Children's Theatre of the Month

Funding programme for theatre for kindergarten and school children

The ‘Children's Theatre of the Month’ offers children of all ages the opportunity to experience the diverse art form of theatre as an enriching cultural technique and a means of artistically exploring relevant topics. The artists take the concerns and needs of their young target group very seriously. Especially in such crisis-ridden times, the focus is also on telling stories in a way that is both compassionate and entertaining, and encouraging and entertaining the children with extraordinary productions of a wide variety of theatre styles.

The programme is run jointly with the Kultursekretariat NRW Gütersloh. Municipal and non-municipal organisers in the more than 100 member cities of both cultural secretariats can apply for grants of up to 50 percent of the total costs. Funding is available for performances of productions from the current ‘Children's theatre of the month’ funding catalogue. Funding is possible in the respective month, in exceptional cases also in the month before and after.

Ensembles can apply with a production for inclusion in this funding programme. A working group of experienced organisers from the cities decides on the selection. It also selects an outstanding children's play for each month of the year.

Selection 2025

January: “Moment mal” (De Stilte, Breda (NL)

February: “Kleine Schwester Hasenohr” (Figurentheater Hattenkofer)

March: “AQUA KADABRA” (UNITED PUPPETS)

April: “Neeweißnicht und Rosenrot” (Theater Anna Rampe)

May: “SPLASH!” (Theater Marabu)

September: “Als mein Vater ein Busch wurde” (theater katinkaspringinsfeld)

October: “Knallpunkt” (die exen / flunker produktionen)

November: “Koffer auf Reisen” (Comedia Theater)

December: “Bauerntocher” (Stahl & Stahl)

The selection is supplemented by a separate summer holiday programme.

Children's theatre in the 2025 holidays

“Endlich Sommer” (Herbert & Mimi)

“Raktenstart” (Polly Rakete)

“Hans im Glück” (Zitadelle Puppet Company)

“Wie Findus zu Pettersson kam” (Theater con Cuore)

“Hausmusik” (Die Blindfische)

“Ein Koffer voller Überraschungen“ (Kira & Anders)

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Contact for content-related questions

Bettina Maurer
T +49 (0) 178 91 00 727
E-Mail

If you have any questions about funding, please use our notes for applicants.

If you have any further questions, you can contact our administration on Mon, Wed and Fri from 10:00-13:00 by phone or email.

Contact:
T +49 (0) 202 698 27 250
E-Mail

Notes for applicants

Here

Notes for ensembles

Here

Notes for applicants

What is funded under the programme?

Funding is provided for performances of productions from the current funding catalogue "Children's Theatre of the Month". Funding is possible in the respective month, in exceptional cases also in the month before and after.

Who can apply?

Municipal and non-municipal organisers from the member cities of the NRWKS

Is there an application deadline?

There is no application deadline. However, applications should be submitted to the NRWKS six weeks before the planned start of the project, if possible.

What is the amount of funding?

The amount of funding must be requested from the NRWKS. As a precautionary measure, we would like to point out that in the case of high ticket sales, a remaining own contribution to the costs of 20% for municipal organisers and 10% for independent organisers must be proven. Otherwise, the funding of the Kultursekretariat would have to be reduced accordingly.

How does a catalogue promotion work?

As an organiser, first contact the artist or ensemble and arrange a date for your event. Then submit an application to the NRWKS for the theatre performance. Since the funding is a financial contribution to the artist's fees, it is sufficient to list only the costs for fees and, if applicable, press and public relations work in the cost and financing plan. You can only conclude contracts with the ensemble once you have received written confirmation of funding.

What funding conditions must be met?

The project must fit into the NRWKS "Children's theatre of the month" funding programme and be located in one of the NRWKS member cities. The project must also be open to the public. Exceptions apply to internal school events. The project must not have been started by the time the grant is confirmed. This includes public relations work, conclusion of contracts, awarding of contracts and payments. Funding is not provided for parties and organisations that pursue a profit-making objective.

How do I apply for funding?

Applications must be submitted via the NRWKS funding portal.

An additional cost and financing plan must be submitted for all projects with a total volume of more than 5,000 EUR as indicated on the application form.

Please note whether further documents, e.g. letters of recommendation or letters of approval from other donors, must be enclosed with the application.

The application must also be sent by post.

Click here for further information on the funding procedure.

Organisers from the member cities of the Kultursekretariat NRW Gütersloh should contact them directly for funding requests.

Notes for ensembles

How is admission to the funding programme made?

Ensembles can apply with a production for inclusion in the "Children's theatre of the month" funding programme. To do so, contact project manager Bettina Maurer directly (e-mail: maurer(at)nrw-kultur.de, T. 0178 91 00 727).

The children's theatre project group decides on the selection.