ACT Scholarship 2023

The Alabama Conference of Theatre (ACT) will hold auditions VIRTUALLY with callbacks at the College Fair held at the Trumbauer High School Festival.  Five $1000 scholarships for Alabama students (either high school seniors or community college students) planning to enter a four-year Alabama college or university, majoring in Drama or Theatre, will be awarded. Three scholarships will be awarded in performance (acting/musical theatre) including the Patricia Putman Performing Scholarship in honor of the past executive director of ACT.  Two scholarships will be awarded to technical/design applicants including the new Mary Nell Sloan Endowed Technical Theatre scholarship, presented in memory of the late Mary Nell Sloan, an active participant in Trumbauer, by the Jordan Groben family. The awards are announced at the Trumbauer Awards Ceremony in December and distributed when the student registers with an accredited undergraduate college or university within Alabama with the intention of majoring in theatre.

Applications will be evaluated on artistic merit and quality of work.  Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and a score of 19 and above on the ACT or 1000 and above on SAT test.

Applications should include:

• Completed application form
• Headshot
• Theatre Resume
• Verified GPA and ACT/SAT score
• VIRTUAL audition (acting/musical theatre) or presentation (technical theatre)
• Audition fee ($10)

Please have all of these things collected and ready before you begin your application.  They will be uploaded as you complete and submit your application.  Remember that the deadline is Friday, December 10, 2023 at 5 p.m.

In addition to the ACT panel of judges who make the scholarship award selections, the college and university representatives will have access to your audition materials.  They will be able to review your material multiple times and share it with colleagues so put your best foot forward. They may call you back to visit their booth at the college fair to speak with you further about opportunities in their theatre programs, or reach out to you directly.

Acting/Musical Theatre: Your audition may not exceed 90 seconds. You should slate at the top of your audition.  This should include: your name; play and playwright of your monologue(s); and the title of the song and show/musical (if including a musical selection). Your slate of name and selection do not count in the time. You must include a monologue.

You may present:

• One monologue or
• Two contrasting monologues or
• One monologue and one musical selection.  The musical selection may be done with an accompaniment track (without vocals) or piano. We suggest a 16–bar cut of a ballad or a 32-bar cut of an up-tempo piece. No a cappella auditions are allowed.

TIP: We want to see the authentic you.  Preferably select works for an age-appropriate character that does not require a dialect.

Your audition should be recorded with good lighting (we suggest a ring light) and a non-distracting background.  We should see at least from your waist up.  The audition should be from one take and not edited as if you were performing it live.  A clip from a show that you have been in, a performance reel, a commercial clip, or professionally edited studio tape is not allowed.

Technical Theatre: Your audition/presentation should not exceed 5 minutes. You should present your portfolio.

Your portfolio should include 3-4 pictures of an original, self-made technical project. (Examples include: a costume, a set design model, a make-up design, a prop, videos or photos of lighting or sound projects, a stage manager’s prompt book.) Each shot should show another angle of your project covering the entire piece.

In your presentation, highlighting the images, you might:

Discuss how it was made, what materials were used, and the overall design process. How you categorize your project: costume, prop, set model/design, lighting, etc.

Explain the materials you used to create your project.

Explain the techniques you used to build each part of your project as well as the design concept.

*You may use your pieces submitted in Trumbauer Individual Technical Events.

Tip: We want to know what you are interested in as a theatermaker and an artist. Be sure to include work that shows us who you are and the kind of artwork and theater that excites you.

SUMMARY: Complete the form, upload your headshot (Lastname_Firstname.jpg or .png). upload theatre resume (upload a Lastname_Firstnam.doc(x) or .pdf), a video audition (Lastname_Firstnam.mov).  .avi or .mp4) or a link to audition on YouTube or google cloud, and follow the instructions at the end of the application. No refunds will be given.

ACT is pleased to announce the Scholarship Recipients for 2022

• Aurkheem Jolley, Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance, Sponsor: Carl Dean -Musical Theatre) – Patricia Putnam Performing Scholarship
• Savannah Crawford, Daphne High School, Sponsor: Griffin Hood (Musical Theatre)
• Anna Bella Foster, Mountain Brook High School, Sponsor: Jane Ganey (Musical Theatre)
• Ryder Dean, Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance, Sponsor: Carl Dean (Technical Theatre)

The following are alternates.  In the event that our scholarship winners are not able to accept the scholarship, we will contact these candidates in order.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

• First Alternate: Isabelle Davis, Daphne High School, Sponsor: Griffin Hood
• Second Alternate: Lily Cameron, Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance, Sponsor: Carl Dean
• Third Alternate: Makenzie Nero, Spanish Fort High School, Sponsor: Mollie Betsch

Technical Theatre:

• First Alternate: Jungi (Birdie) Sun, Tuscaloosa Academy, Sponsor: Sara Margaret Cates

Note to Scholarship Winners: In order to receive the ACT Scholarship, the student must send a copy of their first semester registration showing intended major and school name and the contact information for the financial office that will process the scholarship.  Please also include student contact information.  The award will be sent directly to the school to be applied to the student’s balance.

ACT SCHOLARSHIP 2022

Deadline for submission:  Friday, NOVEMBER 11, 2022 by 5:00 pm CST.

To apply, CLICK HERE

The Alabama Conference of Theatre will hold auditions VIRTUALLY with callbacks at the College Fair held at the Trumbauer High School Festival.  Four $1000 scholarships for Alabama students (either high school seniors or community college students planning to transfer to a 4-year university next year) planning to enter a four-year Alabama college or university, majoring in Drama or Theatre, will be awarded. The scholarships are usually awarded to three performance and one technical/design applicant. The award will be presented to the student upon his or her registering with an accredited undergraduate college or university within Alabama with the intention of majoring in theatre.

Applications will be evaluated on artistic merit and quality of work demonstrated in your online submission including audition video and headshot. Other criteria considered are a minimum GPA of 2.5, a score of 19 and above on the ACT or 1000 and above on SAT test; artistic involvement; and quality of work.

AUDITIONS

VIRTUALLY again this year.  Submit your audition video and a headshot with the application.  

COLLEGE FAIR AND CALLBACKS

Date/Time: Saturday, December 3 Noon – 4pm at Trumbauer (Specific location TBA)

Your application and audition will be reviewed by the ACT Adjudicators to select Scholarship recipients and alternates. Scholarship awards will be announced at the Trumbauer Closing Ceremony, Saturday, December 3, 2022.

Your application and audition will also be open to the Alabama College/University Theatre members. They will issue “call-back” lists.  We encourage you to “check-in” with each college/university that calls you back at the College Fair.

BELOW IS THE TYPICAL IN-PERSON PROCESS

• The audition process starts with Technical/Design students. Student work will be set up in a room near the auditions. When the audition begins, the students will state their name and number. Students give a 90 second presentation of their material. If necessary, additional questioning by judges/college representatives will be allowed. After that, the judges/college representatives return to the Theatre.
• After the Tech/Design walk thru, the acting/musical theatre auditions begin.
• This is a closed audition. This is not a performance. Only the judges and college representatives are allowed to attend the audition.
• Performance selection is up to the student. It can be one monologue over the entire time, two contrasting monologues, or a monologue and a song.
• For the performance audition, a monologue MUST be presented.
• Whatever format is chosen is limited to 60 seconds.
• For musical auditions, an accompanist will not be provided. Acapella singing is not allowed. A speaker with a CD player AND a 3.5 mm headphone jack will be provided for use with digital music. All digital devices must have appropriate ports available without cases interfering. No other jack will be provided. This will be a strictly ‘plug and play’ situation. A sound technician will not be available.
• One student is asked to take the stage with student #2 waiting in the wings.
• When student #1 finishes, they return to their seat and #3 takes their place in the wings. Once #3 is in place and #1 has sat down, #2 begins. And so forth.
• The timer begins after the name and number of the student has been given. Students are asked to state their name and number prior to beginning, and again prior to leaving the stage. Time is called if the 60 second limit is reached.
• A five minute break is placed between 15 and 20 students to allow movement in and out of the room and to allow for a drink/restroom visit by the judges.
• Once the auditions are complete, the students are excused while the colleges compile their callback lists. The lists are delivered to the person conducting the session.
• Call back lists are posted in a common area outside of the audition room once all lists are collected. Students are then able to visit with specific colleges at the College Fair.

ACT is pleased to announce the Scholarship Recipients for 2020:

Acting/Musical Theatre:

• Michael McMullen, Huntsville High School, Sponsor: Meghan Phelps (Musical Theatre) – Patricia Putman Performing Scholarship
• Jazmin Miller, Pinson Valley High School, Sponsor: John Bailey (Acting/Musical Theatre)
• Kate Simechak, Carroll High School, Spark Theatre Company (Acting/Musical Theatre)

Technical Theatre:

• Olivia Creager, Shades Valley High School, Sponsor: Carl Dean (Technical Theatre)

The following are alternates.  In the event that our scholarship winners are not able to accept the scholarship, we will contact these candidates in order to offer it to them.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

• • First Alternate: Mary Fugate, Huntsville High School Sponsor: Meghan Phelps
  • Second Alternate: Olivia Lee, Spanish Fort High School, Sponsor: Jessica Jackson

Note to Scholarship Winners:  In order to receive the ACT Scholarship, the student must send a copy of his or her first semester registration showing intended major and school name and the contact information for the departmental secretary. Please also include student contact information. The award will be sent directly to the departmental secretary to be applied to the student’s balance.

ACT Scholarships:  2019 Scholarship Recipients

The Alabama Conference of Theatre Scholarship is an award presented to a high school senior or community or junior college transfer student at the annual Trumbauer Festival during the ACT Scholarship Screening Audition. $1000 awards are presented to four students (three acting/musical theatre and one technical/design). The award is presented to the student upon his or her entering an accredited undergraduate college or university within Alabama with the intention of majoring in theatre. (Other criteria considered are a minimum GPA of 2.5, artistic involvement, and quality of work.)

ACT is pleased to announce the Scholarship Recipients for 2019:

• Dominique Garcie, Southside High School, Sponsor: Jason Bozman (Acting/Musical Theatre) – Patricia Putnam Performing Scholarship
• David Beshirs, Huntsville High School, Sponsor: Meghan Phelps (Musical Theatre)
• Abagail Sledd, Grissom High School, Sponsor: Tee Guillin (Acting/Musical Theatre)
• Adam Stremmel, Donohoo School, Sponsor: Ashley Burrage (Technical Theatre)

The following are alternates.  In the event that our scholarship winners are not able to accept the scholarship, we will contact these candidates in order.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

• First Alternate: Anna Grace Haley, Tuscaloosa Academy, Sponsor: Sara-Margaret Cates
• Second Alternate: Harry Meyer, Grissom High School, Sponsor: Tee Quillin
• Third Alternate: Duncan Smith, Huntsville High School, Sponsor: Meghan Phelps

Technical Theatre:

• First Alternate: Sarah Robbins, Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance, Sponsor: Carl Dean
• Second Alternate: Karen Daniel, Pleasant Grove High School, Sponsor: Kayte Clowdus
• Third Alternate: Addie Zaner, Jacksonville High School, Sponsor: Lisa Nixon

Note to Scholarship Winners:  In order to receive the ACT Scholarship, the student must send a copy of his or her first semester registration showing intended major and school name and the contact information for the departmental secretary. Please also include student contact information. The award will be sent directly to the departmental secretary to be applied to the student’s balance.

ACT Scholarships:  2018 Scholarship Recipients Announcement

The Alabama Conference of Theatre Scholarship is an award presented to a high school senior or community or junior college transfer student at the annual Trumbauer Festival during the ACT Scholarship Audition. $1000 awards are presented to four students (three acting/musical theatre and one technical/design). The award will be presented to the student upon his or her entering an accredited undergraduate college or university within Alabama with the intention of majoring in theatre. (Other criteria considered are a minimum GPA of 2.5, artistic involvement, and quality of work.) This year we had 86 applicants, 15 in technical theatre and 71 in acting or musical theatre.  Congratulations to everyone that auditioned.

ACT  Scholarship Recipients for 2018:

• Rebekah Pierce, Grissom High School, Sponsor: Lydia Palmes (Technical Theatre) – attending Jacksonville State University
• Molly Culp, Huntsville High School, Sponsor: Meghan Phelps (Acting/Musical Theatre) – attending University of Montevallo
• Trinity Ross, Booker T Washington High School, Sponsor: Heather Leyde (Acting/Musical Theatre) – attending University of Alabama

And finally, named in honor of our the Alabama Conference of Theatre’s former Executive Director: The Patricia Putman Performing Scholarship:

• Sadie Farmer, Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance, Sponsor: Carl Dean (Acting/Musical Theatre) – attending University of Alabama at Birmingham

ACT Scholarship Alternates for 2018:

In the event that our scholarship winners are not able to accept the scholarship, we will contact these candidates in order.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

• First Alternate: Madison Mickle of Corner High School, Sponsor: Megan Garner
• Second Alternate: Makinley Patterson of Florence High School, Sponsor: Darren J. Butler
• Third Alternate: Robert Armstrong of Wetumpka High School, Sponsor: Jeff Glass

Technical Theatre:

• First Alternate: Kelsey Dunahoo of Saint James School, Sponsor: Lonny Harrison
• Second Alternate: Marissa Councill of Lee High School, Sponsor: Bryan Comer
• Third Alternate: Lily Farnworth of Prattville High School, Sponsor: Blair Dyson

ACT  Open Jar Scholarship Winner for 2018:

We thank Angelique Ilo of Open Jar Institute for leading several master classes and holding auditions.  The Open Jar Institute provides over $25,000 in talent-based scholarships to select students each year. We are pleased to present the Open Jar Institute $600 Scholarship to attend the 2019 Broadway Summer Intensive to:

Mallie Lyons of Baker High School, Sponsor: Eric Browne

Note to Scholarship Winners:  In order to receive the ACT Scholarship, the student must send a copy of his or her first semester registration showing intended major and school name and the contact information for the departmental secretary. Please also include student contact information. The award will be sent directly to the departmental secretary to be applied to the student’s balance.

SETC SCHOLARSHIPS  2020

Please visit setc.org for more information/deadlines and also the college/university section of this website.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]