If you’re looking to pursue a college education in theatre, drama, or performing arts, this article presents a compilation of the top scholarships available for theatre students. The cost of attending college or university can be quite high, making it essential for students to explore scholarship opportunities provided by companies, colleges, and organizations. Scholarships are grants awarded to selected candidates and typically do not require repayment. If you have a strong passion for theatre, relevant experience, and aspirations for a career in the field, here is a list of Undergraduate Scholarships for Theatre and Drama Studies | USA.
1. Drew Scholarship in the Arts
To be eligible for the Drew Scholarship in the Arts at Drew University, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Experience or interest in performing arts: Applicants should have a background or a strong interest in the performing arts.
- Planning to participate in performing arts in college: The applicants should have plans to actively engage in performing arts during their college education.
- Current full-time college student: Applicants must be presently enrolled as full-time college students.
For those interested in this scholarship at Drew University, the application process involves completing an application, submitting a portfolio, and participating in an audition if selected. The application deadline is February 1st each year. Successful applicants will be granted $1,000 annually for up to four years, totaling $4,000.
2.Against the Grain Productions Artistic Scholarship
To qualify for the Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- You should be 25 percent Asian or Pacific Islander.
- You must be a current citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States.
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Be a high school senior or a current full-time college student at a U.S. college or university, studying visual or performing arts.
The purpose of this scholarship is to assist Asian American college students in funding their education. Evaluation for this scholarship is based on various factors, including the quality of your portfolio and essay, academic grades, leadership experience, and letters of recommendation. If selected, you’ll be required to participate in a phone or in-person interview. To be considered, submit your application by May 31st. The chosen recipient will be awarded $1,000 to support their college tuition.
3.AGL Over the Rainbow Foundation Scholarship
To be eligible for the AGL Over the Rainbow Scholarship, you should meet the following criteria:
- You must have been accepted to a college or university, or provide proof of submitted applications to colleges and universities.
- Possess experience in music, theater, art, or chorus.
The AGL Over the Rainbow Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students passionate about the arts. To apply, submit a video or a brief sample showcasing your best acting performances or art pieces to the AGL Over the Rainbow Foundation. Additionally, you’ll need to provide three letters of recommendation and a resume highlighting your experience in music, theater, art, or chorus. Ensure all required materials are submitted by the deadline on May 15th. The selected individual will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
4.Arts for Life Drama Scholarship
To be eligible for the Arts for Life Drama Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- You need to be a resident of Florida.
- Demonstrate experience in drama.
- Be a high school student preparing to graduate.
Arts for Life, a non-profit organization supporting various art forms, is offering the Drama Scholarship to provide financial aid for college to high school students. To be considered for this scholarship, you must submit two different pieces, either two monologues or one monologue and a separate piece showcasing your singing abilities. Both pieces should be current and recorded against a neutral-colored background. The application deadline is February 3rd. Approximately 25 high school seniors will be selected, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship.
5.Ashley E. Ketcher Memorial Scholarship
To be eligible for the Ashley E. Ketcher Memorial Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- You should be a senior at Auburn High School enrolled in the CAPA program.
- Demonstrate an interest or experience in the field of performing arts.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
This scholarship opportunity is provided by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. It specifically targets high school seniors who are part of the CAPA program at Auburn High School. To apply, candidates need to submit an essay explaining why they deserve the scholarship, detailing their experience and skills in performing arts. Ensure that all application materials are submitted by the deadline on February 1st.
6.Austin College Theatre Scholarship
To qualify for the Austin College Theatre Scholarship, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate an interest or experience in theatre.
- Be a current high school student.
Austin College offers the Theatre Scholarship to individuals interested in theatre, and it’s not mandatory for recipients to choose theatre as their major. The application process involves an audition or presentation of a portfolio and an interview with faculty members. Multiple scholarships are awarded annually, with varying amounts up to $4,000. Additionally, these scholarships can be renewed each year, provided the theatre department at the college you’re attending confirms that you are meeting their performance expectations.
7.Spouses Performing Arts Scholarship
To qualify for the Spouses Performing Arts Scholarship, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Be an American citizen or permanent resident.
- Currently, be a full-time college student studying performing arts.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Identify as African American or Black.
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is committed to offering financial assistance through the Spouses Performing Arts Scholarship. If you’re interested, you should submit a resume, a recent picture of yourself, two letters of recommendation, an official transcript, an essay, and two visual recording samples, each lasting two minutes, showcasing your creative pieces. Ensure that all required materials are submitted by the deadline on April 30th.
8.The David A. Hicks Scholarship for the Arts
To be eligible for the David A. Hicks Scholarship for the Arts, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Be a current college student or a high school senior planning to pursue a degree in the arts.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
This scholarship, awarded by the Berrien Community Foundation, is specifically for high school seniors in Berrien County, Michigan. The recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their college tuition. Preference is given to students attending River Valley High School in Three Oaks, Michigan. If you’re interested, the deadline for applications is March 6th. Required materials include an application form, three recommendation letters, an essay, high school transcript, SAT transcript, FAFSA letter, and one sample of art.
9.Lyon Graduate Fellowship
To be eligible for the Francis D. Lyon Graduate Fellowship offered by Phi Delta Theta, you must meet the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled as a graduate student in a college in the United States or Canada.
- Students studying filmmaking will receive priority consideration.
Phi Delta Theta presents this fellowship for individuals interested in filmmaking. Named the Francis D. Lyon Graduate Fellowship, this scholarship is not exclusive to members of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity; it is open to anyone studying filmmaking in the United States or Canada. The application deadline is March 29th, and the selected fellow will be awarded approximately $2,500.
10. Arts Council of Greater Rapids Minority Scholarship
To be eligible for the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids Minority Scholarship, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Identify as a racial minority (African American, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander).
- Be a current college student in West Michigan majoring in Fine Arts.
- Be a resident of Kent County.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
This scholarship, managed by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, encourages applications from racial minority students. African American, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander students attending an institution in West Michigan are eligible, provided they are pursuing a major in Fine Arts. When applying, include information on employment, volunteer work, awards, along with a written essay, a recent transcript, and the current financial income of your family.