SCHOLARSHIPS

SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABILITY

THEATRE PERFORMANCE: ACTING - The Theatre Performance Acting Scholarship recognizes outstanding Thespians pursuing excellence in acting. Open to senior students planning to major or minor in theatre or a related field, this scholarship offers a $1000 award.

THEATRE PERFORMANCE: MUSICAL THEATRE - The Theatre Performance Musical Theatre Scholarship celebrates exceptional Thespians with a passion for musical theatre. Intended for senior students who plan to major or minor in theatre or a related field, this scholarship presents a $1000 award.

TECHNICAL THEATRE SCHOLARSHIP: The Technical Theatre Scholarship applauds remarkable Thespians dedicated to the technical aspects of theatre. Available to senior students intending to major or minor in theatre or a related field, this scholarship offers a $1000 award.

THEATRE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP: The Theatre Education Scholarship honors exceptional Thespians who aspire to excel in theatre education. Designed for senior students with plans to major or minor in theatre or a related field, this scholarship includes a $1000 award.

PLAYWRITING/DRAMATURGY SCHOLARSHIP: "The Playwriting and Dramaturgy Scholarship recognizes exceptional Thespians with a passion for playwriting and dramaturgy. Available to senior students who intend to major or minor in theatre or a related field, this scholarship grants a $1000 award.

ALUMNI BOARD SCHOLARSHIP: The Alumni Board Scholarship celebrates outstanding individuals within our community. Open to all senior students, regardless of their intended major, this scholarship offers a $1000 award.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be Thespians.
Applicants must be Seniors.
Applicants may apply to only one category.
Each school may only send up to 3 applicants in the Performance, Musical Theatre, and Technical Theatre categories. Schools may send additional students if they are interviewing for the Theatre Education or Playwriting/Dramaturgy categories.
Applicants must be a part of a registered Thespian Troupe.
Applicants must attend the Virginia Thespian Festival.

APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP 1: Register through Open Water by 11/15!
STEP 2: Obtain at least 1 letter of recommendation from your advisor.
STEP 3: Submit your resume.
STEP 4: Submit your Thespian activities list.
STEP 5: Submit your personal statement.
STEP 6. Submit your headshot.

JUDGING SYSTEM

The scholarship judging committee will be comprised of a carefully selected group of qualified adjudicators, typically including at least four members: one from education, one with a performance background, an Alumni Board representative, and one with a technical background.
Applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria:

Thespian Activities/Résumé: 25%
Recommendations/Essay: 15%
Audition for performers/samples of renderings and designs for technical theatre/lesson plan for theatre educators and Interview/presentation for dramaturgy/playwriting: 60%

Please note that all application materials will become the property of the Virginia Thespian Society. Additionally, the name and photo associated with your Google account will be recorded upon file upload and form submission.

WHAT IF I WIN?

Scholarships are directly sent to the college/university's financial aid director by the Educational Theatre Association.
Winners will be contacted by the Virginia State Thespian Director and EDTA headquarters in the spring. Scholarship funds will be payable to the chosen college/university, not to individuals or organizations.

SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS

THEATRE PERFORMANCE - ACTING & MUSICAL THEATRE:

Dress professionally; no costumes allowed. Opt for simple, movable attire.
Introductions/Slating: State your name and audition piece(s).
Acting: 2 minutes total for one or two contrasting monologues.
Musical Theatre: 2 minutes total for musical selections. Use recorded accompaniment with instrumentation only. Provide your own Bluetooth Speaker.
Performance space: Approximately 10' x 5', no special lighting. You'll have one chair.
Auditions may take place on a slick floor, not ideal for dance.

DRAMATURGY/PLAYWRITING:

Dress professionally.
Introductions/Slating: State your name and note you're presenting for the Dramaturgy/Playwriting Scholarship.
Time starts after slating.
You have up to 5 minutes to discuss your work and future goals in Dramaturgy or Playwriting.
Submit a sample writing through Open Water in either:
- Critical Theatrical Writing (essays on drama, theatre, or performance)
- Production Dramaturgical Work (research packet, program essays, study guides)
- Original play script (maximum 10 pages in 12 pt font)

TECHNICAL THEATRE SCHOLARSHIP:

Dress professionally.
Introductions/Slating: State your name. "Tech Portfolio"
Time starts after slating.
Deliver a maximum five-minute speech on your original technical portfolio, showcasing designs, sketches, and/or photos that highlight your technical skills.

THEATRE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

Dress professionally.
Introductions/Slating: State your name.
Mention your "theatre lesson plan."
Time starts after slating.
Speak for five minutes about teaching experiences and your desire to become a theatre educator. Be ready to discuss lesson plan ideas if asked. Share a real or mock lesson plan.

ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP: Chosen from those who submitted a scholarship application, but were not chosen as a finalist.