Georgia Thespian Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Georgia Thespian

Every year, Georgia Thespians proudly offers a total of $26,500 in college scholarships to thirteen deserving senior Thespians. These scholarships are designed to recognize and reward the diverse talents, skills, and dedication of our Thespian students.

The Gerald Ray Horne Scholarship, valued at $2,500, is awarded to a Thespian who embodies the qualities that defined Ray Horne’s illustrious career as a director and state leader. These qualities include service, talent, personality, determination, vision, and compassion.

The Yatesy Harvey Theatre Educator Scholarship, worth $2,000, is a joint effort between the International Thespian Society and Georgia Thespians. This scholarship is designed to recognize a Thespian planning to major in Theatre Education. If no suitable candidate is found in a given year, the scholarship will be awarded based on performance or portfolio.

The Frank Pruet & Eric Ebell Vision and Innovation Scholarship for Leadership, also valued at $2,000, is awarded to a Thespian who demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and vision. This is assessed through the student's troupe resume and interview.

The Pam Ware Leadership Scholarship, worth $2,000, is awarded to a Thespian who exemplifies outstanding leadership within their troupe, school, state, and/or community. This scholarship honors the dedication to excellence and the drive to succeed that were hallmarks of legendary director, Pam Ware.

The Linda P. Wise Performance Scholarship, valued at $2,000, is awarded to a Thespian who demonstrates exceptional talent. This is evaluated through an audition and a resume outlining roles or positions held during high school. This scholarship honors the memory of Linda P. Wise, a legendary director, teacher, and friend to Georgia Thespians.

The Gene & Imelda Bell Service Scholarship, also worth $2,000, is awarded to a Thespian who has shown outstanding service to their troupe, school, state, and community. This is assessed through the student's troupe resume and interview.

The Dwight Gilstrap Technical Scholarship, valued at $2,000, is awarded to a Thespian who has shown dedication to technical theatre. This is evaluated through a portfolio and interview.

The Paul Hampton Heart of a Thespian Scholarship, also worth $2,000, is awarded to a Thespian who embodies Paul Hampton’s dedication, creativity, and genuine love for theatre arts and their fellow Thespians.

In addition, five Achievement Scholarships, each worth $2,000, are awarded to Thespians who have demonstrated outstanding qualities in any of the dramatic arts and are deemed worthy of special recognition for their achievements in theatre.

Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, there will be a single application for College Auditions & Scholarships. Students will only need to complete one application and submit one audition fee of $25, regardless of whether they are auditioning for colleges (performance and/or design/tech/theatre ed), scholarships, or both.