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Acting Scholarships

Regardless of how much natural talent actors and actresses may have, there are many benefits that come from formal training. A college education is a great way to gain knowledge and experience related to your craft, and can be instrumental in forging the connections that lead to your big break. Obtaining a college education can come with much drama, literally, and especially when it comes to finding the money to pay for school. Luckily, there are acting scholarships out there to help you perfect your skills without acquiring large amounts of student loan debt.

Many of those who pursue careers in the fine arts are propelled by a passion for the arts more than anything else. Landing a career in the theater or in the entertainment business can be overwhelming and gruesome. In this highly-competitive industry, financial aid is certainly encouraged to help support those artistic endeavors. Despite the competition, there are many organizations willing to help individuals accomplish their dreams.

To help prompt your involvement in the performing arts, here are a few scholarship opportunities for acting students. Many acting scholarships are college-specific but there are also many community and organization-specific scholarships. You can find more acting scholarships, as well as awards based on your other talents and interests by conducting a free college scholarship search.

Austin College Theatre Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 1/15/2021
  • Amount: $4,000
  • Awarded to students with talents in theatre - both for those who intend to major or minor in theatre and for those who do not intend to major or minor in theatre. A limited number of awards are available each year and are awarded annually. To be considered as a candidate, applicants must have a live audition or portfolio presentation and interview with theatre faculty in the early spring of their [...] More

GRCF Grand Rapids Combined Theatre Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2020
  • Amount: $2,000
  • The Grand Rapids Combined Theatre Scholarship Fund was founded in 1985 to award college scholarships to students pursuing study in theatre arts. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or training program with preference being given to theatre arts majors. Applicants must have experience in any Grand Rapids area community theatre venue. Finalists may be contacted for an [...] More

Hope College Distinguished Artist Awards - Visual Arts

  • Application Deadline: 1/20/2021
  • Amount: $12,000
  • Each year at Hope College up to sixty Distinguished Artist Award (DAA) scholarships are given to students with strong academic records and outstanding creative abilities in art, dance, music, theatre or creative writing. Renewable for four years, the DAA's provide eligible students with $3,000 each year toward their college costs. Application requirements: Up to 15 high quality 35mm slides [...] More

Iowa Scholarships for the Arts

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2020
  • Amount: $1,500
  • Iowa Scholarship for the Arts. Apply for a $1,500 scholarship to help support your future arts education.
    You must be an outstanding Iowa high school senior who excels and demonstrates a commitment to pursuing an education and career in the arts. You must plan to attend college in Iowa and major in the fine arts.For more information, or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website. [...] More

Loyola University Merit Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 2/15/2021
  • Amount: $14,000
  • Scholarships for first-year and transfer students are based on outstanding academic records, competitive test scores, and significant community involvement. Talent-based scholarships are also available in music, theater arts, and visual arts. Students are automatically considered for institutional merit-based scholarships when they apply for admission. These awards are based solely on academic [...] More

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Last Reviewed: February 2020

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