Bethesda Repertory Theatre Inc.

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Grant Year

2026-27

Grant Program

General Operating Support

Award Amount

$18,000.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, Bethesda Repertory Theatre Inc. will stabilize our operations and deepen our commitment to equitable artist compensation. Grant support will provide stipends for our leadership, guest artists, stage management, and musicians, directly reducing our organization’s historical reliance on volunteer labor. We will also engage independent contractors for specialized design and marketing roles to ensure fair pay for professional expertise.

To maintain community accessibility, funds will subsidize free and reduced-price tickets and cover costs for ASL interpretation and website accessibility upgrades. Additionally, support will offset essential overhead, including venue rentals, production materials, and insurance. By covering these fundamental costs, the CAC enables Bethesda to focus on our primary mission: producing high-quality, affordable theatre and providing paid career pathways for emerging artists from underrepresented backgrounds.

Organization Summary

Main Stage Productions: Producing and presenting a season of plays, musicals, or other theatrical works.
We primarily serve underrepresented communities on the Healthy Places index 1 and 2 and underrepresented artists (LGBTQ, BIPOC, AAPI)
Special Events: Hosting one-time performances, workshops, or festivals.
Providing monthly classes and workshops for aspiring artists at free and/or reduced prices.
Community Workshops: Providing training and skill-building opportunities for adults interested in theatre.
Free or Reduced-Price Performances: Making theatre accessible to diverse audiences through discounted tickets or free events.
Outreach Performances: Bringing theatrical productions to community centers.
Collaborations: Partnering with other arts organizations, schools, community groups and businesses.
Volunteer Opportunities: Providing opportunities for community members to get involved behind the scenes.
New Play Development: Supporting underrepresented playwrights in the creation of new plays.
Fundraising Events: Organizing events to support the organization’s mission and programs.

Organization