Georgia Thespian Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Georgia Thespian
Program overview
Georgia Thespians awards a total of $26,500 in college scholarships each year to thirteen senior Thespians. The program recognizes a range of achievements—leadership, performance, technical skill, service, and innovation—through named scholarships and multiple achievement awards. Selection methods include auditions, portfolios, troupe resumes, and interviews, depending on the award. This program centralizes awards under a single College Auditions & Scholarships application.
- Total annual funding: $26,500 for 13 recipients.
- Awards recognize leadership, performance, technical work, service, and innovation.
- Selection uses auditions, interviews, and portfolios as appropriate.
- One application covers both college auditions and scholarship consideration.
Scholarship awards
The program comprises one named $2,500 scholarship, several named $2,000 scholarships, and five $2,000 achievement awards. Each named scholarship has specific criteria—some emphasize leadership or service, others prioritize performance, technical skill, or theatre education. Selection for each award is based on submitted materials (resume, portfolio) and interview or audition performance as indicated. The awards collectively honor the legacy of educators and supporters of Georgia Thespians.
- One $2,500 scholarship and multiple $2,000 scholarships are offered.
- Five additional $2,000 achievement scholarships recognize broad theatrical excellence.
- Named awards include dedications to influential teachers and leaders.
- Selection criteria vary by award and are noted per scholarship.
Gerald Ray Horne Scholarship
Description: Awarded to a well-balanced Thespian who exemplifies service, talent, personality, determination, vision, and compassion, reflecting the career and leadership of Ray Horne.
Award Value: $2,500
- Recognizes balanced excellence across artistic and leadership qualities.
- Selection emphasizes character and contribution as well as talent.
Yatesy Harvey Theatre Educator Scholarship
Description: Recognizes a Thespian planning to major in Theatre Education. If no outstanding candidate for theatre education is identified, the panel may award the scholarship based on performance or portfolio instead.
Award Value: $2,000 (combined with an additional $1,000 from the International Thespian Society)
Eligibility: Intended primarily for students planning to pursue Theatre Education at the collegiate level.
- Priority given to prospective theatre education majors.
- Fallback selection possible based on performance/portfolio when needed.
Frank Pruet & Eric Ebell Vision and Innovation Scholarship for Leadership
Description: Awarded to a Thespian who demonstrates outstanding leadership, innovation, and vision through their troupe resume and interview.
Award Value: $2,000
- Focus on leadership combined with creative vision and innovation.
- Selection based on resume and interview evidence of impact.
Pam Ware Leadership Scholarship
Description: Given to the Thespian who best demonstrates leadership to their troupe, school, state, or community, reflecting the dedication and professionalism modeled by director Pam Ware.
Award Value: $2,000
- Emphasizes dedication to excellence and service in multiple contexts.
- Selection relies on troupe resume and interview.
Linda P. Wise Performance Scholarship
Description: Honors a Thespian who demonstrates outstanding performance talent through audition and an outline resume of roles and positions held during high school, in memory of Linda P. Wise.
Award Value: $2,000
- Performance-based selection via audition and documented experience.
- Award pays tribute to a long-serving director and teacher.
Gene & Imelda Bell Service Scholarship
Description: Recognizes a Thespian who best illustrates outstanding service to their troupe, school, state, and community through the troupe resume and interview.
Award Value: $2,000
- Focus on demonstrated service and community contribution.
- Selection includes review of resume and interview assessment.
Dwight Gilstrap Technical Scholarship
Description: Awarded to a student dedicated to technical theatre who demonstrates outstanding work and understanding of technical areas through a portfolio and interview.
Award Value: $2,000
- Technical excellence documented via portfolio is central to selection.
- Interview evaluates technical knowledge and commitment.
Paul Hampton Heart of a Thespian Scholarship
Description: Given to a Thespian who exemplifies dedication, creativity, and a genuine love for theatre arts and fellow Thespians, in the spirit of Paul Hampton.
Award Value: $2,000
- Recognizes passion for theatre and supportive community involvement.
- Selection emphasizes personal qualities as well as achievement.
Achievement Scholarships (five awards)
Description: Five scholarships awarded to Thespians who demonstrate outstanding qualities in any area of the dramatic arts and merit special recognition for their theatre achievements.
Award Value: $2,000 each
- Open to excellence across performance, design, technical, and leadership areas.
- Intended to recognize notable accomplishments beyond named-category awards.
Application process
There is a single application for College Auditions & Scholarships that covers auditions, college consideration, and all scholarship opportunities. Applicants submit one application and pay a single $25 audition fee regardless of whether they are auditioning for colleges, scholarships, or both. Submission materials vary by award and may include auditions, portfolios, troupe resumes, and interviews as required. Specific deadlines and submission instructions should be obtained from the Georgia Thespians program resources.
- One application covers all scholarships and college auditions.
- Flat audition fee: $25 per applicant.
- Supporting materials depend on the scholarship (audition, portfolio, resume, interview).
- Check official program resources for deadlines and submission details.