In the spring of each year, the faculty consider all theatre arts majors, both graduate and undergraduate, for any available scholarships for the following year. Criteria vary, but faculty usually study both earned grade point average and participation in University Theatre. Awards are competitive, and the number and amount reflect available funding. Typically, students with a cumulative grade point average lower than 3.5 are not considered for theatre arts scholarships
Theatre Arts Scholarships
2024/25 AY scholarship applications will open in Spring 2025!
If you are a theatre arts major with a GPA at or above 3.5, you will be encouraged to complete a scholarship application that will be posted here in the spring. All applications will be evaluated by the Theatre Arts Faculty Committee. Recipients will be notified via email in late spring.
Anna Boyd Reed Scholarship
Provide scholarships to students majoring in theatre.
Arnold/Isabelle/Rupert Marks Scholarship
Awarded to aspirant actors who demonstrate potential dramatic ability in school or community theatre, while also carrying a full course load; may be given to graduate students (incoming or continuing) or undergraduates completing their sophomore or junior years. To be eligible for the scholarship, the candidate must maintain a satisfactory class standing.
Kenneth Olsen Scholarship
Awarded to fourth-year undergraduates—or a third-year, if necessary—who demonstrates active extra-curricular involvement and interest in a nonperforming technical aspect of theatre arts such as theatre administration, arts facility management, program director, stage management or the like. An applicant’s interest in pursuing graduate work in the field should be given all due consideration. It is the donors’ wish that a student seeking an award submit a brief statement of approximately 200 words or less of their unique qualifications, their plans in the field of arts management, and the contribution they feel they can make to the field. A statement of need, if included in a statement, should be considered but should not be determinative in making an award.
Theatre Alumni Gift Scholarship
Awarded to students who combine excellent scholarship with outstanding production work.
Ty and Holly Burrell Scholarship
Awarded to juniors and seniors majoring in Theatre Arts. Recipients shall be selected based on the following criteria: Demonstrated acting potential and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Priority given to applicants with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Jack Watson Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to students admitted to the Theatre in London Program, aimed to diversify opportunity and support for excellent students in special financial need.
The Very Little Theatre Scholarship
Awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding work in any area of theatre production, with preference towards those who have worked with Very Little Theatre in performance or production. Faculty send nominations to Very Little Theatre for selection.
Wilkes Scholarship
Awarded based on academic success and overall quality of academic work to undergraduate or graduate student(s) enrolled and majoring in a theatre arts degree. First preference is to be given to students who have demonstrated academic success and talent in the areas of playwriting, set design, and/or acting or directing.
Alexandra Bonds and Joseph Gilg International Travel Award
This award provides support to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled as majors or minors in the Department of Theatre Arts at UO to attend international exhibitions, festivals, performances, and conferences, such as the Prague Quadrennial and World Stage Design, but not limited to these. Uses may include covering all or a portion of the costs for students’ international travel, overnight accommodation, and meals while attending professional theatre events, exhibitions, and festivals. The award may also be used to cover performance tickets, workshop fees, and other costs related to students’ direct engagement with international theatre-related events. Preference will be given to students specializing in design, technology, and/or directing.
How to Apply
Applications are closed for 2023. Please check back for more opportunities. Applicants will need to submit the following:
- Name
- Confirmation of theatre arts major/minor/graduate student status
- Required GPA as of fall 2022: 3.5
- Two-page essay explaining your motivation for attending the 2023 Prague Quadrennial
Essay Requirements
- Statement about motivation: Refer to the Prague Quadrennial website and descriptions of workshops/production/events from previous events. What would you like to experience at the Prague Quadrennial this year?
- Explain how this trip will enhance your future goals.
- Highlight your recent involvement with the Theatre Arts department (courses, productions and other events).
- Speak briefly about your national and/or international travel experience.
- Financial statement: Please state that you will have international health insurance and that you have funds to cover additional costs while traveling.
- Confirm your passport availability.
College of Arts and Sciences Scholarships
The College of Arts and Sciences awards various scholarships to both incoming students and those who are already attending the UO, including donor-supported scholarships and fellowships; inclusion scholarships to support students coming to the UO from underrepresented communities; and financial support to assist students in completing an unpaid internship, research opportunity, or service-learning experience.
Financial Aid Department Scholarships
University-wide scholarships are offered centrally through the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. Scholarships are available to incoming students and to those who are already attending the UO and are based on merit, need, or a combination of both.
McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program (TRiO) prepares qualified juniors and seniors for graduate study leading to PhD degrees. UO McNair Scholars receive comprehensive support to earn undergraduate degrees, complete research projects in their fields of study, and apply to graduate schools. The program’s limited size provides a close-knit community while helping students gain a broad understanding of research and university culture.
Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
Scholarship for all current UO Juniors! The Knight-Hennessy awards full funding to study at Stanford University. You can pursue any graduate degree at Stanford, and this scholarship is open to all academic fields and degree types (JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, DMA, and PhD). They are looking for students who are independent thinkers, display purposeful leadership, and have a civic orientation.
Learn More About Knight-Hennessy
UO Libraries’ Award for Undergraduate Research Excellence (LAURE)
The Libraries’ Award for Undergraduate Research Excellence (LAURE) recognizes students who demonstrate high-quality academic work and excellent library research skills.
Congratulations on your research project! Now you have a chance to explain and win an award based on your research experience with the Research Process & Scholarly Growth Essay (750-2000 words). LAURE winners will receive a monetary award of $1,500. Project submissions can include:
- Single term papers and projects from a 200 level or above course
- Theses or multi-term papers and projects
- Group paper or project
Note: Group project submissions will need to identify one corresponding author to submit the application and receive monetary award, if selected.
Application deadline: All entries must be submitted prior to your graduation date.