Selection Process of the National Endowment for the Arts Theatre Program

This work is dedicated to building and understanding of how this country's only government subsidized arts support organization came into existence. Readers will find a brief narrative on the relationship between the United States Government and the precarious business of the cultural arts. A survey was conducted to identify the range of theatre organizations that apply for and receive funding. Readers will also find a good look at the NEA Theatre program and that branch of the Endowment's selection process. The author's conclusion offers some suggestions for improvement. In addition, there is a section on the NEA's legislative history and a summary on the «state of the arts, » particularly for the smaller, newer and experimental groups.