Mary Doctor Performing Arts Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Blumenthal Performing Arts
Overview
The Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship Fund was created to honor Mary Doctor — a respected Charlotte-area entrepreneur and devoted advocate for youth and the Blumenthal Arts community. Each year, at the Committee’s discretion, as many as two graduating high school seniors from the Charlotte region may be awarded scholarships of up to $40,000 each.
Key dates
- 2026 application deadline: March 18, 2026
- Applicants will be advised of finalist status no later than Friday, April 3, 2025.
- Finalist auditions/presentations: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 (Stage Door Theater, Charlotte, NC) — attendance is required to remain eligible.
- Audition/portfolio schedule will be assigned no later than April 6 (year indicated by committee).
- Scholarship recipients will be notified by April 17, 2026.
Who should apply
Successful applicants typically show:
- Substantial financial need
- Above-average talent and strong commitment to one or more arts disciplines
- Promise for a professional career in the arts
- A desire to use the arts to positively impact others
- Admission to a college or university with an established arts program
- Plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in an arts field (examples: music, dance, theatre, technical theatre, arts administration, arts education, film, digital arts, studio arts, etc.)
- Residency within one of the qualifying Charlotte-area counties (see list below)
Student eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be graduating high school seniors in 2026
- Intend to pursue an undergraduate degree in an arts discipline (e.g., music, dance, theatre, technical theatre, film, digital arts, studio arts, arts administration, arts education, etc.)
- Live in one of these Charlotte-area counties: Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Union, or the South Carolina counties of Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster, York
Application packet — required items
All application materials must be submitted as specified. Packets must include:
1. Completed scholarship application form.
2. One-page or shorter essay (.pdf only) responding to: "You have now graduated college, what is your big dream?"
3. One-page or shorter personal statement (.pdf only) addressing relevant information such as: financial need, potential for a career in the arts, academic record, commitment to enriching others’ lives through the arts, notable achievements, and school/community involvement.
4. Most recent high school transcript (photocopies accepted; no camera-phone images).
5. Copy of the 2026–2027 Student Aid Report (SAR) showing the SAI number (detailed SAR with SAI required).
6. Reference form plus a recommendation letter from a current teacher or an industry professional.
7. Copy of college acceptance letter(s) and any financial aid award letters received to date.
8. Headshot or close-up digital photograph for press purposes if selected.
Selection process and finalist presentations
- The Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship Committee will review all applications and name a group of finalists. All applicants will be informed of finalist status by the date listed above.
- Finalists must attend the scheduled Auditions/Presentations on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Stage Door Theater in Charlotte; presence is required for consideration.
- Audition/portfolio presentation and interview times will be assigned no later than April 6 (per committee scheduling).
- Finalists will be scheduled in 14-minute blocks beginning at 3:00 PM and ending no later than 7:00 PM. Up to seven minutes of each block is reserved for the candidate’s audition or portfolio presentation; the remaining time is for committee discussion and questions.
Performance and portfolio guidelines
- Performance applicants may present up to two different art forms (for example: singing, dancing, instrumental performance, monologue, etc.) provided the total performance time does not exceed seven minutes. Audio playback and piano will be available. Finalists may request an accompanist or bring their own.
- Non-performing applicants (stage managers, designers, directors, composers, future arts educators, etc.) may submit a portfolio that can include programs, photos, letters of commendation, sketches, or other artifacts demonstrating artistic skill and experience. A screen with HDMI capability will be available for digital presentations.
Final notification
All finalists will be informed of scholarship awards by April 17, 2026.
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