How can you earn a college scholarship for theatre?

[supportivemom]

Posted: 4/8/09 at 10:34pm

My daughter was just asking me about how you can earn college scholarships for theatre. She also asked what colleges give scholarships for theatre. Are there any full-ride scholarships? I did a search but nothing came up. I told her I would ask the experts on the student board. Thanks to all for your responses! It's really appreciated!

[supportivemom]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 12:27pm

Wow- so no one here has ever applied for a theatre scholarship?!

[Juliash]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 5:08pm

Supportivemom, I don't know of any independent ones that you apply for but I know that the way it works with most schools is you audition like normal, and if they like you enough, when you get your fafsa back you get a talent grant or scholarship, and they vary in size and depending on the college you apply to.

I don't know if that was remotely helpful, but I hope it was and good luck!

[supportivemom]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 6:58pm

Thanks Juliash! That was VERY helpful1 I had no idea how that works and now I have more insight!

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 10:26pm

First of all, see which schools your daughter is interested in, and really research the scholarships that the specific school offers. Schools can offer general merit scholarships to incoming freshman. I did not apply to any theater programs, so I do not know anything about talent scholarships directly from schools, but go get a scholarship book at a bookstore or have your daughter go to her guidance counselor for help. Sometimes you can apply for scholarships related to a specific major. In addition, you can find many other general merit or need-based scholarships and other specific scholarships for random things such as being a member of a certain organization or being a certain nationality. You really have to do a comprehensive search and use more methods than just searching online.

One more thing - do not forget to file the FAFSA. Also, see if the school requires the CSS Profile too (my school did, but I do not know how common it is).

Good luck!

[supportivemom]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 10:42pm

Thanks millie. I really appreciate all of that information. By the way- good luck with your job search. I already know you are very bright because BU is VERY selective!

[SarahBeth]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 10:51pm

My school has a scholarship for incoming seniors. I got it this year and it covers one semester's tuition, no application needed. They just choose somebody. There's also the smaller ones that our sister organization gives out that are by audition and interview.

[supportivemom]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 10:59pm

Thank you Sarah and congrats on your scholarship!

[somuchtodo]

Posted: 4/16/09 at 4:40pm

There are many local organizations that sponsor scholarships for music theater students.

In NJ check out the "Hickory Tree Chorus" chapter of the Sweet Adelines - http://hickorytreechorus.org/scholarship.html

In NY, Jenna's Dream - http://www.jennasdream.org/scholarships.aspx

We're not talking full rides here, but every bit helps!