The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage
About the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative
The Philadelphia Theatre Initiative (PTI) was established in 1995 to foster artistic advancement and excellence in the region’s nonprofit professional theatre. PTI represents The Pew Charitable Trusts’ ongoing commitment to the outstanding theatre professionals that serve, entertain and educate the people of Philadelphia and the surrounding communities. The program found its roots in 1990-1993 as the Philadelphia Small Theatre Program, a pilot project designed to support the work of small, emerging theatres. In 1995, an extensive review of conditions under which theatres of all sizes were operating revealed that competing pressures and fiscal realities frequently superseded a focus on innovative artistic development and growth. In response, Pew initiated a landmark program, the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative, which continues to evolve to meet changing needs. Since 1995, PTI has funded 179 project grants, investing more than $8.6 million in the artistic development of the region’s professional theatre.
To enhance the creative capacity of local theatre professionals, PTI sponsors seminars, workshops, lectures, and trips to other theatre centers. Modest professional development grants provide leading theatre professionals with opportunities for study, research, and artistic consultancies.