Foundation for Stage Managers Awards Grants to Five Professionals in Spring 2026 Cycle

The Foundation for Stage Managers is pleased to announce the selection of five professional  Stage Managers to receive monetary grants in the Foundation’s seventh grants cycle.

Grantees 

Ana Muñoz (New York), a stage manager 7 years into their career, received a grant allowing  them to take classes in a language immersion program These classes will give them access to  more employment as a bilingual stage manager. They will become a stronger candidate for  productions featuring Latin artists and stories. It will also give them an advantage for tours to  Spanish speaking countries. The grant will cover the full cost of the immersion program. 

Suzanne Lucas (North Carolina), a 30 years career stage manager, is awarded a grant funding  courses at the Event Training Academy. Completing these courses will expand her skill set, creating more professional opportunities. The grant will cover the full course fees. 

Lara Maerz (Colorado), also a 30 years career stage manager, given a grant to supplement the cost of her attending the Broadway Symposium for the first time. Lara, a mentor to young  stage managers, is looking to expand her knowledge of trends in stage managing and  strengthen her opportunities as a guest lecturer and ability to host workshops. Her grant  covers registration, travel and hotel costs.

Mandy Spartz(Arizona), a career stage manager of 5 years, receives a grant funding a course in  stage combat. The grant allows Mandy to use a full holiday weekend and travel to take the  course. These stage combat skills will enhance her value and creates further opportunities  throughout her career. The grant covers training/course fees, travel and hotel. 

Rachel Zwerver(New Jersey), a career stage manager for the past 6 years, is awarded a grant to  attend the LDI Institute/Stage Management Academy in Las Vegas. Participating in this  program will sharpen and add to her stage management skills, thus making her a more valued  member on a production team. The grant will cover travel and hotel expenses. **************** 

FSM’s mission is to support career stage managers by providing funds for continuing career  education and skill development. The Foundation also supports public events, such as  workshops and symposia, that enhance stage management skills, and advocates for both  organizations and freelance stage managers. Additionally, the FSM contributes to research and  development initiatives within the field. 

The Foundation awards grants twice per year – a previously 24 small grants have been announced since its founding in 2022.  The next grant cycle will take place in the fall of 2026. 

To apply for a grant, learn more about FSM’s initiatives, or make a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) donation to support professional stage managers, please visit stagemanagersfoundation.com.

Back to HOME