Scholarships, Awards and Grants

Through the generosity of our donors, the Department of Theatre and Dance is able to support our most deserving students with the help of the following scholarships and awards. Guidelines for the awarding of each scholarship are outlined below.  meet their educational expenses visit the Office of Financial Assistance and Veterans Affairs.

To talk to a College representative about endowing a scholarship or award visit the Office of institutional Advancement.

DEPARTMENTAL TALENT AWARD AUDITIONS

The Department of Theatre and Dance will hold its annual Talent Award Day on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024. This is an opportunity for incoming freshman and transfer students to audition or submit a portfolio to be considered for department scholarships. 

Click here to learn more about audition and portfolio requirements and to begin your application for consideration. Applications open November 1, 2023.

 

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

 

EMMETT ROBINSON SCHOLARSHIP

Awarded in memory, honor, and recognition of Emmett Robinson '36 and his leadership and excellence in all aspects of the Theatre - design, direction, acting and teaching.  The recipient is a rising Senior Theatre major of any concentration with distinguished record of leadership and artistry in aspects of the Department.    

MARY JOLLENSTEN SCHOLARSHIP

Awarded in memory, honor, and recognition of Mary (Holloway) Jollensten and her particular strengths not only as a scholar and artist of the highest degree, but for her philanthropic spirit of assisting any student with financial need regardless of area of study.  The recipient is a Junior or Senior Theatre major of any concentration with demonstrable financial need, with however a particular emphasis on students in the design concentrations.

ROBERT IVEY SCHOLARSHIP IN DANCE

Awarded in memory, honor, and recognition of Robert Ivey and his particular strengths not only as a scholar and artist of the highest degree, but also as a siginificant and influential figure in Dance in South Carolina.  The recipient is a Dance major of any class year. At this time this scholarship is FUNDED.

AWARDS

MARIA ALICIA ELFE AWARD

This award recognizes outstanding students majoring in Theatre and is awarded to any Theatre Major, regardless of class year, excelling in any aspect of the Theatre.   

ARTHUR McDONALD AWARD

Awarded in honor and recognition of Arthur McDonald and his particular strengths not only as a scholar of the highest degree, but as an artist.  Awarded to a Junior or Senior Theatre major excelling in BOTH the scholarship and practice of Theatre with particular focus on the scholarship. 

FACULTY AWARD

Undergraduate Theatre or Dance majors, regardless of class year, who make the most significant contributions to or through the department by their scholarship, performance, production, and/or educational outreach.

FUTURE PROFESSIONAL AWARD - PERFORMANCE 

The Future Professional Award is given to an outstanding graduating Theatre major with a concentration in performance.  The recipients of this award are the actors, directors or stage managers who have demonstrated the highest level of artistic excellence, as well as the spirit of perseverance necessary to forge a career in the professional theatre. 

FUTURE PROFESSIONAL AWARD – PRODUCTION

The Future Professional Award is given to the outstanding graduating senior whose focus is design or technical direction.  The recipients of this award are the designers, technical directors, or technicians who have demonstrated the highest level of artistic excellence, as well as the spirit of perseverance necessary to forge a career in the professional theatre.

FUTURE TEACHER AWARD

This award is given to the outstanding graduating senior Theatre Major whose focus is Theatre for Youth.  Dependent on the generosity of donor/donors.

FRANKLIN B. ASHLEY PLAYWRITING AWARD 

Awarded in honor and recognition of Franklin B. Ashley and his particular strengths as a teacher/scholar and playwright.  This award supports and encourages the beginning playwright and is open to any undergraduate student (including non-majors) who through his/her application meets the criteria.  

VALERIE MORRIS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ACTING 

Awarded in honor and recognition of Valerie Morris, Dean of the School of the Arts.  This award recognizes the work of a single actor in a single play (no musicals) from the Department's season. 

CENTER STAGE AWARD

Award recognizes a student of any class year who has a proven record of commitment to the Center Stage organization.

THE STELLE AWARD

This is an award given to a rising sophomore Theatre major, in any area, nominated by faculty members for her/his clear and quantifiable commitment to the Department of Theatre and Dance 

CLARENCE AWARDS

Annual award determined by the number of donations received at the designated gift level.  Donors are paired with students as their guardian angels (or Clarences).  Awarded to students of any year, either major, and any concentration with a measurable commitment to and involvement in our production season.  It is expected that recipients will be active in the current season and that they will communicate with their patrons. 

JOHN OLBRYCH PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN

Awarded in honor and recognition of Associate Professor Emeritus John Olbrych.  This prize recognizes the work of a student design of any type on a production from the Department's season.

GRANTS

SURF GRANTS   Please click here to see information on Surf Grants received by Theatre majors.

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