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Awards and Scholarships

Scholarships in the School of Theatre serve two purposes: to recruit talented students and to recognize student contributions to the School. Scholarships are administered through the Recruitment, Admissions and Scholarship Committee, which acts in advisement to the Director of the School. All scholarships are awarded in compliance with Affirmative Action policies of the University.

Forms of scholarships:

  • Tuition Scholarship: These scholarships cover partial costs of tuition. They are usually granted to new Theatre majors (first year and transfer students) who are evaluated on previous achievement and potential for success. They are renewable, on a semester by semester basis, for up to four years so long as the student continues to meet the criteria of the scholarship

  • Talent Grant-in-Aid: These scholarships cover partial costs of tuition or fees. They are generally granted to continuing Theatre majors, who are evaluated on academic achievement, production work, and service to the School. They are granted for one semester, although students may apply every semester.

  • Friends of the Arts: These cash grant scholarships are made available through the efforts of the Illinois State Friends of the Arts. They are generally granted to continuing Theatre majors, who are evaluated on academic achievement, production work, and service to the School. They are granted for one semester, although students may apply every semester.

  • Theatre Education: These cash grant scholarships are generally granted to continuing Theatre Education majors, who are evaluated on academic achievement, production work, and service to the School. They are granted for one semester, although students may apply every semester.

The number of scholarships is limited and dependent upon outside funding sources.

Additional scholarships/awards

  • The Jean Scharfenberg Scholarship: This award is funded by a bequest from Jean Scharfenberg, one of the founding faculty of the School of Theatre. The cash award is granted to a graduating Acting major who exhibits extraordinary potential.

  • The Caroline Gordon Scholarship: This award is funded by a bequest from Caroline Gordon, long-time staff member of the School of Theatre. The cash award is granted to an upcoming senior who has shown outstanding commitment to the School.

Other scholarships and awards may become available through Illinois State University Foundation grants or other sources.

Talent admissions

Students who are denied admission by Illinois State University may contact the School of Theatre about our Talent Admission policy. The School may be able to assist students with exceptional potential in the admission process. Students receiving Talent Admissions are not eligible for monetary scholarships until they successfully complete one semester.

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