Application Calendar:
WINTER (Jan-Mar) (apply Oct. 1 - Nov. 30)
SPRING (Apr - Jun) (apply Jan 1 - Feb. 29)
SUMMER (Jul -Sep) (apply April 1 - May 31)
FALL (Oct-Dec) (apply July 1 - Aug. 30)
Each year, Open Jar Studios grants up to 500 hours of studio space and resources to assist BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ & Special Needs artists through the BROADWAY INCLUSION PROJECT. The project's mission is to assist individual artists and small organizations with developing and/or presenting their work or even starting a new business.
HOW DOES THE BROADWAY INCLUSION PROJECT WORK?
Each quarter, up to TWO PROJECTS are selected. Each selected project will be given:
Credit for FREE STUDIO SPACE at Open Jar Studios*
Discounted print services from Bway Printing (Open Jar Studio’s in-house theatrical printing service)
Marketing opportunities via Open Jar’s various social media channels
*Awardees will receive an account credit, which can be used to book space for development during the awarded quarter. Studio time can be utilized for rehearsals, writing sessions, readings, developmental workshops, etc.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications are accepted in the preceding quarter for use in the upcoming quarter. Applications are reviewed by a panel of industry peers and determinations are made one month prior to the start of each quarter.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE PAST AWARDEES & PROJECTS:
Breaking The Binary
"As a growing organization working to support transgender, non-binary, and Two-Spirit+ voices in the theater industry, the access and support Open Jar is providing via their transcendent Broadway Inclusion Project is paramount in ensuring this work can continue to happen and our priorities (both in headspace and financially) can remain on nurturing and amplifying these voices and their stories." — George Strus
Broadway Advocacy Coalition: Storyteller’s Lab
“The Broadway Inclusion Project made it possible for us to access not only physical rehearsal space, but a status that is rarely afforded to folks outside of the commercial theater. As a non-profit that works with the justice-impacted community, we often note the discrepancy in investment between stories that are commercially-appealing and the stories that have traditionally been kept out of the mainstream. BIP allowed us to close that gap and to demonstrate why stories from marginalized communities (and which challenge the status quo) deserve the same platforms and investment as those that have traditionally been seen on Broadway stages. For us, it is just as important to access spaces like Open Jar as it is for the Broadway community to bear witness to the brilliance and power of the justice-impacted community which has historically been kept out. “ — Leia Squillace
Deaf West Theatre workshop of “Sense and Sensibility”
"The Broadway Inclusion Project was immensely helpful for the artistic process of our workshop of Sense and Sensibility. As a non-profit navigating the rising expenses of developing new work, BIP alleviated cost burdens that would have been barriers for our project. Our theatre company uniquely bridges both the Deaf and hearing worlds, and thanks to BIP, we were able to delve deeply into the layers of the text, explore the integration of sign language, and begin to see our concept come together. The facilities, staff, and atmosphere at Open Jar Studios are truly remarkable. We felt right at home from the moment we arrived. This environment allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in our creative process, enhancing the overall quality and depth of our work. Thank you for offering a program like the Broadway Inclusion Project. We were honored to be recipients of this opportunity and look forward to our next project at the studios.” - Jeff Perri, Managing Director, Deaf West Theatre
Boundless by Amita
“As a choreographer and movement artist with Indian heritage as a part of my journey, I believe there is so much work to be done when it comes to representation whether it be empowering minority groups through arts education, creating work that represents our stories, or simply creating work for humanity that also includes us. The fact that Open Jar Studios has been constantly willing to support me in my creative endeavors that take a step forward for representation feels like a win on its own. Open Jar Studios' Broadway Inclusion Program constantly provided me with a safe and beautiful space to create art, experiment, share, and expand the conversation of what Inclusion means. I am so thankful for this program and feel blessed to know that OJS stands with us.” — Amita Batra
Open Stage Project
“Open Stage Project is a NYC non-profit dedicated to closing the gender gap in backstage and offscreen careers by introducing female-identifying, non-binary, and genderqueer NYC high school students to careers in theatre, TV, and film: positions that historically skew white and male. One of the ways we do this is through a free, year-long after school program in career education, development, and mentorship for students passionate about working in behind-the-scenes jobs. When returning to in-person meetings after the pandemic, it was important for us to find a centrally located, kind-staffed, and clean place to meet in Midtown. Open Jar Studios has been beyond beneficial for our students as they get a great place to learn while being surrounded by the actual creation of the shows we empower them to work on in the future.” — Lindsay Kiernan
Invited Reading of the play “Jagged Journey”
“The Broadway Inclusion Project allowed me to present two readings of my play for industry in the Open Jar space. The staff at Open Jar were incredibly supportive as I prepped for and executed my industry readings. As a playwright with a disability, this opportunity was particularly important because it provided a space that was ADA accessible which was necessary for one of my actors. I was able to accommodate 40 people who had never seen the play before. In subsequent days, there has been demonstrated interest in having conversations to move this play on to a bigger stage. “ — Elana Gartner
Table reading of “Mixed Messages”
“Giving voice to a script is the only real way to determine if that script works before inviting the world to watch it on stage. The Broadway Inclusion Project (BIP) at Open Jar Studios, gave me a pristine, professional space in 2023 to do just that. Working with BIP and being at Open Jar Studios, the premier Broadway rehearsal space in New York City, lent legitimacy to my new play MIXED MESSAGES, about a multi-racial family. That legitimacy enabled me to assemble a cast of highly sought after actors to read and discuss a show that I believe now has a very long life ahead of it. And it’s all thanks to BIP.” — Evan Edwards
Rehearsal of the play “Members of the Choir”
“An independent artists’ greatest need is affordable rehearsal space. By providing that space at no cost, The Broadway Inclusion Project (BIP) allowed me extended time with the actors to explore “Members of the Choir”, a play about seven gay men of color. With a full cast and team made up of LGBTQ+ and/or BIPOC creatives, holding our auditions and rehearsals in an esteemed space like Open Jar Studios, heightened the optics of our production. As a result, the show was sold out before we opened and nominated for Best New Off-Off Broadway play. Instead of giving us just a seat, BIP gave us the whole damn table.” — Rick Hamilton, Director
Collide
“When Collide was selected as an official play for the Downtown Urban Arts Festival, I worried about securing the necessary resources to mount this production. However, this award lifted that burden and allowed us to focus on creating quality work. “Thank you again for your tireless efforts in supporting us. You not only made theater possible, but you helped this emerging playwright’s dream come true. I will never forget your kindness and generosity. Without your generous support, our production would not have been possible.” - Marita A. McKee
The Myth Of The Mountain
“As young musical theater writers it is increasingly hard to find affordable and legitimate opportunities to showcase our work. The Broadway Inclusion Project was immensely helpful in providing a platform to work in a formal setting with top-tier talent to showcase our musical to leading Broadway professionals. This program was intrinsic to being able to legitimize our nontraditional musical theater piece. BIP made room (literally and figuratively) for us to bring forward the story of a trans character in a queer world. We earnestly could not have presented this work without the Broadway Inclusion Project. Thanks again for everything! You guys rock.” - Danielle Koenig and Justin D. Cook
SMJ’s “At The Barre”, a mime, ballet, & indie-pop musical
“Being a part of Open Jar Studios' Broadway Inclusion Project was an incredible experience and a game-changer for our musical At The Barre. In seven years of development, our queer and Latiné mime & ballet musical has never been able to do a movement workshop. With the free rehearsal space, we were not only able to test out choreography for five songs, but make significant changes to the book and gather materials needed to boost our applications. Thank you Open Jar Studios for breaking down financial barriers and supporting new work!” - SMJ
