Please note that official student groups affiliated with the department, and B.A. undergraduate students will be given priority in awarding these projects. All cast and crew members involved in an Independent Project must be registered students at Indiana University-Bloomington.

How to apply for an independent project:

1. Identify a project for production
2. Secure a project advisor who will guide and mentor you through the process
3. Complete the Independent Project Application Form, with the appropriate authorization. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
4. Each spring, you may apply for BOTH Fall and Spring dates for the upcoming season. There will then be ANOTHER opportunity to apply for remaining Spring dates during the Fall semester. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
5. Please submit your application to Elizabeth Shea, Chair, Independent Project Committee at: eshea@indiana.edu

Download Application Form

If your project is approved, you will be eligible for department support; up to $150 for theatre spaces and up to $75 for found spaces. If funding is awarded, your advisor will be responsible for making all purchases with a department P-card. Students cannot be reimbursed for purchases. Not all projects will receive funding.

We are dedicated to amplifying historically marginalized and under-represented voices and perspectives, improving community relationships, correcting the narrative, and making the IU Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance a more supportive and inclusive place for Native and Indigenous, Black, Asian, Latino/a/e/x, Middle Eastern, South Asian and Pacific Islander, and Multi-Racial students, artists, faculty, and staff. Additional department support is available for projects that center BIPOC authors/choreographers/theatre and dance makers.

If your budget is over $150, you may only supplement your project with university sponsored grants and awards.Many students have submitted successful applications to the Hutton Honors College Creative Activity Grant.

PLEASE NOTE: Funds raised via crowdfunding or from personal donors/benefactors can only be used for hospitality, i.e., refreshments for cast and audience members.

Students granted awards are expected to follow all departmental and space policies, and complete onboarding training provided by the Production Manager prior to space usage.

Please address any questions to the Independent Projects Committee.

Chair: Elizabeth Shea.