Awards, grants, and scholarship directory
Awards
Grants
Scholarships awarded at Festival
Scholarships awarded independent of Festival
*If a deadline falls on a Saturday, the date will fall ahead to Friday. If a deadline falls on a Sunday, the date will fall back to Monday.
Awards*
Applications are accepted for the following awards:
The Educational Theatre Association’s Administrator’s Award
This award recognizes outstanding school administrators who have demonstrated exemplary support for educational theatre. Administrators or administrative teams from all schools or school districts affiliated with the International Thespian Society are eligible.
The Educational Theatre Association’s Hall of Fame Award
The Hall of Fame Award is presented annually to up to five EdTA members who have dedicated themselves to promoting educational theatre and who have devoted twenty or more years of service to this cause.
The Educational Theatre Association’s Outstanding School Award
This award is given to a maximum of twelve high schools (up to 3 per region) each year whose theatre programs exemplify and promote high standards in educational theatre.
International Thespian Society's Inspirational Theatre Educator Award
The International Thespian Society recognizes up to three individuals annually who have inspired their students and dedicated themselves to providing quality theatre education.
The International Thespian Society's Honorary Thespian of the Year Award
The International Thespian Society (ITS) recognizes up to three individuals annually who have gone above and beyond the standard duties of a volunteer.
The International Thespian Society's Spirit of Thespis Award
The International Thespian Society recognizes up to three schools that have exemplified the adage “the show must go on” by demonstrating grace under pressure when faced with a serious challenge.
The following awards are granted through internal process:
The Educational Theatre Association’s Founders’ Award
The award is presented to an individual or a group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of theatre education, research and prcatice. The award recognizes work that supports the principles and mission of the founders to promote and strengthen theatre education.
The Educational Theatre Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award
The award presented to recognize individuals, celebrities, or groups for their contributions to theatre or theatre education.
The Educational Theatre Association’s President’s Award
The award is presented to an individual deemed worthy for exceptional contributions to the Association, EdTA President, board of directors, or volunteer leadership of EdTA.
The Educational Theatre Association’s Standing Ovation Award
The award recognizes companies or corporations who support the principles and mission of the Association.
Grants*
Doug Finney Festival Grant
This needs based grant is given annually to four high school juniors or seniors who are inducted members of ITS. The grant covers the basic Festival registration fee and reimburses travel expenses up to a dollar amount set at the beginning of each school year.
The Educational Theatre Association’s Annual Conference Grant for New Educators
This grant covers the basic Conference registration and one Professional Development Institute. Up to three grants will be awarded anually.
The Educational Theatre Association's Annual Conference Grant for Experienced Educators
This grant covers the basic Conference registration and one Professional Development Institute. Up to three grants will be awarded annually.
The Educational Theatre Associations Annual Conference Grant for Pre-Professional Members
This grant covers the basic Conference registration and one Professional Development Institute. Two grants will be awarded annually.
Send a Troupe to Thespian Festival Grant
This grant is for one current Thespian troupe of the International Thespian Society (ITS) which has never previously attended the Thespian Festival and can demonstrate financial barriers to attending. The application can be submitted by a Thespian troupe director or an inducted Thespian, with the approval of the troupe director.
Scholarships Awarded at Festival*
Excellence in Theatre Performance Scholarship. A scholarship awarded to graduating seniors entering college programs to major in the communicative arts (theatre, film, speech, radio and television, broadcasting, music, or dance).
Future Theatre Educator Scholarship. A one-time $2500 scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors entering college programs to major in the communicative arts (theatre, film, speech, radio and television, broadcasting, music, or dance).
Melba Day Henning Scholarship. A scholarship awarded to a graduating senior working toward a career in theatre education. The initial award of $1ooo a year is renewable for three additional years, up to a maximum of $4000, plus a $500 cash stipend awarded when the recipient secures a teaching position.
Theatre Performance, Technical, or Playwriting Scholarship. A one-time $2,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior entering a college program to major in theatre performance, technical theatre, or playwriting. If the Playwriting Scholarship, the recipient must have been a finalist in the Thespian Playworks program during one of the previous four years.
Scholarships Awarded Independent of Festival*
Austin Yeatman Technical Theatre Scholarship
A one-time award of $1000 to a graduating senior studying technical theatre in college.
Jhon Marshall/International Thespian Officers’ Outstanding Student Achievement Scholarship
Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who exemplify the ideals of the International Thespian Society.
Bob and Marti Fowler Future Theatre Educator Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing an education major in theatre and who demonstrates leadership qualities, an excellent work ethic, the ability to effectively work as a member of a production team, strong character, academic ability, organizational skills, and experience in different aspects of theatre.
EdTA President's Scholarship
This $1000 scholarship was created with donations by, and in honor of, past and current EdTA board presidents. This scholarship is intended for inducted Thespians who successfully demonstrate leadership abilities. Emphasis is placed on the student’s troupe involvement, demonstrated leadership abilities, and demonstrated leadership experiences both in and out of school. The applicant need not be a theatre major in college.
