Arizona Thespians Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Arizona Thespians

Audition Overview

Scholarship auditions for colleges and universities will be conducted virtually, with live callback performances held at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Phoenix on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. Callbacks are mandatory and there are no exceptions. The audition process exposes students to conservatories, colleges, and universities both online and in person and serves as the basis for AZ Thespians scholarship consideration. Read all requirements carefully to ensure eligibility and timely submission.

Description: Virtual college/university auditions with in-person callbacks at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Phoenix on November 18, 2026. Callbacks are strictly enforced and attendance is required.

• Virtual auditions; live callbacks on Nov 18, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Phoenix.
• Callbacks are mandatory with no exceptions.
• Auditions provide exposure to college representatives and scholarship consideration.

Eligibility & Requirements

To be eligible for audition-based scholarships students must meet academic and membership standards and complete required preparatory steps. Key requirements include attending a Scholarship Workshop, registering on Acceptd by the October deadline (essay-only applicants are exempt from Acceptd registration), holding a 3.0 unweighted GPA, and being an inducted Thespian at the time of auditions. Applicants must intend to major in theatre; minors in theatre are not eligible for audition-based scholarships. Each school may enter up to three Thespians for auditions.

Eligibility: Graduating high school senior; 3.0 unweighted GPA; inducted Thespian; intending to major in theatre (minors not eligible); attendance at a Scholarship Workshop required; maximum three auditioners per school.

• Must be a graduating senior and an inducted Thespian with a 3.0 GPA (unweighted).
• Intent to major in theatre is required; minors are not eligible for audition scholarships.
• Only three Thespians per school may audition.

Registration & Checklist

Registration requires completion of two parts: the Audition Registration Form for college auditions and an Acceptd resume submission. There is a $35 fee payable through Acceptd (credit or debit only), and the Acceptd resume is the only resume form provided to college representatives. Failure to complete both parts by the October deadline will result in ineligibility; there are no exceptions. Workshop attendance is mandatory before auditioning and workshop links are posted on the AZ Thespians calendar.

Application Timeline: Attend one Scholarship Workshop (sessions listed below) and submit your Acceptd resume and registration by the October due date. Workshop sessions: September 2 at 6:00pm and September 16 at 6:00pm via Google Meet; meeting links are on the AZ Thespians calendar at https://arizonathespians.com/calendar/. Complete registration and pay the $35 fee through Acceptd at https://getacceptd.com/arizonathespians.

• Two-part checklist: Audition Registration Form and completed Acceptd resume (with photo).
• $35 fee paid directly to Acceptd; resumes must be submitted by the October deadline.
• Attend one Scholarship Workshop (Sept 2 or Sept 16) — links available on the AZ Thespians calendar.

Audition Guidelines

Students may audition in only one area: Vocal, Acting, or Technical, and must adhere to strict time limits and content rules. Vocal and Acting auditions consist of two contrasting 45-second selections (2 minutes maximum including slate and transitions); Technical auditions require a 3–5 minute portfolio presentation (5 minutes maximum including slate). No a cappella vocals, no TBA selections, and songs must be performed in the original key; costumes, props, and special makeup are not allowed (one chair allowed; table and easel permitted for technical). Callbacks are closed to all spectators and punctual, professional presentation is required.

Description: Audition time limits and content rules are strictly enforced: Vocal/Acting = 2 minutes max; Technical presentation = 5 minutes max. Include slates with the specified information (performer slate includes name, piece titles, show titles, playwrights/composers; technical slate includes name, technical area, show title).

• Choose only one audition area: Vocal, Acting, or Technical; time limits strictly enforced.
• No TBA selections, no a cappella, and songs must be in original key; minimal staging allowed.
• Callbacks are closed to spectators; be punctual and dress professionally.

Scholarships & Evaluation Criteria

AZ Thespians offers multiple book scholarships awarded at Festival, including both audition-based and essay/submission scholarships. Scholarship amounts vary by award and most audition scholarships are valued at $1,500, with some at $1,000; applicants must meet the 3.0 GPA and inducted Thespian requirements. Audition scholarships are evaluated using a weighted formula that considers talent/portfolio, resume, troupe involvement, grades, and interview. Essay scholarship applications are separate — current seniors who are inducted Thespians should consult the scholarship page for application forms and details.

Award Value: Examples include $1,500 awards for several named scholarships (Ellis Jordan Memorial, John Siler Memorial, Steve Halper Theatre Educator, Playwriting, etc.) and $1,000 for the Theatre for Life Scholarship; see the scholarship page for full listings and eligibility details at https://arizonathespians.com/scholarship-audition/.

Evaluation Criteria: Audition scholarships are scored as Talent/Portfolio 30%, Resume 20%, Thespian/Troupe Involvement 20%, Grades (GPA, SAT, ACT) 20%, and Personal Interview 10%.

• Multiple scholarships are awarded as book scholarships; most audition awards are $1,500 or $1,000.
• All applicants for AZ Thespians scholarships must be inducted Thespians with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Evaluation is based on a weighted formula combining talent, resume, involvement, grades, and interview.

Support & Contact

If you experience issues submitting your resume or have technical questions, contact the Acceptd support team for assistance. Acceptd provides applicant support for submissions, technical difficulties, and account issues. For immediate help, reach Acceptd by phone or email; sponsorship certification and teacher involvement are required for registration validation. Keep documentation of submissions and confirmations in case follow-up is needed.

Description: For technical support with Acceptd submissions contact Acceptd directly at 1.888.725.2122, EXT. 2 or [email protected]. Use the AZ Thespians website for workshop links and scholarship application details.

• Acceptd support: 1.888.725.2122, EXT. 2 or [email protected].
• AZ Thespians calendar and scholarship pages contain workshop links and application details.
• Keep confirmation records of workshop attendance and resume submission for verification.