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The TYA Tour Development Collective (TYA TDC) is a nationwide initiative bringing together performing arts venues and arts professionals to champion the creation and development of new theatrical works for youth and family audiences.
ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE
Founded in 2024, the TYA TDC supports artists and companies in the United States with commissioning funds to assist in the development of new projects to tour nationally in upcoming seasons. By pooling resources and aligning goals, we can offer direct funding and provide significant impact to artists in the field.
WHO WE ARE
WHAT WE SUPPORT
The Collective funds projects that:
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Have already taken first steps (script readings, workshops, or local productions)
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Have not yet toured nationally
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Are created by U.S.-based artists or companies
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Are suitable for both family and school audiences, and adaptable to a range of venue sizes
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Include original works or adaptations (with rights secured), and may have strong educational components
Selected artists receive support to further develop their production in the following season according to their needs—whether that means design work, rehearsal expenses, music recording, set fabrication, creating educational and promotional materials, etc…
2025 FUNDING AWARDS
In our first funding cycle, we received 34 applications, with 10 finalists pitching their projects. We proudly awarded $74,000 in commissioning support to four exciting projects from the following artistic partners:
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Daniel Carlton – New York, NY
Joshua Holden – Brooklyn, NY
Honolulu Theatre for Youth – Honolulu, HI
Inlet Dance Theatre – Cleveland, OH
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
We’re gearing up for our second funding cycle—and we’re looking for new Collective Members and applicants to join us.​
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Key Dates:
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Venues Join By: November 1, 2025
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Artist Applications Open: December 1, 2025 (to be confirmed)
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Deadline to Apply: February 1, 2026 (to be confirmed)
WHY JOIN THE COLLECTIVE?
​​For Presenters:
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Directly support work you want to bring to your stage
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Get booking priority for funded projects
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Be credited as a Development Partner for the life of the project
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Help create meaningful change by investing collaboratively in the future of TYA touring
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For Artists:
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Receive targeted funding to push your project forward
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Gain visibility and build relationships with presenting organizations
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Get valuable feedback throughout the process
LET'S CHANGE THE GAME!
Together, we can transform how new work for young audiences is created and shared. Let’s give ambitious, joyful, and relevant performances the support they deserve.
WANT TO LEARN MORE OR GET INVOLVED?
TYA TDC Steering Committee:
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Daniel Hahn, Playhouse Square
Karoline Myers, Des Moines Performing Arts
Sarah McCarthy, Dandelion Artists
Sara Morgulis, TYA/USA
Sarah Saltwick, Holden & Arts Associates
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2025 Press Release​