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Scholarships.com Staff Image Written By: Scholarships.com Staff | Edited By: Cara Goldstone | Updated: June 13, 2025

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, 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.

The 25 Best Acting Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2025

  • 1

  • University of South Alabama/Drama Assistantships/Scholarships

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineJuly 15, 2025

We’re the University of South Alabama. Home to nearly 14,000 students and more than 125 academic programs, South is a dynamic community of leaders and learners who support and challenge one another to be actively engaged citizens who advance the Gulf Coast region and the world. Founded in 1963, South’s vision is to foster an environment that couples engaging learning experiences with high-level

  • 2

  • Austin College Theatre Scholarship

  • Amount$16,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 2026

Austin College is a small, liberal arts college where big things happen. Students and faculty engage in partnerships in learning that allow our students to become truly invested in their education. Our student body is a diverse one, but one that is welcoming and inclusive. A college education is an investment for a lifetime, and Austin College seeks to keep quality education affordable for

  • 3

  • Loyola University- New Orleans Need-Based Grants

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 2026

Applying for aid is simpler than you think. At Loyola, you have free reign to accomplish anything—and everything—that matters to you. And the degree to help you get there is immeasurable in value. From academic standards to real-world experience and the Jesuit tradition, this will be one of your best investments. While you're investing in yourself, we're here to help. We know the financial aid

  • 4

  • Hope College Distinguished Artist Awards - Theatre

  • Amount$12,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 16, 2026

Hope honors talented artists in the areas of creative writing, dance, music, theater and the visual arts. You’ll need to audition or submit a portfolio. The Distinguished Artist Award in theatre is for high school seniors and transfer students who intend to enroll at Hope College in the upcoming Fall. Renewable for four years, the Distinguished Artist Awards (DAA) provides eligible incoming art,

  • 5

  • Hope College Distinguished Artist Awards - Visual Arts

  • Amount$12,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 16, 2026

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

  • 6

  • Case Western Theater Scholarship

  • Amount$264,080
  • DeadlineFebruary 20, 2026

The Department of Theater at Case Western Reserve University is one of the first academic theater programs in the United States, founded in the 1930s by Barclay Leathem. We are strongly committed to educating students in the art and technique of theater, developing artists who have a mastery of craft, breadth of vision, and liveliness of thought. The liberal arts education we offer our Bachelor

  • 7

  • Hope College Distinguished Artist Awards - Dance

  • Amount$12,000
  • DeadlineMarch 2, 2026

We do everything we can to make sure that a Hope College experience provides great value at an affordable rate. This focus has earned the College recognition as a Best Value by Kiplinger's Personal Finance and Forbes’ Top Colleges, and inclusion in such books as Colleges That Change Lives and Putting Students First. Our students tell us that the financial aid they received made their dream of

  • 8

  • GRCF Grand Rapids Combined Theatre Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineApril 1, 2026

The Grand Rapids Combined Theatre Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to students who are full-time Theater Arts majors at an accredited college/university in the United States. Theatre experience is required at one of the local community theatres. Applicants must provide three letters of recommendation. Applications run from December until the due date. By connecting people, their passions

  • 9

  • Iowa Scholarships for the Arts

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineApril 1, 2026

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs empowers Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define our state. Throughout our generosity, financial aid is offered. Iowa Scholarship for the Arts is an award to help support student's future arts education. Applicants must be outstanding Iowa high school seniors who

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.