Actor Development 2026

The Chamber Theatre recevied a Sparking Change grant from the Community Foundation of Louisville in 2024, quite out of the blue.  Rather than attach it to a pre-existing project, we created The Stronger Project as a mini-program to help give develop local actors.  It provided an opportunity for some local actors to take a step in developing their performance skills, guaranteeing all the opportunity to play leading roles in a short play.  They had four weeks of rehearsal, including guest speakers who talked about the craft and the experience of working in theatre, followed by two weekends of performance in various non-traditional venues in Louisville and New Albany, with each actor having the opportunity to play the lead in multiple performances.  

We see more and more actors coming to audition, yet sadly so many times the same actors get the leading roles, while those who aren't getting them are not getting the opportunity to improve through experience.  If we can get funding for this, we want to renew and expand the project in Fall 2026, and give opportunities to a new cohort of actors, build their confidence, and showcase their ability to our community.

We are aiming at funding the following: 

Trainee Actors - $150 each for up to six actors - $900
Guest Speakers - $100 each per speaker for 3 speakers - $300
Venue Rental - varies depending location - budgeting $400
General Production Costs - incl props, set pieces, costumes - $250
Project Coordinator - $250

TOTAL - $2,100