The Dennis Whitehead Darling Memorial Fund provides financial support to theatres and opera companies that want to take a chance on exceptional emerging directors—artists who might not have elite credentials or established networks, but who have the talent and vision to create transformative work.
For Theatres & Producing Organizations
If you're considering an emerging director for a production but need financial support to make it happen, we want to hear from you. Whether it's covering director fees, development costs, or other production expenses, the fund exists to help you say "yes" to talented artists who deserve their shot.
We keep it simple: reach out to us about the director and project, and we'll work together to determine how the fund can help make it a reality.
For Emerging Directors
We find and support talented directors through our relationships with theatres and producing organizations. While we don't have a formal application process, we encourage you to build connections with theatres and let them know about your work. When a company wants to take a chance on you, we may be able to help make it happen.
Our Approach
Dennis got his breakthrough because someone believed in him and gave him the opportunity. We honor that by keeping our process straightforward and focused on results—connecting resources with opportunities so more talented directors get their chance to show they belong.
Remembering Dennis ...
"Dennis Whitehead Darling is a major asset to any room. His precision with composition and staging, expertise in music, and dynamic dialog with actors and other creatives in the process make him a great director and collaborator. His work sings a rich tune full of joy and truth telling."
Patricia McGregor
"Dennis Whitehead Darling is a major asset to any room. His precision with composition and staging, expertise in music, and dynamic dialog with actors and other creatives in the process make him a great director and collaborator. His work sings a rich tune full of joy and truth telling."
Patricia McGregor