Educational Theatre Association Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Educational Theatre Association

Quick overview
- The Educational Theatre Foundation offers several annual scholarships for inducted Thespians who meet the stated eligibility requirements.
- Applications are accepted February 1–April 1 each year. Winners are announced in May.
- Below I’ve grouped the scholarships by focus (diversity, theatre education, leadership) and summarized the purpose, award amount, number of awards, and who is eligible.

Diversity & inclusion scholarships
- Dr. Kenny D. Hasija Scholarship
- Purpose: Supports applicants traditionally underrepresented in the theatre industry (honoring Broadway producer Ken Davenport’s father).
- Amount: $1,000
- Number awarded annually: 1
- Eligibility: Graduating seniors who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color

- Mark Drum Scholarship
- Purpose: Supports Asian and Pacific Islander Thespians (established by and in honor of Thespian alum and teaching artist Mark Drum).
- Amount: $1,250
- Number awarded annually: 1
- Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited college or university who are Asian or Pacific Islander

Theatre-education scholarships
- Alan D. and Penny Lu Engelsman Scholarship
- Purpose: Created in honor of the late Alan Engelsman, a longtime troupe director, educator, and author of theatre textbooks.
- Amount: $1,000
- Number awarded annually: 1
- Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors planning to major in theatre or a related field

- Future Theatre Educator Scholarship
- Purpose: Established by Nebraska and Indiana chapter leadership with backing from chapter leaders nationwide to support future teachers.
- Amount: $1,500
- Number awarded annually: 1
- Eligibility: Graduating seniors enrolling in an accredited college or university as theatre education majors

- Gai Laing Jones Theatre Education Scholarship
- Purpose: Created by a former EdTA board president to help preservice theatre educators complete their degrees.
- Amount: Up to $2,000
- Number awarded annually: 2
- Eligibility: College juniors, seniors, or graduate students working toward a theatre education degree at an accredited college or university

Leadership scholarships (Leaders of the Future)
- Board of Directors & Presidents' Leadership Scholarships
- Purpose: Funded by and in honor of past and current EdTA board directors and presidents.
- Amount: $1,000 each
- Number awarded annually: One Board of Directors Scholarship and one Presidents' Leadership Scholarship
- Eligibility: Graduating seniors who can demonstrate leadership abilities

- Christopher L. Hunt Scholarship
- Purpose: Honors the late EdTA marketing director.
- Amount: $1,000
- Number awarded annually: 1
- Eligibility: Graduating senior pursuing a degree and career in business or marketing

- Michael J. Peitz Leadership Scholarship
- Purpose: Honors a former EdTA executive director.
- Amount: $1,500
- Number awarded annually: 1
- Eligibility: Graduating seniors who can successfully demonstrate leadership abilities

Quick advice (from a teacher)
- Note the application window (Feb 1–Apr 1) on your calendar and start your materials early.
- Match your application to the scholarship purpose and eligibility—read each listing carefully.
- If you want, I can help you pick which scholarships to apply for or review your application materials.