Below are some theatre-specific scholarships. Deadlines vary, it's highly recommend you research these great opportunities now so that when the time comes, you can apply to as many as possible. Most applications open January 1, 2023, for the 2023-24 school year.
Educational Theatre Association Scholarships: Thespian Scholarships - $10,000 awarded annually.
- Mark Drum Scholarship: a new scholarship created with donations from and in honor of ETF Trustee and Thespian Alumni Mark Drum. This is a $1,250 one-time scholarship that seeks to support applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in the theatre industry. Applicants should be Asian or Pacific Islanders who are inducted members of the International Thespian Society who are graduating seniors, or Thespian Alumni who are pursuing undergraduate studies at an accredited college or university.
- The Gai Laing Jones Theatre Education Scholarship was created by past EdTA Board President and theatre educator, Gai Laing Jones. Two applicants will receive a $2,000 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 juniors, or seniors. Applicants must be Alumni of the International Thespian Society and pursuing a career in theatre education.
- Dr. Kenny D. Hasija Scholarship: $1,000 scholarship that seeks to support applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in the theatre industry, such as those who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color.
- Educational Theatre Association Board of Directors Scholarship: $1,000 scholarship created with donations by, and in honor of, past and current members of the EdTA Board of Directors.
- Christopher L. Hunt Scholarship: $1,000 scholarship created with donations in honor of the late Chris Hunt, Director of Marketing at EdTA. This scholarship is intended for Thespians who plan to use skills learned through theatre in a career focused on business or marketing.
- Educational Theatre Association Presidents’ Leadership Scholarship: $1,000 scholarship created with donations from and in honor of past and current EdTA board presidents. This scholarship is intended for Thespians who successfully demonstrate leadership abilities.
- Future Theatre Educator Scholarship: a new scholarship created by Nebraska and Indiana Chapter leadership. 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 upcoming freshman and graduating high school seniors. Applicants must be members of the International Thespian Society and pursuing a career in theatre education.
- Michael J. Peitz Leadership Scholarship: $1,500 scholarship awarded to a Thespian who successfully demonstrates leadership abilities.
- Democracyworks Essay Competition: student essay competition sponsored by Concord Theatricals. The program was founded in 2009 to support and grow student advocacy on behalf of theatre and other arts education.
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)
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.
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)
Nellie Love Butcher Music Scholarship: The Nellie Love Butcher Music Scholarship is a one-time preferred amount of up to $5,000 awarded annually to a male and female music student who is pursuing an education in piano or voice.
National Arts 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.