Theater professionals—actors, designers, directors, stage managers, box-office staff, choreographers, administrators, technicians, and more—experience unforeseen personal emergencies like everyone else.

But unlike many others, professionals in the arts rarely earn wages that are commensurate with their contribution to the vitality and richness of our community. Often, they don't have access to health insurance. We created the Taking Care Fund in 2012 to help colleagues in need. The Taking Care Fund assists area theater professionals in times of unforeseen financial hardship. Support is provided in the form of an outright gift that never needs to be repaid.

In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and the loss of work, theatreWashington announced an expansion of the Taking Care Fund. As of October 2020, over 1,000 donors have contributed to the Fund and about 600 grants have been distributed to theatre professionals.

In recognition of the ongoing crisis and as the needs change and extend, applications for grants from $500 to $5,000 will continue to be reviewed on a monthly basis, and we will continue to raise funds.

To donate to the Fund, click here.

theatreWashington welcomes questions on the Taking Care Fund and its application process. Contact Theatre Services Manager Michael Kyrioglou at mkyrioglou@theatrewashington.org.