrate sustained artistic achievement, dedication to their craft, and a distinct creative vision.

Funded by the McKnight Foundation, these $25,000 fellowships are designed to significantly advance recipients' artistic practices and professional careers. Selection is based on artistic merit, professional accomplishments, and a sustained body of work developed over multiple years.

Eligible Artistic Disciplines Include:

• Acting

• Directing

• Dramaturgy

• Stage management

• Theatrical design, including puppetry

• Choreography and composition primarily focused on live theater

• Interdisciplinary artistic practices primarily centered on live performance or theater

Artists working in other areas of live theater may also be eligible. Playwrights are not eligible for this fellowship and are encouraged to explore the McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting.

Eligibility

Applicants must be over 18 years old, legally authorized to work in the United States, and have been continuous Minnesota residents since at least March 25, 2026. Recipients must maintain Minnesota residency throughout the fellowship year.

Only individual artists may apply; collaborative groups are not eligible.

Full-time students and recipients of McKnight Artist and Culture Bearer Fellowships from 2022–2023 through 2026–2027 are not eligible. Additional restrictions apply.

Applicants may apply for only one McKnight Artist and Culture Bearer Fellowship per year across all participating disciplines.

Express Interest in Applying

Artists are encouraged to complete the optional interest form to receive reminders about application deadlines, information sessions, and additional resources.

INTEREST FORM: McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship Interest Form

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 25, 2027.

MORE INFORMATION & APPLICATION DETAILS: Playwrights' Center – McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships