Ignite Fund

Ignite Fund applications are currently closed. Check back for information about the next application cycle, or sign up for our mailing list to be notified when applications open.

Launched in 2016, the Ignite Fund seeks to support the growth of and enhance the working lives of theater designers and technicians in the Bay Area, with an eye towards supporting the plurality of race, culture, class, gender, and age in our local design and technical community.

Crowded Fire believes in the development of all artists and technicians, yet there are a limited number of grants for theater designers and technicians. We understand that growth in and innovation of design comes from designers’ and technicians’ investment in tools and training. We believe in your vision and want to support the richness you bring to our local theater ecology.

The Ignite Fund provides grants when funding is available. Past grants have been awarded between $750 and $1,500, with a total pool of up to $10,000 per cycle. Grant amounts and availability vary by year — check back or join our mailing list for updates when a new cycle opens.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of local theater designers, technicians, community members, and Crowded Fire staff. Panelists select recipients based on the following criteria:

Designers and technicians practicing in the following areas will be considered: scenic, lights, sound, costumes, props, projection, video, puppetry, and stage management.

All applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the Bay Area through previous residency or future plans.

Grants support professional development workshops and training opportunities, purchase of design tools and equipment, and strengthening the economic sustainability of an arts practice.

Priority is given to applications that support career growth and individual tools and equipment, designers and technicians who reflect a potential to significantly impact the local theater community, and applicants who exhibit a track record of innovative, exploratory, and quality work.

The panel reviews applicants with an eye towards supporting the plurality of race, culture, class, gender, and age in our local design and technical community.

Only one application will be accepted per applicant. Collaborators may apply as a team. Previous work with Crowded Fire is not required.

Applications are submitted online. The form allows you to save progress and return before submitting. Only complete applications will be considered — please click Submit to finalize, as incomplete applications cannot be accessed.

Your application should include:

• Proposal Title & contact information
• Artistic Statement: Describe your artistic vision and philosophy (500 words or less)
• Identity: How does who you are influence how you experience the world?
• Proposal: Describe your proposed activities and timeline
• Immediacy: Why this proposal now? How will the Ignite Fund further your artistic growth and career?
• Community: What is your commitment to working in and advancing the local theater community?
• PDF Resume [LastName_FirstName_Resume]
• Proposal Budget [LastName_FirstName_Budget]
• 3 examples of your work submitted as a link, JPEG, or PDF

Video submissions are accepted in lieu of written responses for applicants who are more fluent in non-written communication.

Only electronic submissions are accepted. Please do not submit materials beyond what is required, and do not contact Crowded Fire to check application status. Questions: Ignite@CrowdedFire.org

Past Ignite Fund recipients include Miaccuicatl Alexander, Alexa Burrell, Brooke L Jennings, Kevin Lo, Sara Witsch, Kenan Arun, Nathaniel J. Bice, Chibueze Crouch, Mitchell Jakubka, Gabriel Nuñez de Arco, and Grisel (GG) Torres.