New York City - The American Theatre Wing (Theodore S. Chapin, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Howard Sherman, Executive Director) announced that the organization is now accepting applications for the 2011 National Theatre Company Grants. Grants for the 2011 cycle, in the amount of $10,000 each, will be distributed for general operating support to theater companies which, according to grant guidelines, have been in operation at least five, but not more than 15 years, have articulated a distinctive mission, cultivated an audience and nurtured a community of artists in ways that strengthen and demonstrate the quality, diversity and dynamism of American theatre. Comprehensive application information is available by going to www.americantheatrewing.org/grants.

'Intent to Apply' paperwork must be submitted by May 1, 2011. Following the receipt of an 'Intent to Apply,' additional information must be submitted on ATW Standard Forms and must be postmarked by May 15, 2011.

The American Theatre Wing has long shown its dedication to not-for-profit theatres through its Theatre Company Grants Program. After many years during which eligibility was restricted to New York City companies, last year marked a significant change in the 54-year granting history of The Wing, resulting from extensive review by the organization's Board of Trustees. The 10 recipients of the 2010 National Theatre Company Grants were 1812 Productions (Philadelphia, PA), About Face Theatre (Chicago, IL), Boise Contemporary Theater (Boise, ID), Company One (Boston, MA), Curious Theatre Company (Denver, CO), The Flea Theater, Inc. (New York, NY), Profile Theatre (Portland, OR), Silk Road Theatre Project (Chicago, IL), Synetic Theater (Arlington, VA) and Triad Stage (Greensboro, NC). The ATW Grants have distributed some $3 million dollars over the past 54 years.

The American Theatre Wing is a not-for-profit organization best known as the creator of the Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards®, which it presents annually with The Broadway League. In addition to "Downstage Center," "In The Wings," "Working in the Theatre," and a host of other online resources, The Wing operates many activities, all dedicated to recognizing excellence and supporting education in theatre, including SpringboardNYC, the Theatre Intern Group, the National Theatre Company Grants and the Jonathan Larson Grants.