NEA Shakespeare in American Communities, FY2024

A program of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Shakespeare in American Communities (SIAC) brings professional performances of William Shakespeare’s plays and related educational activities to middle and high school students in communities across the United States, including youth in juvenile justice facilities. For many students, these performances may be their first experience with live, professional theater—as well as their first interaction with the works of Shakespeare. Since SIAC’s inception in 2003, approximately 2.5 million students have participated in the program. In 2025, the program will expand its focus to include works inspired by Shakespeare, as well as offer apprenticeships for early and mid-career theater administrators and technicians. NEA funds will support program management expenses as well as subgrants to participating theater companies.