Frequently Asked Questions

Do the creative team and cast have to be emerging?
The Scholarship aims to increase access for emerging artists and new theatre companies to essential production resources, while also promoting audience development and recognition of new work. Therefore, while it is essential that the application is led by emerging artists, preference will be given to projects that also include emerging artists within the cast and broader creative teams.

Should the project title and team be final, or can they change during the process?
The project title may be provisional, and some members of the artistic and technical team may be defined later, provided that any changes do not alter the core characteristics of the selected project.

Is it necessary to present an original and/or self-authored text?
The text does not need to be self-authored, but it must be unpublished. Proposed projects must be original and previously unpresented works, with an expected duration of no less than 50 minutes.

What should be included in the field “Other reference materials considered relevant”?
This field may include a project dossier, images, or video links related to the submitted proposal.
The selection of content and format is at the discretion of the applicant. This field is optional, and the information provided should not replace the required information in other sections of the application.

Is it necessary to submit a full technical rider?
No. In the section “Technical requirements (materials and technical needs),” applicants are only required to indicate key materials already defined for the project.
Technical riders for the presentation venues are attached to the Regulations for reference. Adaptation to each venue’s technical specifications should be done later, if the project is selected.

Will technical support (light and sound operation) be provided by the venues?
Although the partner institutions ensure the availability of technical and human resources within their working hours—as well as ticketing and front-of-house services—the operation of sound and lighting during performances is the responsibility of the winning project.

Who is responsible for the ‘prior notification’ (mera comunicação prévia)?
This is the responsibility of each of the Organising Entities, as promoters of the event.

Who is responsible for clearing copyright?
The applicant (individual/entity) is responsible for securing all copyright clearances with the relevant authorities, as well as with the project’s creative team.

Should transport support from co-producing entities be included in the budget?
If transport costs for stage sets are expected, these should be included in the application budget.
Financial support for set transport—if needed—up to a maximum of €1,300 (VAT included, except in the case of the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II) per Organising Entity is considered additional to the €25,000 Scholarship amount.

Should logistical expenses be included in the budget?
Expenses related to meals, accommodation, and travel for residencies and performances (covered by the Organising Entities) should not be included.
However, logistical costs that are the responsibility of the artistic structure must be budgeted.

Are performance fees included, or are they additional to the grant?
No additional performance fees are предусмотрены beyond the €25,000 Scholarship amount. All payments to creative and technical teams throughout the creation, residency, and presentation phases must be covered within this amount.

Can the project budget exceed the value of the Scholarship?
Yes, project expenses may exceed the Scholarship amount. However, total expenses must match total revenue. Any additional funding sources (e.g. co-productions or partnerships) must be clearly identified.
Projects may apply for other funding, provided that the premiere and subsequent presentations follow the conditions outlined in the Regulations.

Who must provide proof of no debt to the Tax Authority and Social Security?
The beneficiary (individual/entity) responsible for the application must manage all administrative, financial, and legal aspects and represent the project legally.
This entity—based in Portugal—must certify that there are no outstanding debts to the Tax Authority and Social Security. These certificates will only be requested at a later stage, if the project is selected.

If the artistic director’s tax residence is abroad but they partially reside in Portugal, are they eligible?
Although applicants are expected to be residents in Portugal, partial residence does not exclude eligibility. This information should be clearly stated in the application to avoid any ambiguity.
However, the legal representation of the application must be ensured by an individual/entity with a tax address in Portugal.