Are you planning on studying the arts in college? In celebration of Back to School Week at Playbill, we rounded up 15 scholarships and grants to put you on the path to your career without breaking the bank. This list is up-to-date as of publication time, but make sure to check deadlines and details with each institution, as terms sometimes change.
The Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program: This program was created to encourage more BIPOCindividuals to pursue degrees in the theatrical management and artistic fields, such as stage management, technical theatre, theatre design, playwriting, directing, and theatre management. Along with financial support, the program connects scholars with theatrical and community leaders of color for mentorship through social justice and leadership seminars. ($1,500) Deadline: Details for the 2022-2023 application will be available September 2022.
Dorian De Long Arts & Music Scholarship: The Dorian De Long Arts and Music Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school student who intends to pursue advanced education in the study of arts. ($1500–$2000) Deadline: The 2023-24 application will open January 1, 2023.
National YoungArts Foundation: YoungArts’ signature program is an application-based award for emerging artists ages 15–18 or in grades 10–12 from across the United States. Selected through a blind adjudication process conducted by an independent panel of highly accomplished artists, YoungArts winners receive valuable support, including financial awards of up to $10,000, professional development and educational experiences working with renowned mentors, and performance and exhibition opportunities at some of the nation’s leading cultural institutions. Deadline: The 2023 application closes October 14, 2022 at 11:59 PM ET.
Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship: Open to student performers wishing to pursue further education and professional development, this scholarship offers roughly 16 regional awards ($500 each); select recipients are invited to take week-long, expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., for courses and to present their scholarship audition to a panel. The top two will receive $2,500 scholarships. Deadline: Check with your region.
Check back in 2023 for these...
John L. Dales & George Heller Memorial Scholarships: Since its inception, the John L. Dales Scholarship Competition has awarded more than $6 million to more than 1,632 SAG-AFTRA members for study in higher education. Recipients must be experienced members who need further education in theatre at a U.S. accredited university, college, junior college, or trade/vocational school.
"You Will Be Found" College Essay Writing Challenge: Dear Evan Hansen, The Broadway Education Alliance, and Gotham Writers Workshop have opened up this challenge to high school juniors and seniors nationwide after being exclusive to the New York City area. Students are invited to write an original essay on the following prompt: "Describe how you've managed to ensure those around you were a little less alone in recent months—or—alternatively, a moment where you yourself have found comfort in connection." ($10,000)
The Directors Company Next Wave Initiative: Open to Black theatre creators, with individual scholarships for writers, directors, actors, and dancers, along with a grant funding a 29-hour reading for a new, un-produced play or musical by a Black writer. ($1,000-1,986)
Educational Theatre Association Scholarships: This group of performing art scholarships is open to students at various levels of theatre study (from graduating high school senior to college senior). ($500–$4,000)
- The Educational Theatre Association Board of Directors Scholarship is a one-time scholarship created with donations by, and in honor of, past and current members of the EdTA Board of Directors. One applicant will receive a one-time scholarship to be applied to tuition and fees associated with full-time enrollment at an accredited college or university. This award is intended for undergraduate students currently enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university who are upcoming sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Upcoming freshman and graduating seniors are not eligible. Applicants must be Alumni of the International Thespian Society and pursuing a career in theatre education.
- The Bob and Marti Fowler Future Theatre Educator Scholarship is a one-time scholarship awarded to a student pursuing a theatre education major and who demonstrates leadership qualities, an excellent work ethic, the ability to work effectively as a member of a production team, strong character, academic ability, organizational skills, and experience in different aspects of theatre.
- The Christopher L. Hunt Scholarship is a one-time scholarship created with donations in honor of the late Chris Hunt, Director of Marketing at EdTA. This scholarship is intended for inducted Thespians who plan to use skills learned through theatre in a career focused on business or marketing.
- The Educational Theatre Association Presidents’ Leadership Scholarship is a one-time scholarship created with donations from and in honor of past and current EdTA board presidents. This scholarship is intended for inducted Thespians who successfully demonstrate leadership abilities.
- The Michael J. Peitz Leadership Scholarship is a one-time scholarship awarded to an inducted Thespian of the International Thespian Society, the student honorary organization of the Educational Theatre Association, who successfully demonstrates leadership abilities.
- The Alan D. Engelsman and Penny Lu Engelsman Scholarship is a one-time scholarship awarded to a high school senior who will be pursuing an education major in theatre, technical theatre, playwriting or English.
- The Melba Day Henning Scholarship is a one-time scholarship intended to be awarded to an undergraduate student currently enrolled full-time in theatre education study at an accredited college or university who are upcoming juniors or seniors. In addition, part-time or full-time graduate students are also eligible to apply. Applicants must have completed their freshman year to apply.
Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship: The Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship provides financial assistance and promotion of Asian-American college students pursuing a major in the performing, visual arts, journalism, and/or mass communications. ($1,000)
