The Jeff Awards announced the opening period for applications submissions for its 2024 honors to help inspire early career artists of color in the Greater Chicagoland area.

Two recipients will be selected for awards of $10,000 each to support their work to pursue artistic excellence in Chicago theater.

The Fellowship is designed for the professional, academic and/or personal development of candidates in the theater community. Eligible recipients are early career artists of color who reside in or are based in Chicago or a Chicago suburb and are at least 18 years old.

In addition, they must have been involved in Chicago theater for at least one to not more than five years as actors, directors, stage managers, designers, theater technicians, cabaret artists, playwrights, music directors, theater composers, theater musicians, dramaturgs and improvisational performers.

Applications can be submitted online through Website Link Here and are due June 30 at 5 p.m. CT. All applications must be accompanied by two letters of recommendation, one of which must come from an artistic director of a Chicagoland theater company that has produced in the area for at least two years, and be submitted by the recommender via email to fellowship@jeffawards.org .

Fellowship recipients and all applicants will be notified by the end of year.

—Andrew Davis