Broadway Producer, Ken Davenport, partnered with the Educational Theatre Foundation to establish a new scholarship this year, intended to promote racial equity in the theatre industry. The Dr. Kenny D. Hasija Scholarship is a $1,000 one-time scholarship in honor and memory of Davenport’s father, the late Dr. Kenny D. Hasija, and made possible through a gift from The Dr. Kenny Encouragement Fund. Davenport established this memorial scholarship because he would not have a career in the theater, without the encouragement of his father.
An immigrant from India, “Dr. Kenny” practiced cardiology and internal medicine at Harrington Memorial Hospital in Southbridge, Massachusetts, while maintaining an active interest and participation in the arts, particularly theatre, and encouraging others to do the same.
The Dr. Kenny D. Hasija Scholarship will seek to support applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in the theatre industry, such as those who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color. Applicants should be inducted members of the International Thespian Society (Thespians) who are graduating seniors or Thespian alumni who are pursuing undergraduate studies at an accredited college or university, and who plan on a career in any area of the theater, from performing to producing.
Applications will be accepted through April 1, 2021. You can help support theatre students pursuing higher education with a donation to the Educational Theatre Foundation.