Virginia Thespians Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Virginia Thespians

Theatre Performance: Acting Scholarship - This scholarship is designed to acknowledge and reward exceptional Thespians who are committed to pursuing excellence in acting. It is open to senior students who are planning to major or minor in theatre or a related field. The scholarship provides a $1000 award to the recipient.

Theatre Performance: Musical Theatre Scholarship - This scholarship is intended to celebrate Thespians who have demonstrated exceptional talent and passion for musical theatre. It is available to senior students who plan to major or minor in theatre or a related field. The scholarship includes a $1000 award.

Technical Theatre Scholarship - This scholarship is designed to recognize and reward Thespians who have shown remarkable dedication to the technical aspects of theatre. It is open to senior students who intend to major or minor in theatre or a related field. The scholarship provides a $1000 award to the recipient.

Theatre Education Scholarship - This scholarship is intended to honor Thespians who aspire to excel in theatre education. It is available to senior students who plan to major or minor in theatre or a related field. The scholarship includes a $1000 award.

Playwriting/Dramaturgy Scholarship - This scholarship is designed to recognize and reward Thespians who have a passion for playwriting and dramaturgy. It is open to senior students who intend to major or minor in theatre or a related field. The scholarship provides a $1000 award to the recipient.

Alumni Board Scholarship - This scholarship is intended to celebrate outstanding individuals within our community. It is available to all senior students, regardless of their intended major. The scholarship includes a $1000 award.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants must be Thespians.
2. Applicants must be in their senior year.
3. Applicants can apply to only one category.
4. Each school can nominate up to 3 applicants in the Performance, Musical Theatre, and Technical Theatre categories. Schools can nominate additional students for the Theatre Education or Playwriting/Dramaturgy categories.
5. Applicants must be a part of a registered Thespian Troupe.
6. Applicants must attend the Virginia Thespian Festival.

Judging System

The scholarship judging committee will consist of a carefully selected group of qualified adjudicators, typically including at least four members: one from education, one with a performance background, an Alumni Board representative, and one with a technical background.

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Thespian Activities/Résumé: 25%
• Recommendations/Essay: 15%
• Audition for performers/samples of renderings and designs for technical theatre/lesson plan for theatre educators and Interview/presentation for dramaturgy/playwriting: 60%

Please note that all application materials will become the property of the Virginia Thespian Society. Additionally, the name and photo associated with your Google account will be recorded upon file upload and form submission.

What Happens If I Win?

1. Scholarships are sent directly to the college/university's financial aid director by the Educational Theatre Association.
2. Winners will be contacted by the Virginia State Thespian Director and EDTA headquarters in the spring. Scholarship funds will be payable to the chosen college/university, not to individuals or organizations.