Theatre Philadelphia, the region’s theatre marketing and leadership organization, announces Theatre Philadelphia Emergency Relief as a response to the needs of the region’s theatre workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting with a pool of $145,000, Theatre Philadelphia will award micro-grants of $300 on a first-come-first-serve basis to theatre workers impacted by COVID-19 closures and cancellations. Eligible applicants should live within a 35-mile radius of Philadelphia’s City Hall and work in any creative, technical, service, or administrative capacity in theatre. Applications open on Monday, April 13th.

Theatre Philadelphia Emergency Relief includes contributions from the CHG Charitable Trust, the June and Steve Wolfson Family Foundation, and the Victory Foundation, who also provide support to Theatre Philadelphia’s Barrymore program. Since 1995, the Barrymores have recognized theatre professionals in the region and offered more than $90,000 in grants to artists and organizations annually.

“We want to deeply thank our generous Barrymore supporters for recognizing and answering to the immediate threat this crisis poses for theatre professionals,” says Theatre Philadelphia board president, Jason Lindner. “Through this effort, Theatre Philadelphia will do our utmost to help fulfill the emergent needs of as many individuals as possible.“

So long as conditions allow, Theatre Philadelphia still plans to continue the annual tradition of celebrating the region’s theatre in the fall. However, Theatre Philadelphia Emergency Relief efforts will help to serve the community’s immediate needs, during a time when so many face challenges.

Based on a recent survey conducted by Theatre Philadelphia, 97% of freelance and contract workers in theatre have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 70% of professional theatre artists have lost or will lose 50% of their income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The relief effort extends to the entire theatre community.

“We have to continuously assess the impact of the pandemic on our theatre community,” says Marketing Manager Katherine Clark. “At this time, theatres in our region have lost millions of dollars due to closures. This means that countless theatre workers have lost a significant percentage of their anticipated incomes. Theatre Philadelphia intends to reach out to individuals in our community, and to make the most impact right now.”

Each year, theatres employ thousands of creative professionals and service workers. The relief effort can only cover a fraction of the need demonstrated in our city at this time.

Theatre Philadelphia is currently accepting public donations to amplify the total effort. All donations will make their way directly into the hands of local theatre workers encountering extreme financial burden. A donation of $300 will provide a micro-grant for one individual.

No contribution is too small to make an impact. To learn more, make a donation, or to submit an application, visit www.theatrephiladelphia.org/emergencyrelief.

For more information, or to request interviews and high-resolution images, please contact Katherine Clark at 267.761.9950 or email katherine@theatrephiladelphia.org.

About the Barrymore Celebration

Originally established in 1994, the Barrymores serve as Philadelphia’s professional theatre awards program, recognizing artists for excellence and innovation while increasing public awareness of the richness and diversity of our city’s thriving theatre community. The Barrymores raise the bar for the work produced by local theatres and individual artists while providing cash awards that strengthen companies and individual artists’ abilities to pursue artistic work of the highest caliber. www.theatrephiladelphia.org/barrymore-awards

About Theatre Philadelphia

Founded in 2012, Theatre Philadelphia unites, celebrates, and promotes the Philadelphia region’s diverse and growing theatre community. We lead efforts that expand audiences and engage the public to participate in our community’s work. Theatre Philadelphia envisions an equitable and inclusive region that champions and nurtures local artists. We aim to raise our city’s profile as a world-class city and enrich the lives of Philadelphia-area citizens. Programs include the Barrymores, Philly Theatre Week, and the Professional Development Speaker Series. www.theatrephiladelphia.org