The American Theatre Wing is honoring the memory of late, Tony-winning actor Gavin Creel with The Gavin Creel Fellowship, a new initiative that will provide $25,000 grants to five emerging theatre actors annually. Those selected will also receive mentorship from industry professionals, access to curated networking events, free tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, Tony Awards attendance as seat fillers, and access to ATW programs.
The program is offered in partnership with Tony winner Celia Keenan-Bolger, Tony nominee Sara Bareilles, Catherine Brunell, and a collection of Creel's friends. The Wing is currently accepting donations for the initiative, part of an effort to build a $3 million endowment that would fund it for 2026. Information on applications is to be announced.
Donate to the fund by texting "GAVIN" to 44321 or by visiting .
鈥淭owards the end of Gavin鈥檚 life we had a lot of conversations about his legacy,鈥� says Keenan-Bolger in a statement. 鈥淲hen I asked him about starting a foundation in his name, he talked about the challenges facing young actors who don't come from wealthy families and how hard it is to move to New York City and pursue a career in the theatre.
鈥淢y dream is that this fellowship will not only provide financial support but a sense of community and belonging, something Gavin valued enormously. After he died, so many people reached out to me and asked me what they could do and where they could donate. I鈥檓 so grateful to the American Theatre Wing for their immediate and unwavering support in creating a home for the Gavin Creel Fellowship and giving us a place to direct our energy and carry on his bright radiant light in service of this next generation of theatre artists.鈥�
鈥淭o be able to play this role in extending Gavin Creel鈥檚 amazing life and legacy is beyond meaningful,鈥� adds American Theatre Wing President and CEO Heather Hitchens. 鈥淚 am deeply grateful that Celia, Sara, and Catherine have entrusted the Wing to work alongside them on this. I look forward to welcoming many classes of Gavin Creel fellows to NYC and to be part of our amazing community and industry.鈥�
Creel, a Tony winner for his work in Hello, Dolly!, passed away last year at the age of 48 following a brief battle with cancer.
Gavin Creel and Sutton Foster in Thoroughly Modern Millie
Gavin Creel and Sutton Foster in Thoroughly Modern Millie
Gavin Creel and Sutton Foster in Thoroughly Modern Millie
Gavin Creel and Will Swenson in Hair
Gavin Creel in The Book of Mormon
Gavin Creel and Jane Krakowski in She Loves Me
Taylor Trensch, Bette Midler, and Gavin Creel in Hello, Dolly!
Gavin Creel and cast in Waitress
