Thespian Scholarships

Merit- and talent-based financial aid for Thespians

EdTA is proud to offer scholarships that recognize Thespian achievement by supporting honor society students’ education and training. The scholarship application period is January 1 to April 1. Only inducted Thespians may apply.

Racial Equity Scholarships

Dr. Kenny D. Hasija Scholarship

The Dr. Kenny D. Hasija Scholarship honors Broadway producer Ken Davenport’s father by supporting applicants traditionally underrepresented in the theatre industry.

  • Amount: $1,000
  • Number awarded annually: 1
  • Eligibility: graduating seniors who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color

Applications Open January 1

Mark Drum Scholarship

The Mark Drum Scholarship was created to support Asian and Pacific Islander Thespians with donations from and in honor of Thespian alumni, EdTA board member, and teaching artist Mark Drum.

  • Amount: $1,250
  • Number awarded annually: 1
  • Eligibility: graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students in an accredited college or university who are Asian or Pacific Islander

Applications Open January 1

Theatre Education Scholarships

Future Theatre Educator Scholarship

The Future Theatre Educator Scholarship helps Thespians in pursuing a career in theatre education. It was created by Nebraska and Indiana chapter leadership, with funding from chapter leaders across the country.

  • Amount: $1,500
  • Number awarded annually: 1
  • Eligibility: graduating seniors enrolling in an accredited college or university as theatre education majors

Applications Open January 1

Gai Laing Jones Theatre Education Scholarship

The Gai Laing Jones Theatre Education Scholarship was created by former EdTA board president Gai Laing Jones to support preservice theatre educators in completing their degrees.

  • Amount: $2,000
  • Number awarded annually: 2
  • Eligibility: college juniors or seniors working toward their theatre education degree at an accredited college or university

Applications Open January 1

Leadership Scholarships

Board of Directors & Presidents' Leadership Scholarships

The Board of Directors Scholarship and Presidents’ Leadership Scholarship were created with donations by and in honor of past and current EdTA board directors and presidents.

  • Amount: $1,000
  • Number awarded annually: 1 of each
  • Eligibility: graduating seniors who can successfully demonstrate leadership abilities

Applications Open January 1

Christopher L. Hunt Scholarship

The Christopher L. Hunt Scholarship honors the late EdTA marketing director.

  • Amount: $1,000
  • Number awarded annually: 1
  • Eligibility: graduating senior pursuing a degree and career in business or marketing

Applications Open January 1

Michael J. Peitz Leadership Scholarship

The Michael J. Peitz Leadership Scholarship honors the former executive director of EdTA.

  • Amount: $1,500
  • Number awarded annually: 1
  • Eligibility: graduating seniors who can successfully demonstrate leadership abilities

Applications Open January 1

International Thespian Festival Scholarships

At EdTA’s signature student event each summer, high achievers in the International Thespian Excellence Awards (Thespys®) are considered for more than $40,000 in educational and training scholarships. The path to these scholarships starts by qualifying for the final round of adjudication in the Thespy Awards at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) at local chapter events. 

Chapter Scholarships

EdTA’s chapters award more than $200,000 annually to Thespians through their own scholarship programs, many associated with participation in state Thespian festivals. EdTA matches up to $1,000 per chapter. Contact your chapter for more information.

Scholarship Recipients

Explore Past Recipients by Year

Questions?

Our program services team is happy to help!