The Society for Theatre Research (STR) is offering up to ten Practitioner Grants of £200 each to support UK-based individuals or small groups conducting research-led British theatre projects. The programme prioritises under-represented voices and distinguishes between historical research and practical workshop-based research. Applications close on 27 March 2026, with projects running for up to one year.
About the Organizer
The Society for Theatre Research (STR) supports research and scholarship in British and British-related theatre.
Through its annual funding programmes, STR encourages both traditional historical research and practice-based research that advances knowledge and benefits the wider theatre community.
Overview
The Practitioner Grants are designed to support theatre practitioners working in the UK who are conducting research-led projects.
Key details:
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Number of grants: Up to 10
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Grant value: £200 per award
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Project duration: Maximum of 1 year
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Application deadline: 27 March 2026
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Notification of results: By early May 2026
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Final report deadline: April 2027
Purpose of the Grant
The grant supports research-led theatre activities that:
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Contribute to British or British-related theatre
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Demonstrate measurable outcomes
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Provide clear benefit to others
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Engage under-represented voices in British theatre
STR distinguishes clearly between:
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Traditional historical research
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Practical workshop-based research
Applicants must apply to the most appropriate category.
What Counts as “Research”?
Applicants must clearly explain:
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Why the project qualifies as research
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What research questions are being explored
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How the project generates new knowledge
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How outcomes will be documented and shared
Eligible research-led activities may include:
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Staging performances framed as research
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Practice-based workshops
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Networking events with research objectives
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Translating historical materials for performance
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Investigating forgotten or marginalised theatre histories
Projects must demonstrate clear methodology and measurable outcomes.
Eligible Costs
The grant may support costs such as:
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Rehearsal space
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Translators
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Workshop materials
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Performance-related research expenses
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Resources facilitating practice
Work that has already been completed is not eligible.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
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Be individuals or small groups of practitioners (not organisations)
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Be based in the UK
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Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
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Be working on British or British-related theatre projects
Simultaneous applications to both STR research programmes will not be considered. However, STR reserves the right to transfer applications between categories where appropriate.
Priority Themes
STR particularly prioritises:
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Under-represented voices in British theatre
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Marginalised histories
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Inclusive and diverse theatre research
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Practice-led research that expands access or understanding
Projects should demonstrate how they contribute to equity and representation in theatre research.
Project Requirements
Successful applicants must:
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Complete their project within one year
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Submit a report after 12 months
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Credit the Society for Theatre Research in all outputs
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Submit a final report by April 2027
All funded activities must have demonstrable and measurable outcomes.
Why This Grant Matters
Supports Practice-Based Research
Encourages practitioners to explore theatre through performance and experimentation.
Promotes Under-Represented Voices
Provides funding for projects amplifying marginalised perspectives in British theatre.
Encourages Knowledge Sharing
Requires dissemination of findings for broader community benefit.
Builds Research Capacity
Supports early-stage or small-scale research initiatives.
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
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Determine whether your project fits historical research or practice-based research.
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Clearly define your research question and objectives.
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Explain how your project generates new knowledge.
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Outline measurable outcomes and dissemination plans.
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Prepare a realistic budget (up to £200).
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Submit your application before 27 March 2026.
Ensure your proposal clearly frames all activities as research rather than solely artistic production.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to explain why the project qualifies as research
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Applying as an organisation instead of an individual or small group
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Submitting work that has already been completed
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Not demonstrating measurable outcomes
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Applying to both STR research programmes simultaneously
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Providing unclear dissemination plans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding is available?
Up to ten grants of £200 each are available.
2. Who can apply?
UK-based individuals or small groups of practitioners aged 18 or over.
3. Can organisations apply?
No. Applications are limited to individuals or small practitioner groups.
4. What types of activities are eligible?
Research-led performances, workshops, networking events, translation work, and other research-framed theatre activities.
5. Can completed work be funded?
No. Work already completed is not eligible.
6. When will applicants be notified?
Successful applicants will be notified by the beginning of May 2026.
7. Is reporting required?
Yes. A report is required after 12 months, and a final report must be submitted by April 2027.
Conclusion
The Society for Theatre Research Practitioner Grants 2026 provide targeted support for UK-based theatre practitioners conducting research-led projects in British theatre.
With funding of £200 per grant, the programme prioritises under-represented voices and measurable research outcomes. Practitioners who clearly frame their projects as research and demonstrate community benefit are strongly encouraged to apply before the 27 March 2026 deadline.
For more information, visit The Society for Theatre Research.
