Thespy® Finalist Scholarships
Qualified International Thespian Excellence Awards (Thespys®) finalists — students who receive a superior overall rating at their chapter qualifying event and are eligible for the final round of Thespy adjudication — can apply for several scholarships that promote college and career advancement in the arts. The application period is April 1-30 annually unless otherwise noted. Scholarship finalists will be invited to interview virtually or at the International Thespian Festival (attending ITF is not a requirement). Scholarship winners will be announced during ITF.
Amy Bennett Musical Theatre Scholarship
Awarded by the Amy Bennett Foundation to a student who embodies Amy’s qualities of humbleness, joy, and a deep-seated passion for the arts.
- Amount: $4,000
- Number awarded annually: 1
- Eligibility: Thespy finalists in solo musical theatre who are graduating seniors planning to study musical theatre in college
Grace Kelly Scholarships
Awarded by Princess Grace Foundation to empower high school students to pursue their dreams in the arts. Four-year college scholarships include mentorship by a Princess Grace Award winner; training scholarships can be used for any training program.
- Amount: $6,000 for college scholarships, $1,000 for training scholarships
- Number awarded annually: 5 college scholarships, 5 training scholarships
- Eligibility: Thespy finalists in solo and duet performance categories or technical design and construction categories (excluding Short Film, Playwriting, Stage Management, Theatre Marketing); graduating seniors are eligible for college scholarships and rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible for training scholarships
Marion Combs Career Inspiration Scholarship
Funding toward college or career-readiness pursuits awarded to a student pursuing a career in theatre
- Amount: $2,000
- Number awarded annually: 1
- Eligibility: graduating senior Thespy finalists in any category
Open Jar Musical Theatre Scholarship
Presented by Open Jar Institute to fund attendance in its Broadway Summer Intensive
- Amount: $4,000 value
- Number awarded annually: 3
- Eligibility: Thespy finalists in solo or duet musical theatre, any grade level
Thornton Wilder Playwriting Scholarship
The Thornton Wilder Playwriting Scholarship honors the legacy of Thornton Wilder by recognizing an outstanding student playwright and supporting their next artistic steps. Established by the Wilder Family, LLC, this award celebrates Wilder’s enduring impact on American theatre and literature, including works like Our Town and The Skin of Our Teeth. The recipient will receive financial support and recognition to help continue their creative journey.
- Amount: $1,500
- Number awarded annually: 1
- Eligibility: Thespy finalists in playwriting, graduating senior