New Line Theatre Accepting Applications for Musical Theatre Scholarship

New Line Theatre, "the Bad Boy of Musical Theatre," now in its Twentieth Anniversary Season of provocative, alternative musical theatre, is accepting applications for its 2011 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 2011 scholarship will be $1,000, and is funded by contributions from New Line supporters. Judith Newmark, senior theatre critic for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, selects the winner of the scholarship each year.
 
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, majoring in musical theatre. Jake was also the directing intern and assistant director for New Line's Evita in July 2010. He will be directing the musical Songs from an Unmade Bed in Chicago in April.
 
"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 Jake and Matt 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 1. Judith Newmark, senior 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.

Send all materials to:
Scott Miller
New Line Theatre
3802-A Keokuk Street
St. Louis, MO 63116
For questions, call 314-773-6526 or email us at info@newlinetheatre.com.

New Line Theatre is a professional company dedicated to involving the people of the St. Louis region in the exploration and creation of daring, provocative, socially and politically relevant works of musical theatre. New Line receives funding from the Regional Arts Commission, the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
 
New Line is also looking for young actors for its June show, the pop opera, bare, and will hold auditions March 14 and 21. Twelve of the fifteen characters are high school students, but New Line will not cast anyone under 17. More info is available at http://www.newlinetheatre.com/auditions.html
 
New Line's 20th season continues with the rock musical Two Gentlemen of Verona, March 3-26; and the pop opera bare, June 2-25. New Line continues to offer the New Line Free Seats, ten seats put aside for every performance, free to anyone with a valid college student ID, as well as $10 tickets to any performance for high school students with a valid ID. For tickets, call Metrotix, 314-534-1111. For other information, visit New Line Theatre's full-service website at www.newlinetheatre.com. All programs are subject to change.

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