CHICAGO: The Sarah Siddons Society, which works to support the professional growth of the next generation of Chicago area theatremakers, is offering 10 professional development grants of $500 each to emerging theatre professionals. The aim is to provide financial assistance at the discretion of the grantee, to be used for opportunities like voice lessons, training, or headshots.

“After decades of funding scholarships for theatre arts students, the Sarah Siddons Society board is excited to take our support of emerging theatre artists to the next level with these new grants,” said board president Martin Balogh in a statement.

Applicants are asked to submit a current résumé and a statement of no more than 500 words (or, optionally, an e-portfolio or video) describing how they would use the grant to further their professional development in theatre. Applications are being accepted through Sept. 1, with recipients notified by Nov. 1. More information is available online.

Founded in 1952, the Sarah Siddons Society has funded scholarships to theatre arts students at universities across the city of Chicago, including the Theatre School at DePaul University, Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, and Northwestern University School of Communications.