For many students, a career in theatre is often a dream limited by access and funding. The Marion Combs Career Inspiration Scholarship, part of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s (ETF) Thespy scholarships, aims to change that. Named for Marion Combs, whose work with ETF transformed countless lives, the scholarship honors his legacy by supporting graduating BIPOC Thespy finalists.
In 2014, Combs came out of retirement to serve as Vice President of Development at EdTA, where he played a pivotal role in launching programs including JumpStart Theatre, Pathway Grants, and the Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants. After his passing in 2022, his family and ETF established this scholarship to continue his mission of empowering students through theatre education.
This year’s recipient, Caira Fisher-Rogers from Olentangy Orange High School, is a testament to that vision. ETF spoke with her to learn more about her theatre education journey and how the scholarship is helping her pursue her dreams at the University of Cincinnati, Conservatory of Music (CCM).
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Finding Identity in Theatre
Fisher-Rogers got her start in the performing arts as a gymnast where she enjoyed combining movement and ability to tell a story. That interest expanded, leading to singing lessons, roles in her church’s Christmas shows, and eventually high school theatre. Like many students, COVID had its impact on the availability of roles and performances, but for Fisher-Rogers, it also expanded her view on what art could be.
“It helped me realize I wanted to do something in social justice because of the Black Lives Matter movement and George Floyd,” she said. “Everyone’s speaking up and speaking out about it…I wanted to do something in that field, but I didn’t know what.”
Luckily, she had an opportunity to “put two and two together,” thanks to the selection of the school’s first show following the return to in-person learning, Hairspray. While it wasn’t her first production, it was the first where she had a larger role and a story she could identify with. “It was hard because I went to a predominately white school, so we didn’t have a lot of black students for the cast,” she said. “But we ended up making it work, and I loved telling the story.”
The experience influenced her focus on exploring identity in her roles and led to the creation of a BIPOC theatre collective at the school.
A Legacy of Impact
As part of the application for the Marion Combs Career Inspiration Scholarship, students are asked to share what they hope to achieve as professional artists. For Fisher-Rogers, that goal is big. “Theatre has taught me to love myself and my skin color,” she said. “I’m going to use it as an amazing opportunity to change the world.”
While she knows it’s a big goal, it isn’t a surprising one considering her unique connection to theatre history. A few years ago, in an effort to learn more about her family history, Fisher-Rogers took a DNA test. Not only did the test results trace her lineage to Nigeria, but also it highlighted a “incredibly inspiring” connection to Lena Horne.
“Once I did my research, I learned she was a trailblazer in the civil rights movement and used her talents of singing and dancing to fight for equality,” she said. “The connection serves as a powerful reminder of the impact theatre and performance can have on society, and moving forward, I’m going to draw from her resilience, courage, and commitment to using her art for a greater cause.”
The Importance of Access
Fisher-Rogers is now working towards that goal at CCM, a path she credits in part to a shifting mindset and access to scholarships. “Personally, receiving this recognition was incredibly meaningful,” she said. “It validated my hard work and dedication, knowing that others believe in my vision and potential.”
With her first semester at CCM now in the books, Fisher-Rogers already notes a change in her mindset. “Performing has always been my hobby…this is a career,” she said. And while she still has traditional lecture classes, much of her time is now filled with classes focused on her craft. “It’s more physically demanding, but it’s been really fun. I gained a family I’m constantly around.”
Fisher-Rogers is set to graduate in 2028 with a BFA in Musical Theatre, with hopes of traveling, performing, and eventually making her way to New York. While she recognizes her story is unique, the value of sharing it is not.
“To other young artists who dream of using their talents to create change, I’d say: Believe in the power of your voice and the stories you want to tell. What may be normal to you, could be a powerful story to somebody else,” she said. “Theatre is a powerful medium that can inspire, educate, and provoke thought. Keep striving to make a difference through your art, and you’ll be amazed at the positive influence you can have on the world.”