If you would like to impact the next generation of student artists, you are invited to support the André De Shields Fund.
Founded in recognition of the outstanding achievements of the indomitable UW–Madison alumnus and Broadway star André De Shields, the André De Shields Fund honors his 50-plus-year career as an artist and activist and offers seed grants of $1,000-$3,000 to allow students to develop, design, produce, and perform artistic works that inspire transformation. Grantees will also have access to mentors and other professionals to support them.
The André De Shields Fund is made possible with lead gifts from Jonathan and Susan Lipp and Jun and Sandy Lee, with special support from Deirdre Garton. The André De Shields Fund is an initiative of the Wisconsin Union Theater at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for funding, applicants must:
- be an enrolled UW–Madison undergraduate student at the time of application;
- have an artistic vision for using the transformative power of the performing arts to create desired change; (Performing arts include theater, music, spoken word, dance, multidisciplinary, or other creative acts that can be performed live on stage in front of an audience.)
- have a performance art-based project that has not been previously performed professionally; and
- be able to show in their application how their identity influences and informs their artistic vision and the intended impact.
Additionally, the projects for which applicants are requesting funding should have an estimated budget of no more than $20,000.
How to Apply
Students must submit the following to be reviewed by a selection committee:
- A brief narrative description of the performing arts project and what you hope your project will look like in one year’s time.
- An essay of approximately 1,000 words answering the questions below. Use the subquestions in parentheses as a guide.. Alternatively, students may submit a six to eight-minute recording (audio or video) to convey their answers.
- What is your artistic dream? (What value does your artistic dream bring to the world? Why this project? Why now?)
- What epiphanies might your dream evoke, particularly regarding the transformative potential of your artistic dream? (What do you want the audience to realize upon viewing your work?)
- What action do you envision your dream will invoke? (How will your art inspire the desired impact?)
- A timeline of the project (include phases of development, anticipated project milestones, performance date (if already planned, etc.)
- A project budget that includes itemized materials, compensation to performers or other project personnel, and different monetary aspects.
- A short budget narrative outlining the justification of the estimated costs
- A short biography of approximately 100-150 words that includes (but is not limited to):
- Year in school at the time of applying
- Anticipated graduation date
- Degree program
- 1-3 work samples (can be of your proposed project or any projects/work you have done in the past)
Process For Selecting Award Recipients
The André De Shields Fund Selection Committee will review proposals based on a set rubric and make recommendations to the Wisconsin Union Theater Director for final selection. The Selection Committee comprises UW–Madison faculty, staff, and alumni from various performing arts backgrounds and art disciplines.
Click the button below to view the committee's criteria for evaluating each application.
If you are selected for an award, you are expected to use the funds within a year of receiving them.
Application Timeline
September 15, 2025 Applications Open
December 15, 2025 Application Deadline
February 15, 2026 Selection Committee Recommendations due
March 15, 2026 Award Notifications Sent
You can send proposals via snail mail or email:
Dream, Epiphany, Action
Wisconsin Union Theater
800 Langdon Street, 3rd Floor
Madison, WI 53706
theater.admin@union.wisc.edu (with the subject line: "Dream, Epiphany, Action")
Frequently Asked Questions
- Projects may be brand new or under development. These seed grants are intended to facilitate the project's growth and take it to the next level. That level can include various degrees of being "performance ready."
- The number of seed grants and the amount of each grant depend on the number of eligible applications received and the scope of the proposed projects. Awards will most commonly be between $1,000 and $3,000. If any projects funded by a seed grant qualify for a professional-level public performance, the Wisconsin Union Theater will consider them for presentation during a future Wisconsin Union Theater performing arts season. This opportunity will be by invitation only.
- Awardees will receive the option of a faculty or staff mentor. Mentors may assist with project development, planning, budgeting, financial management, and general advising. This mentor will receive a stipend to cover time and expenses related to their mentorship. Mentors may be university faculty, staff, or non-university-affiliated community members. Students may choose their mentor or request the Wisconsin Union Theater's help in finding them a mentor.
- Space rental. If the awardee uses a space other than the Wisconsin Union Theater for their project, rental fees and building services are eligible to be covered by the award funds. If the awardee uses theater spaces (Play Circle, Shannon Hall, or Festival Room), the Wisconsin Union Theater will waive rental costs. (Students will still be responsible for labor or other direct costs, for which award funds may be used.)
- Artist and designer fees or honoraria. This includes transportation, lodging, meals, and hospitality (backstage and studio rehearsal needs, such as beverages and snacks).
- Materials. This can include set designs, costumes, props, sheet music, musical instruments, or equipment.
- Production and recording costs. These include renting a recording studio, stage labor, audio and video equipment, and lighting and sound technicians.
- Marketing costs. Graphic design, printing, or advertising.
- According to the University of Wisconsin System policies, the André De Shields Fund funding is defined as an award. Awards are paid through the same process as scholarships, which means the award will be considered part of the student's financial aid. The award cannot be added to the student's account if it exceeds the student’s allowable financial assistance. In this case, awards will be paid as a lump sum and are subject to income tax. Alternatively, WUT may directly cover costs related to the project through internal transfers or an invoice.
- No. Students may only submit one application for one project in a given year.