The 1/52 Project Announces $165,000 in Grants

The 1/52 Project, the financial grant program founded by set designer Beowulf Boritt, announces the 12 early-career designer recipients selected for the 2025 cycle to benefit from $165,000 in grants. Applicants were chosen based on talent, creativity, need, innovation, and potential for future excellence in the professional theatrical field; each will receive a grant of up to $17,500.00.

The twelve 2025 recipients are Luis Garcia (projection designer), Mary YoungMi Lee (hair and wig designer), Alex Meyer (set designer), Erica Lauren Maholmes (lighting designer), German Martinez (sound designer), Rodrigo Munoz (costume designer), Earon Chew Nealy (makeup designer), Jacqueline (JQ) Reed (projection designer), Sasha Jin Schwartz (scenic designer), Cassie Janay Ann Williams (hair and wig designer), Emily Duncan Wilson (sound designer), and Haydee Zelideth (costume designer).

The grants will be presented at a reception at The Civilian Hotel on October 6 from 5:30-7:30pm, sponsored by a generous donation from Neil Mazella.

Boritt says, "When we started The 1/52 Project four years ago, it seemed quixotic. Now, after distributing a half-million dollars in grants, I'm overwhelmed both by the generosity of our industry and even more committed to meeting and supporting so many talented early-career designers."

The 1/52 Project was awarded a 2024 Obie Award Theatre Grant for honorable work in helping to change the face of theatre. Launched in January 2022, it is primarily funded by designers with shows running on Broadway who are encouraged to donate one week every year of their weekly royalties. The project hopes to encourage early-career designers from historically excluded groups, including all women, with the aim of diversifying and strengthening the Broadway design community.