1/52 Project

The 1/52 Project is an American theatrical grant program and philanthropic initiative celebrated for its impact on advancing diversity and equity within the entertainment industry. Founded by Tony Award-winning set designer Rachel Hauck, the organization built an impressive biography through its innovative funding model, which encourages established designer community members to donate the weekly royalties from one week of a running show’s performances to support the next generation of theater artists. Known for integrating professional mentorship with critical financial assistance, the initiative has successfully funded numerous career-launching grants for early-career designers from historically marginalized communities in the areas of scenic, costume, lighting, sound, and projection design. By providing substantial financial backing, the program has directly enabled emerging artists to transition into major professional opportunities across regional theater and Broadway stages. Its extraordinary contributions to systemic change within the theatrical landscape have been met with widespread critical acclaim from the Broadway league and peers alike, establishing the initiative as a vital and multifaceted force in the contemporary global performing arts scene.