Now accepting applications for the FY27–FY29 residency cohort!

Launchpad is a 3-year residency that supports Boston-based theater ensembles or companies in the early stages of development by providing space, mentorship, and support in growing their audiences and impact. Resources are designed to meet the needs of the company and include access to rehearsal and performance spaces, mentorship, administrative and production support, marketing, and a platform for producing and performing innovative new work. This multi-year residency provides resources to further develop artistic excellence, organizational growth, and audience engagement. This program seeks to promote groups who are actively taking artistic risks, exploring multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary creativity, and challenging audiences.

 

Structure

• The Launchpad Residency consists of a 3-year long program where a company is able to build capacity, audience, and work towards creating a sustainable organization.
• The company receives up to 9 weeks of performance space fully subsidized each year of their residency. They are required to produce at least one full production each year, and have the option to produce up to two.
• The company must be committed to community engagement and pushing the boundaries of what is believed to be “traditional” theatre. This can range from producing new work, plays by underrepresented communities, non-traditional plays, etc. The resident should host community engagement initiatives throughout their time as a resident.

 

Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the artist’s demonstration of:

Experimentation: we support artistic work that displays innovation and openness to new ideas, perspectives and techniques.

Responsiveness: in the process of supporting new and innovative work, we value ideas that are relevant to contemporary interests and conversations.

Community engagement: we encourage an artistic practice that engages meaningfully with the ecosystem where it exists through collaboration and exchange among artists and audiences.

Potential impact: we seek to support artists for whom our involvement has the potential to propel their practice creating a path for growth artistically and professionally.

These criteria will be applied by an external jury whose composition includes mainly theatre professionals in the Boston area, as well as diverse individuals with a broad range of lived experience and experience in the arts field.

To learn more about the program, please email Michaila Cowie, Director of Theatre Arts at Michaila@bostonarts.org

 

Important Dates

Application Open: Monday October 27, 2025

Application Closes: Monday December 8, 2025

Notification On or Around: Monday Janurary 12, 2025

Residency Start Date: Monday February 2, 2025

 

APPLY HERE

 

Note: This incubation program is not intended for already well-established performing arts companies.

 

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Launchpad Extension (LPX)

Launchpad Extension (LPX) is a year-to-year residency program offered to former Launchpad Residents following their final Launchpad Residency year. The program is designed to further support theatre organizations and their continued growth—it will cater specifically to the needs of that company. During their LPX program, the resident company will establish and work towards achieving a set of Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART) goals in collaboration with BCA staff. Companies will receive organizational consultation based on the established goals. This may include support with marketing and branding, fundraising, artistic leadership, strategic planning, and other capacity building support.