The Society for Theatre Research is accepting applications for its Research Grants Program 2026 to support original research connected to British theatre. Grants fund archival access, practical workshops, image reproduction, publication subvention, and professional training, with awards ranging from £100 to £600 or more. Eligible applicants include scholars, independent researchers, theatre professionals, and students worldwide, provided the research is substantially focused on British theatre.
Overview
The Research Grants Program supports original, active research on British theatre, including historical, practical, and performance-focused studies.
The program encourages projects examining:
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Theatre buildings, people, and sites
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Historical or contemporary concerns, theories, and practices
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All forms of performance arts connected to British theatre, including Ireland where substantially relevant
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Practical workshop-based research requiring access to archives, collections, or specialists
Grants are intended to underpin active research, rather than general study, living expenses, or university course fees.
Funding Streams and Amounts
There are two funding streams:
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Historical Research Stream – Traditional archival, historical, and performance history research
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Practical Workshop Research Stream – Hands-on performance, rehearsal, and workshop-based research
Key Points:
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Applicants must apply to only one stream; simultaneous applications are not considered
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Grants typically range from £100 to £600, with occasional awards above this range
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Funding may cover selected project-related costs, not full requests
Eligible Activities
Grants may support:
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Completing work in progress
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Accessing archives and collections, including travel and accommodation
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Image reproduction fees
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Professional training in specific research techniques
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Subvention toward publication (with confirmed publisher interest)
Exclusions:
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Wages, general subsistence, university course fees
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Conference attendance (except in exceptional circumstances)
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Purchase of major equipment
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants can be of any nationality and located anywhere in the world, provided their research is substantially concerned with British theatre or related forms (music hall, opera, dance, and associated performance skills).
Eligible applicants include:
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Early career academics and postgraduate-equivalent researchers
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Independent scholars and theatre professionals
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Students undertaking postgraduate-level research
Ineligible research:
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Exclusively textual, literary, or aesthetic studies without a performance or theatre practice dimension
Application Requirements
Applications must include:
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Project Statement – Detailing current stage of completion, objectives, and methods
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Budget – Clearly itemised, showing how grant funds will be used
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Applicant Qualifications – Evidence of competence and ability to complete research
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Other Funding – Information on existing support or grants
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Additional Context – Relevant information supporting project significance
Applicants must also submit two professional and recent references addressing:
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Significance of the research
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Applicant’s ability to complete the project
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Availability of other funding
Important Dates
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Application Deadline: 20 March 2026
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Decision Announcement: May 2026
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Additional Benefit: Successful applicants receive one-year free membership of the Society
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects should:
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Contribute original knowledge to British theatre research
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Enable access to archives, sites, and collections otherwise unavailable
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Facilitate practical research or workshop outcomes
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Support publication or dissemination of new findings
How to Apply
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Identify Research Focus
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Confirm your research is substantially related to British theatre or performance
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Choose either historical or practical workshop stream
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Prepare Application Materials
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Project statement, itemised budget, qualifications, and evidence of other funding
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Obtain two professional references
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Submit Application
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Submit by 20 March 2026 according to Society guidelines
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Review and Notification
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Decisions announced in May 2026
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Successful applicants awarded grant funding and one-year Society membership
Common Tips for Applicants
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Ensure research has a clear performance or theatre practice dimension
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Provide a realistic, itemised budget
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Include evidence of competence to complete research
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Highlight significance and potential impact on British theatre studies
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Submit references on time
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Anyone worldwide conducting research substantially related to British theatre, including early career academics, independent researchers, theatre professionals, and students.
2. What funding is available?
Grants typically range from £100 to £600, with occasional larger awards.
3. What activities can the grant support?
Access to archives, collections, travel, professional training, completion of work in progress, and subvention for publication.
4. Can conference attendance or salaries be funded?
No. These are generally ineligible, except for conference attendance in exceptional cases.
5. Can I apply to both research streams?
No. Applicants must choose either historical or practical workshop research. Applications may be transferred at the Society’s discretion.
6. When are decisions announced?
Decisions will be announced in May 2026.
7. Are successful applicants given any additional benefits?
Yes. All successful applicants receive one-year free membership of the Society for Theatre Research.
Conclusion
The Society for Theatre Research Research Grants Program 2026 supports active, original research on British theatre, enabling scholars and practitioners to access archives, develop workshops, and disseminate new knowledge.
By funding innovative projects with clear practical or historical relevance, the Society strengthens the understanding, practice, and preservation of British theatre heritage and performance culture.
For more information, visit The Society for Theatre Research.
