Educational Theatre Association Thespian Scholarships
Theatre scholarship guide
Scholarship details
- Funder
- Educational Theatre Foundation / Educational Theatre Association (EdTA)
- Study level
- High School
- Scholarship type
- Nationwide
- Opens
- Deadline
- Inducted Thespian scholarships: Feb 1–Apr 1; Thespy Finalist Scholarships: Apr 1–30 (some May 15)
- Typical award size
- Typically $1,000–$6,000 depending on fund (Thespy finalist college awards up to $6,000; training awards ~$1,000)
- Website
- Apply or learn more
Eligibility criteria
Inducted Thespians for EdTA/ETF scholarships (e.g., Dr. Kenny D. Hasija for BIPOC seniors; Mark Drum for AAPI Thespians; Future Theatre Educator; Gai Laing Jones). Thespy Scholarships require International Thespian Excellence Awards finalist status (superior rating at chapter event).
Application steps
- Confirm Thespian induction and/or Thespy finalist status.
- Apply via Educational Theatre Foundation portal in the correct window.
- Complete essays and materials for specific named scholarships.
- Thespy finalists may interview virtually or at ITF; winners announced May/June.
Required materials
- Online scholarship application
- Thespian membership verification
- Essays/materials per named fund
- Thespy finalist credentials where required
Overview
EdTA is proud to offer scholarships that recognize Thespian achievement by supporting honor society students’ education and training. The scholarship application period is January 1 to April 1. Only inducted Thespians may apply. The Dr. Kenny D. Hasija Scholarship honors Broadway producer Ken Davenport’s father by supporting applicants traditionally underrepresented in the theatre industry. The Mark Drum Scholarship was created to support Asian and Pacific Islander Thespians with donations from and in honor of Thespian alumni, EdTA board member, and teaching artist Mark Drum. The Future Theatre Educator Scholarship helps Thespians in pursuing a career in theatre education. It was created by Nebraska and Indiana chapter leadership, with funding from chapter leaders across the country. The Gai Laing Jones Theatre Education Scholarship was created by former EdTA board president Gai Laing Jones to support preservice theatre educators in completing their degrees. The Board of Directors Scholarship and Presidents’ Leadership Scholarship were created with donations by and in honor of past and current EdTA board directors and presidents. The Christopher L. Hunt Scholarship honors the late EdTA marketing director. The Michael J. Peitz Leadership Scholarship honors the former executive director of EdTA.
Past recipients
Announced annually at/around International Thespian Festival; ETF awards $40,000+ in Thespy educational opportunities yearly
