Thespian scholarships

Thespians are eligible to apply for scholarship funds from two programs sponsored by the Educational Theatre Association. Each year, the Association grants at least $25,000 in scholarships. To be eligible for the Thespian scholarship program, you must be a senior in high school, an active member of the International Thespian Society, and planning to major or minor in communicative arts.

One scholarship program matches funds raised by chapter organizations with funds contributed by the Educational Theatre Association. The process usually includes a scholarship audition conducted at the chapter Thespian conference. Some chapters also offer scholarships in addition to the EdTA matching funds scholarships. Contact your chapter Thespian director for details (see the Leadership Directory) or check your chapter’s website.

The other program involves scholarship auditions held at the International Thespian Festival. Awards granted are the four-year, $2,000 Robert L. Johnson/Hector S. Cruz scholarship for acting or technical theatre; the four-year, $4,500 Melba Day Henning scholarship for future theatre educators; a $2,500 theatre educator scholarship; one $2,000 performance scholarship; and a number of $1,500 scholarships for education, performance, and technical theatre. Students must be inducted Thespians and meet all other requirements. Details and application forms are available through Thespian troupe directors beginning in February.  The deadline for applications and reservations is May 2, 2011.

Additional scholarships include the Jhon Marshall/ITO Outstanding Student Achievement and Outstanding Student Technical Achievement Scholarships (formerly known as the Outstanding Student Achievement and Outstanding Student Technical Achievement Awards), and the Bob and Marti Fowler/Practical Theatre Scholarship.

For more detailed information on scholarships and grants, along with applications for these scholarships, see our awards, grants and scholarships page.