As a not-for-profit organization, Theatre 7 offers a limited number of monetary scholarships, grants, and donations to qualified individuals and organizations. A Scholarships and Grants Committee of at least three Theatre 7 members reviews all applications and makes recommendations to the Theatre 7 Board of Directors for approval or rejections of requests. Applications are acknowledged within two weeks of receipt and a decision letter and/or a check will be sent within six weeks. All grant amounts listed below are maximums and are limited to one grant per year per person or organization. All applications should be postmarked prior to the first day of school or the event.
Scholarships
PURPOSE: To assist a full-time student enrolled in a college or university theatre degree program or in a professional theater training school.
GRANT AMOUNT: The lesser of 50% of annual tuition & fees (no room & board) or $500.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be current residents of Macon County and be a graduate of a Macon County High School. They must have completed one-half of their degree program or must submit proof of professional theater school acceptance.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: For the degree program, submit a Theatre 7 scholarship application and a letter from a school official containing information about the applicant’s academic standing, tuition costs and estimated potential in theater. For the professional school program, submit a Theatre 7 scholarship application with proof of school acceptance and a copy of class description and fees.
Workshop Registration Fees
PURPOSE: To assist individuals to attend theater workshops or conventions.
GRANT AMOUNT: The lesser of 75% of the registration fees or $200.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be active members (member in good standing with up-to-date dues) of Theatre 7 or current students in a Macon County high school.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit a Theatre 7 grant application and a copy of a brochure or registration form showing a description of the workshop or convention and its fees.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Workshop or convention attendees should make an oral report at a Theatre 7 regular membership meeting.
Theatre Productions
PURPOSE: To assist public service and charitable organizations to improve their theatrical productions by use of a unique (not routine) property, set piece, costume, etc.
GRANT AMOUNT: The lesser of 75% of the estimated expense or $200.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must represent only Macon County organizations.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit application with description and estimated cost of the unique expense plus explanation of improvement expected.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Grants should be acknowledged in the printed program and a copy of the actual expense and a program should be resubmitted. If the actual expense is more than 20% less than the original estimate, applicants must return 75% of the difference.
Organizational Donations
PURPOSE: To assist other not-for-profit organizations that encourage theater arts such as the Decatur Area Arts Council.
GRANT AMOUNT: A maximum of $500
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Preference to Macon County organizations.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Informal presentation of request at a Theatre 7 Board Meeting.
Additional Information
If additional information about any of the above grants is required or application forms needed, contact Theatre 7 in any of the following ways:
- By e-mail: mail@theatre7.net
- By phone: 217-423-2107
- By mail: Theatre 7, P.O. Box 972, Decatur, Illinois 62525
Submit all applications to:
Theatre 7
P.O. Box 972
Decatur, IL 62525
- or via e-mail -