Mary Doctor Performing Arts Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Blumenthal Performing Arts

Overview
The Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship Fund honors Mary Doctor — a longtime Charlotte-area business leader and an enthusiastic supporter of young people and the arts. Each year the Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship Committee may award scholarships (up to two recipients) of up to $40,000 to graduating high school seniors from the Charlotte region who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in the arts.

Key dates
- Application deadline: March 18, 2026
- Finalist notifications: by April 3, 2026
- Finalist auditions/presentations (must attend): Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Stage Door Theater, Charlotte, NC
- Scholarship recipient notifications: by April 17, 2026

Who should apply (selection criteria)
Scholarship recipients are chosen from applicants who demonstrate:
- significant financial need
- above‑average ability and strong interest in one or more arts disciplines
- potential for a successful career in the arts
- a desire to enrich other people’s lives through the arts
- acceptance by a college or university with an established arts program
- intent to pursue an undergraduate degree in an arts discipline (examples: music, dance, theatre, technical theatre, film, digital arts, studio arts, arts administration, arts education, etc.)
- residency in one of the qualifying Charlotte-area counties (listed below)

Student eligibility
- Must be a 2026 high school graduate (graduating senior).
- Must be planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in an arts discipline (examples as above).
- Must reside in one of these counties:
Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Union (North Carolina); Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster, York (South Carolina).

Application requirements (what to include)
As a smart, organized applicant, assemble a single packet that includes the following items. Note: some items require PDF format as indicated.

1) Completed scholarship application form.
2) Short essay (PDF, one page or less): Prompt — “You have now graduated college. What is your big dream?”
3) Personal statement (PDF, one page or less) addressing relevant details such as: financial need; potential for an arts career; academic performance; ways you plan to enrich others through the arts; personal achievements; and school/community involvement.
4) Most recent high school transcript (photocopies only — no phone camera photos).
5) Copy of the 2026–2027 Student Aid Report (SAR) showing the SAI number (detailed SAR).
6) A reference form plus a recommendation letter from a current teacher or industry professional.
7) Copies of college acceptance letter(s) and any financial aid award letters you have received so far.
8) Headshot or close-up digital photo (for use in press release if you are selected).

Application review and finalist process
- The scholarship committee will review all complete applications and select finalists. Finalists will be notified no later than April 3, 2026.
- Finalists must attend the live audition/portfolio presentation and interview on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at the Stage Door Theater in Charlotte. If you are not present, you cannot be considered for the scholarship.

Audition/portfolio and interview details
- Finalists will be assigned a time slot by April 6, 2026. Scheduling will consider logistical needs (for example, grouping performers who request an accompanist).
- Time slots: 14‑minute intervals beginning at 3:00 PM and concluding no later than 7:00 PM. Up to 7 minutes for the audition or portfolio presentation; remaining time for committee discussion and interview.
- Performance applicants: You may present up to two art forms (sing, dance, play instrument, perform a monologue, etc.) provided the total audition does not exceed seven minutes. Audio playback and piano will be available. You may request an accompanist or provide your own.
- Non-performance applicants (stage management, design, directing, composition, arts education, arts administration, etc.): Present a portfolio that may include programs, photos, letters of appreciation, illustrations, designs, or other materials showing your work and aptitude. A screen with HDMI will be provided for digital displays.

Final notifications
- All finalists will be informed of scholarship decisions by April 17, 2026.

A final word from a teacher
Think of this process as an opportunity to tell your story — not just your résumé of achievements, but why the arts matter to you and how you’ll use your talent to contribute to others. Be clear, be punctual with materials, and practice your presentation so your best work shines through. If you meet the eligibility requirements and this scholarship fits your goals, apply. Good luck.