There’s nothing quite like a night at the theater. But what the audience may not know or always remember is all of the hard work, dedication, and people it takes! Actors, playwrights, set designers, lighting specialists, stage managers, costume designers, technicians, sound designers, directors, composers, conductors, and more make a show come to life.
A college education can help you get ready for the big stage, too, whether you’re center stage or backstage. But college is expensive. Thankfully, there are plenty of scholarships that are dedicated to students planning to major in theater! So here is a list of 6 theater scholarships to help you get started.
1. Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 31
This scholarship encourages Asian-American students who wish to pursue a degree in one of the following: performing arts, visual arts, mass communication, and / or journalism. Not only will the scholarship winner be awarded financial aid, but they will also be invited to Against the Grain’s annual charity event.
To be eligible, a student must: be at least 50% Asian and / or Pacific Islander ethnicity, a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, demonstrate leadership abilities, be pursuing a degree in a relevant major, be enrolled full-time at a vocational, junior, or four-year college/university.
2. Patricia Van Kirk Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: TBD (Usually Opens in October)
The theater has long been a space for diversity and the celebration of what makes people different. The Pride Foundation recognizes this and so offers over 50 scholarships for students who are part of the LGBT+ community. (Students can apply to all 50 by submitting one application). This specific scholarship is for women who identify as lesbians. They also need to have an interest in a career in the theater arts.
In order to be eligible, students must: be a US citizen or legal resident, a lesbian woman, majoring or pursuing a degree in theater arts, be a graduate or undergraduate student, be a resident of one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska.
3. Lyon Graduate Fellowship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 29th
Dedicated to graduate students, the Lyon Graduate Fellowship is for graduate students in either the United States or Canada, but preference is given to filmmaking students. Other students in related fields, including writing, entertainment, and drama are welcome to apply. However, other aspects that will be taken into account include financial need, talent, and academic excellence.
The award, though hosted by the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, is not reserved to members (or men or women for that matter), but students do have to be attending school full time. Students can also apply every year.
4. AGL Over the Rainbow Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May
The AGL Over the Rainbow Scholarship, also known as the Blooming Artist Award, is an $1,000 award for high school students who specialize in fine arts. With the application due in May, decisions are made regarding winners in June or July.
To be eligible, students must supply a sample of performances or artwork through a 3 minute short video, three letters of recommendation, a copy of an acceptance letter to the college the student is planning to attend, and a resume of their background in chorus, theater, arts, or musicals.
5. Arts for Life Drama Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: February
For residents of Florida, there is the Arts for Life Drama Scholarship. 25 students win in a variety of different categories including creative writing, drama, dance, music, film, and visual arts. To be eligible for the award, students must still be in high school and submit two different pieces. These pieces can be either two monologues or one monologue and a singing piece.
6. Iowa Scholarship for the Arts
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: April
Iowa is another state that has a scholarship dedicated to theater and similar majors. If you’re planning on going to college in the area and going to study an arts-related major, you can apply to the Iowa Scholarship for the Arts. The deadline for this scholarship does vary from year to year, so make sure to check the latest deadline on their website so you don’t miss out.
There are scholarships out there for everything, from your major to the color of your hair! If you’re up for majoring in theater or a related area of study, there are plenty of scholarships out there for you. These are only five to help you on your search!
Are you on the lookout for scholarships, both related to your major and beyond? Using a scholarship database is one of the best ways to uncover the awards you qualify for and should apply to. College Raptor has its own Scholarship Search Tool that does the heavy lifting for you – just enter your information here to get started here for free!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
|
|
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
