The Mark Batts Memorial Technical Theatre Grant, presented by Texas Thespians, honors the memory and contributions of Mark Batts, a revered figure in the technical theatre world. This grant is designed to support and encourage high school technical theatre programs across Texas, enabling them to enhance their productions, purchase equipment, and provide professional development opportunities for students and educators.

Grant Description:

The Mark Batts Technical Theatre Grant offers financial assistance to high school theatre programs in Texas with a focus on technical theatre. The grant aims to foster innovation and excellence in lighting, video, sound, set design, costume design, stage management, and other technical aspects of theatre production. Texas Thespians hope to inspire the next generation of technical theatre professionals and enthusiasts by providing funds.

Eligibility:

1. Applicants: The grant is open to all Texas high schools with an active theatre program.
2. Program Focus: The applying program must demonstrate an emphasis on technical theatre, including, but not limited to, set design, lighting, video, sound, costume design, and stage management.
3. Membership: The applying school must be an active member of Texas Thespians.

Grant Guidelines:

1. Application Process:

• Proposal Submission: Schools must submit a detailed proposal outlining the specific technical theatre needs and how the grant funds will be utilized. This could include equipment purchases, software licenses, professional development for students and educators, or other relevant expenses.     
  • Budget Breakdown: The proposal must include a detailed budget that indicates the total amount requested and itemizes all anticipated costs.
  • Project Timeline: Proposals must include a timeline for the project or purchases, highlighting key milestones and completion dates.
  • Supporting Materials: Schools are encouraged to include supporting materials such as photographs, sketches, or videos that showcase their current technical theatre work and future plans.

   

2. Award Criteria

• Innovation and Creativity: Proposals that demonstrate creative approaches to technical theatre challenges will be given priority.
• Impact on Students: Consideration will be given to how the grant will benefit students, enhance their learning experiences, and prepare them for future opportunities in technical theatre.
• Need-Based Consideration: Schools with limited access to resources and funding will be given special consideration.
• Sustainability: Proposals that outline how the benefits of the grant will be sustained beyond the initial funding period will be favored.

This award is only for programs that have educational value, not cosmetic needs. Troupes should not apply for assistance with new curtains, seating, or areas for which the district is responsible.

Examples of Grant Use:

Sound System Improvements 

• Wireless Microphones 
• Sound Mixing Console 
• Music Editing Software
• Digital Classroom Programs for sound or video editing

Theatrical Lighting 

• LED or Intelligent lighting that can be designed by students 
• Portable Light boards or wireless instruments 
• Digital lighting programs - QLab, etc. 

Projectors 

• Classroom style projectors 
• Digital media software to create backdrops
• Rental equipment assistance as long as students are incorporated into the design of the project

Shop Tools or Materials - that will have direct student use. 

Programs or Training - students must be present and attend training. 

Innovation - out-of-the-box ideas that would greatly benefit student learning and mastery of Technical Theatre objectives. 

3. Grant Amount:

• The grant amount may vary based on the needs and scope of the proposals received.      
  1. (2) $500
  2. (1) $1000
  3. (1) $2000 

   

• $4000 max annually 
• Matching option if you have already applied for a grant in the same area of need. 

4. Reporting and Accountability:

• Final Report: Grant recipients must submit a final report detailing how the funds were used, the outcomes achieved, and the impact on their technical theatre program.
• Acknowledgment: Grant recipients are expected to acknowledge Texas Thespians and the Mark Batts Memorial Technical Theatre Grant in promotional materials and performances that benefit from the grant.

5. Deadlines:

• Application Opens: October 6th, 2025
• Application Deadline: January 8th, 2026
• Award Announcement: Texas Thespians Educator Conference, January 2026
• Project Completion: Projects funded by the grant must be completed by April 1st, 2026.

The Mark Batts Technical Theatre Grant honors Mark Batts' legacy by empowering high school theatre programs to reach new heights in technical theatre. We invite all eligible schools to apply and look forward to seeing the inspiring work that will result from this initiative.

For more information or questions regarding the grant application, please contact:

Texas Thespians
B.K. Goodman

Director of Operations
bk.goodman@texasthespians.org
www.texasthespians.org/festivalgrant