Educational Theatre Association Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Educational Theatre Association

The Educational Theatre Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to inducted Thespians who meet the stated eligibility requirements. Applications are accepted each year from February 1 through April 1, and recipients are announced in May.

Artists of the Future Scholarships

- Dr. Kenny D. Hasija Scholarship
Honors the father of Broadway producer Ken Davenport by supporting applicants who are traditionally underrepresented in theatre.
Amount: $1,000
Number awarded annually: 1
Eligibility: graduating seniors who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color

- Mark Drum Scholarship
Established with gifts from and in tribute to Thespian alum and teaching artist Mark Drum to benefit Asian and Pacific Islander Thespians.
Amount: $1,250
Number awarded annually: 1
Eligibility: graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students at accredited institutions who are Asian or Pacific Islander

- Alan D. and Penny Lu Engelsman Scholarship
Created in memory of Alan Engelsman, a former Thespian troupe director, theatre teacher, and author of theatre textbooks.
Amount: $1,000
Number awarded annually: 1
Eligibility: graduating high school seniors planning to major in theatre or a related discipline

Theatre Educators of the Future Scholarships

- Future Theatre Educator Scholarship
Funded by leadership from Nebraska and Indiana chapters and contributions from chapter leaders nationwide.
Amount: $1,500
Number awarded annually: 1
Eligibility: graduating seniors who will enroll in an accredited college or university as theatre education majors

- Gai Laing Jones Theatre Education Scholarship
Established by a former EdTA board president to assist preservice theatre educators in completing their degrees.
Amount: up to $2,000
Number awarded annually: 2
Eligibility: college juniors, college seniors, or graduate students pursuing a theatre education degree at an accredited college or university

Leaders of the Future Scholarships

- Board of Directors & Presidents' Leadership Scholarships
Supported by donations made by and in honor of past and current EdTA board directors and presidents.
Amount: $1,000
Number awarded annually: one of each
Eligibility: graduating seniors who can demonstrate leadership abilities

- Christopher L. Hunt Scholarship
In memory of a former EdTA marketing director.
Amount: $1,000
Number awarded annually: 1
Eligibility: graduating seniors intending to pursue a degree and career in business or marketing

- Michael J. Peitz Leadership Scholarship
Named for a former executive director of EdTA.
Amount: $1,500
Number awarded annually: 1
Eligibility: graduating seniors who can demonstrate leadership abilities

For all scholarships, applicants must be inducted Thespians and meet the specific eligibility listed above. Applications are available February 1–April 1 each year; winners are announced in May.