New Line Theater Announces Fourth Annual Musical Theater Scholarship

New Line Theatre, "the Bad Boy of Musical Theatre," now in its 21st season of provocative, alternative musical theatre, is accepting applications for its 2012 scholarship. Each year, the New Line Theatre Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship to one St. Louis metro area high school senior who shows the potential to make outstanding artistic contributions in the musical theatre.

This scholarship is available only to high school seniors planning to study musical theatre in college (it does not require majoring in musical theatre). There are no restrictions on the use of these funds. The 2012 scholarship will be $1,500, and is funded by contributions from New Line supporters. Judith Newmark, theatre critic for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, selects the winner of the scholarship each year.

In 2011, New Line awarded the scholarship to Patrick Beecher from Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School, who now attends Northwestern University. In 2010, New Line awarded the scholarship to Matt Dumke from Kirkwood High School, who now attends Missouri State University. In 2009, New Line awarded the scholarship to Jake Fruend from Webster High School, who now attends Columbia College in Chicago. Jake was also the directing intern and assistant director for New Line's Evita in July 2010.

"We've been wanting to offer an annual scholarship for years," says New Line artistic director Scott Miller, "and we couldn't be happier to provide this small help to some young artist who wants to pursue work in the musical theatre. As I've said many times, musical theatre is one of our few indigenous American art forms and it's never been more vigorous or more adventurous than it is right now. It's an amazing time to be working in the American musical theatre, and we hope that these impressive young people find as much joy in that work as the New Liners all do."

Requirements for Application:

– Cover letter, including all contact info (address, phone, email, etc.)

One of the following two:
– One-page essay about why the student plans to study musical theatre OR
– One-page essay on a theatre or music experience that has had a big impact on the student

– Resume of past theatre and/or music work

– Recommendation letter from one drama, music, or dance teacher

– Recommendation letter from one other teacher or administrator

Applications must be postmarked no later than April 30. Judith Newmark, theatre critic for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch will make the final decision. Proof of enrollment in an accredited university or college is required before the check will be issued. No emailed or faxed applications will be accepted.

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