AI SummaryFinancial Assistance to Troupes Going to Mumbai-Poona and Other Parts of the Country or Vice Versa helps Goan dramatic troupes cover their transportation costs when they stage Tiatrs in Mumbai, Poona and other cities across India. Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) runs this scheme under the Art, Culture and Museums Department of the Government of Goa. As of August 2026, applications are open and the scheme continues to support writers and directors who want to take Goan Tiatr to a wider national audience.
This scheme mainly helps two kinds of troupes. Goan troupes travelling to Mumbai, Poona or other parts of the country get support, and Mumbai or Poona troupes bringing their Tiatrs to Goa also qualify. For cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Gujarat, Nagpur, Bangalore or Udaipur, even a single show can make a troupe eligible. Applications must reach TAG at least one month before the performance date, and the scheme works on a first come, first serve basis depending on the funds available.
Financial Assistance to Troupes Going to Mumbai-Poona and Other Parts of the Country - Overview
Goan Tiatr was born in Mumbai, and for many years the Tiatr culture was stronger there than in Goa. Dramatic troupes from Mumbai used to travel to Goa to stage their shows. Over time the situation changed, and today very few Tiatr artistes remain in Mumbai. As a result, Goan troupes now travel to Mumbai and Poona to stage their performances.
Staging a Tiatr in Mumbai, Poona or other parts of the country is not always a financially sound choice for a Goan troupe. The travel and staging costs can be heavy. TAG designed this scheme mainly to compensate troupes towards their transportation, so that authentic Goan performances keep reaching audiences across India.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Assistance to Troupes Going to Mumbai-Poona and Other Parts of the Country or Vice Versa |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Goa |
| Category | Sports and Culture, Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Art, Culture and Museums Department |
| Official Website | Tiatr Academy of Goa |
Benefits
This scheme actively promotes Goan Tiatr by giving financial relief towards transportation costs. The exact amount of support is decided by Tiatr Academy of Goa based on the scale of the performance and the requirements of the troupe. TAG may fix the support amount to cover transport for the shows staged in Mumbai, Poona or other cities.
Important conditions for approval:
- Tiatr Academy of Goa may send an official representative to witness the performance and verify it before payment is approved.
- The performance must include a clear, audible announcement that says "This Tiatr is organized in collaboration with Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG)", both at the start and again during the interval.
- All advertisements, press notes, banners, tickets and handbills must state that the Tiatr is organized in collaboration with TAG.
- The script and performance must stay professional. No content that is derogatory towards governments, individuals or institutions, or that promotes discrimination based on caste or religion, is allowed.
- For performances at Mandd Sobhann in Mangalore, payment is released only after a formal certificate of performance is provided by the institution.
Eligibility
To benefit from this scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant should be the writer or director of the Tiatr. Only the writer or director can avail the benefit of this scheme.
- The Tiatr must follow the traditional format, with 6 or 7 acts (podd'dde) and at least 4 cantos with comedy linked to the story of the play.
- The musical section must include at least 12 Kantaram, which should include at least 2 duets, 1 duo, 1 trio, 1 quartet or quintet, 1 choral song and solos.
- A typed copy of the script and lyrics must be submitted along with the application.
- The script and performance must not contain any adverse remarks, written or verbal, against any government, individual or institution, or anything against caste, creed or religion that may hurt anyone's sentiments.
- For Mumbai or Poona tours, a Goan troupe must stage at least 4 shows of the same Tiatr. Similarly, a Mumbai or Poona troupe must stage 4 shows in Goa to be eligible for reciprocal support.
- For other places like Kolkata, Delhi, Gujarat, Nagpur, Bangalore or Udaipur, even a single show can make the troupe eligible.
- The benefit can be claimed a maximum of twice in one financial year for two different Tiatrs.
Special earmarking for Mangalore:
Financial support to the same extent is also given to two Goan troupes that perform Tiatrs at Mandd Sobhann in Mangalore with the collaboration of TAG in a financial year. Of these two Tiatrs, one should be from a commercial troupe and one from a prize-winning troupe of the Goa Kala Academy 'A' Tiatr Competition. The amount is paid only after a certificate of performance is issued by Mandd Sobhann, Mangalore.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the scheme:
STEP 1 - Visit the official website of Tiatr Academy of Goa to download the prescribed application form, or collect it in person from the TAG office. The form is available along with the official scheme guidelines.
STEP 2 - Fill in the details carefully and attach all required documents. Make sure the form is signed and dated. Self-attested copies of Aadhaar and PAN card must be submitted along with the application.
STEP 3 - Send or submit the completed application to the Tiatr Academy of Goa office at AS-1 / AS-4, Block A, 2nd Floor, Campal Trade Centre, Opposite Kala Academy, Campal, Panaji, Goa, India - 403001.
Note: Applications are accepted one month in advance of the performance date, along with hall booking proofs and the typed copy of the script and lyrics. Keep a photocopy of the submission for records.
Post-application process: Once submitted, TAG may appoint and depute an observer to witness the performance. The observer submits a report confirming whether the Tiatr was staged in the prescribed format. After verification, the payment is released. For Mandd Sobhann performances, have the performance certificate ready for the final step.
Documents
Documents required at the application stage are listed below:
- Typed copy of the script and lyrics of the Tiatr
- Proof of hall or auditorium booking, required at least one month in advance
- Self-attested copy of the Aadhaar card
- Self-attested copy of the PAN card
- Letter of authority if the hall is booked in another person's name
- Letter from organizers if the Tiatr is performed in parishes instead of a booked hall
Documents required at the benefit disbursal stage are given below:
- Official receipts of hall or auditorium booking
- Certificate of performance for Mandd Sobhann, Mangalore performances
- 5 photographs of the performance on stage for official records
References
Tiatr Academy of Goa - List of Schemes
Official Guidelines and Application Form PDF
Tiatr Academy of Goa Citizen Charter
FAQ's
Which musical elements are required to match the traditional format?
The performance must feature at least 4 cantos with comedy linked to the story, and at least 12 Kantaram. These Kantaram should include 2 duets, 1 duo, 1 trio, 1 quartet or quintet, 1 choral song and solos.
What is the frequency limit for applying to this scheme?
The benefit can be received twice per financial year, provided the applicant applies for two different Tiatrs.
What if the hall booking is in someone else's name?
If the hall is booked through a friend or manager, a formal letter of authority must be submitted stating that the person was authorized to book the hall on the applicant's behalf.
Are there specific rules about the content I share?
Yes. The performance must not contain any derogatory or adverse remarks against institutions, governments, individuals, or specific castes, creeds or religions.
How many shows do I need to conduct outside Mumbai or Poona?
For cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Nagpur, Gujarat or Udaipur, a single successful performance is enough to qualify for the scheme.
Who decides the final financial assistance amount?
Tiatr Academy of Goa reviews the performance and decides the support amount based on the scheme guidelines and the funds available.
How many shows are required for a Mumbai or Poona tour?
A Goan troupe must stage at least 4 shows of the same Tiatr in Mumbai or Poona. A Mumbai or Poona troupe must stage 4 shows in Goa to qualify for reciprocal support.
What is the minimum act count for the Tiatr?
The production must consist of 6 or 7 acts (podd'dde) to remain consistent with the traditional format.
What should be printed on my promotional material?
Every ticket, banner, press note, advertisement and handbill must carry the text: "This Tiatr is organized in collaboration with Tiatr Academy of Goa".
What documents do I submit after my show to get paid?
Hall receipts, 5 photographs of the performance on stage, and the performance certificate if the show was at Mandd Sobhann, Mangalore.
What should I announce during the interval?
Announce that the show is organized in collaboration with Tiatr Academy of Goa before the performance starts and again during the break.
Who is eligible to apply for this funding?
Only the scriptwriter or the director of the Tiatr is eligible to be the main applicant.
When should I apply?
Apply at least one month before the performance date. Since funding is limited, the scheme works on a first come, first serve basis.
Is there a quota for Mandd Sobhann performances?
Two Goan troupes are supported annually. One must be a professional commercial troupe, and the other must be a prize-winning troupe from the Goa Kala Academy 'A' Tiatr Competition.