Presentation
Funded Projects
Theatre Engaging Communities (TEC)

Objective

Theatre Engaging Communities (TEC) was created in 2011, as a legacy of the NTS' 50th Anniversary, to encourage and support the emergence of innovative and committed young theatre makers through their transition from their artistic training at the National Theatre School to the practicing of their art in the various communities they want to reach.

The TEC is made possible through the support of our Donors and matching government grants.

Eligibility

TEC support is for projects submitted by an NTS student, or recent graduate, who takes the leadership role in the project and who is identified as the Project Lead.

Please note that 'recent graduate' is defined as up to, but not exceeding, 3 years post-graduation, as of the time of application to TEC funding.

Criteria for Application

Projects submitted for funding through TEC must demonstrate:

  1. an ability to articulate a vision, that inspires and brings together fellow artists, cultural workers and citizens around an innovative theatrical project
  2. practicality, identifying the necessary funding, logistics and partnerships projected or secured in order to bring the project to fruition
  3. authentic engagement with a community — whether it be regional, ethnic, gender specific, generational or other.

Some of the reasons why a project submitted to the TEC will not be funded:

  • showed no real engagement with an identified community
  • offered no intention to build on the social impact of theatre
  • specific role and importance of the contribution of the Project Lead not articulated clearly
  • unidentified collaborators, mentors or team members
  • budget limited to subsistence funding of participant (as if the request was for an individual bursary)
  • request was for professional improvement or travel expenses
  • project presented is a writing project which is not integrated into the TEC criteria
  • the request seeks complementary funds for a conventional theatre production
  • unrealistic budget, no other sources of revenue or funding identified
  • lack of clarity on the specific contribution of the identified leader of the project to its incubation and fruition
  • lack of engagement in real issues and needs beyond the desire for self-expression and performance

Competition and Funding

Projects are evaluated within a competitive context and supported according to available funds. With few exceptions, the maximum amount awarded is $5,000. Payment will be made at time of contract with a holdback of 20% to be released at project completion and approval of final report.

Projects must be completed within 12 months of confirmation of TEC funding.

Application Deadlines

October 1 and April 1.

Other Information

All requests for funding within the TEC are assessed by the TEC Assessment Jury which includes the members of the NTS Management Committee as well as at least one regional representative.

Every successful TEC grantee will be required to submit a final report in writing within 30 days of completion of the project. This report will include:

  1. how the project evolved
  2. how the project fulfilled the TEC criteria
  3. the lessons drawn from this experience
  4. a final budget
  5. digital photos of the project
  6. video of two minutes of the project

Upon receipt and approval of this report, the holdback of 20% of grant will be released.

An assessment of the TEC Program will be undertaken by an outside evaluator in 2014. All TEC grantees may be requested to be a part of this process.

Application to TEC

You need to download the cover page and the budget form below and send them with the rest of your application, by e-mail only.

Please note that proposals must not exceed 10 pages in length.
With few exceptions, proposals will be reviewed within eight weeks of the deadline — plan accordingly.

DOWNLOAD THE COVER PAGE (PDF document)

DOWNLOAD THE BUDGET FORM (EXCEL document)

Checklist for TEC Proposal

  • Completed TEC cover page
  • Brief overview and description of the project
  • Explanation of the ways and means the project demonstrates the TEC criteria for evaluation
  • The completed budget form
  • Timelines and venue (where applicable)
  • Name and signature of all participants

Please send your application:

By e-mail to tec@ent-nts.ca

You can reach the TEC coordinator with questions about the application process, documentation or checklist by telephone at either 1-866-547-7328, ext. 149 or 514-842-7954, ext. 149; or by e-mail at tec@ent-nts.ca