The University of Massachusetts supports students through a variety of scholarships and awards, and we are proud to note that we directly recognize our students through a number of scholarships targeted specifically for theater-makers and scholars!
Department of Theater Awards and Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and donors, we are able to administer the following awards to students within our department. In most cases, and unless otherwise indicated below, students are nominated by faculty and staff with whom they work in class and on productions.
THE SUSAN M. AND LARRY G. BENEDICT SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT IN THE DEPARTMENT OF THEATER
Usually awarded to three students per year. Generally around $1000 per recipient, depending on the endowment.
The Susan M. and Larry G. Benedict Scholarship Endowment was created to provide undergraduate scholarship support for students within the Department of Theater who are studying theater design, production, and management. Special consideration will be given to sophomores and juniors who have demonstrated technical proficiency and a commitment of professionalism. Nominations are made by Theater faculty and staff and selected by a faculty and staff committee in consultation with the Chair.
THE STEPHEN DRISCOLL '73 BRITISH AMERICAN DRAMATIC ACADEMY (BADA) SCHOLARSHIP
Usually awarded to one student per year. Awarded to the top-scoring UMass Theater student auditioning for the program
Enables one qualified student from UMass to attend the Midsummer in Oxford Program by covering 50 percent of tuition and airfare.
THE ED GOLDEN ACTING SCHOLARSHIP
Usually awarded to one to two students per year. Generally around $1,000 per recipient, depending on the endowment.
The purpose of the Fund is to honor the exemplary teaching career of Professor Emeritus Edward J. Golden by recognizing and fostering students with exceptional acting talent through scholarship awards. Awards may be made to one or more Theater majors who are either sophomores or juniors who have demonstrated outstanding promise and commitment to the art. Decisions need not be based on GPA or financial need, although either of these may be considered. Nominations are made each spring by performance fauclty, and selected by a faculty and staff committee, in consultation with the chair. Nominations are made by Theater faculty and staff and selected by a faculty and staff committee in consultation with the Chair.
THE FRANK PRENTICE RAND SCHOLARSHIP IN DRAMA
Usually awarded to three to four students per year. Generally around $750 per recipient, depending on the endowment.
The Frank Prentice Rand Scholarship in Drama is given to undergraduate theater students of exceptional scholarship and outstanding achievement in the areas of: Directing, Producing, Playwriting, Dramaturgy. Awards will be made primarily on the basis of scholarship and demonstrated merit in production work. Nominations are made by Theater faculty and staff and selected by a faculty and staff committee in consultation with the Chair.
THE PENNY REMSEN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY THEATER INTERNSHIP FUND
Usually awarded to one to two students per year. Generally up to $1,500.
Offers financial support to UMass Theater students pursuing internships in theater design and technology. Awards are specific to student needs, up to $1,500. Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply for support from this fund with proof of an internship offer. Awards are selected by the design, technology, and management faculty and staff, in consultation with the chair.
THE DENISE LESSARD WAGNER COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD
No scholarship funds awarded.
Given to graduating seniors who, through their beyond-the-call-of-duty dedication and commitment, have made an outstanding contribution to the community spirit of the Department of Theater. No scholarship funds awarded; students' names are added to a Department plaque. Nominations can be made each spring by any Theater Department student, faculty or staff member, and are selected by a faculty and staff committee, in consultation with the chair.
University Awards and Scholarships
Theater majors are also regularly recognized on a University-wide level for their work. The following are some of the awards and scholarships through which our students have been recognized for their important artistic and academic contributions to the campus community.
WILLIAM F. FIELD ALUMNI SCHOLAR AWARD
The William F. Field Alumni Scholar Awards were established in 1976 to recognize and honor third-year students for their academic achievements at UMass Amherst. The program was named in honor of William F. Field, the university’s first Dean of Students, for his outstanding support of academic excellence and his personal commitment to bringing out the best in every student. Administered by the Alumni Association.
Past theater winners include Angela Kwebiiha.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Senior Leadership Award recognizes graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to the UMass Amherst community. Award recipients have distinguished themselves through important contributions to student organizations, campus jobs, academic excellence and community service. Administered by the Alumni Association.
RISING RESEARCHER
Designed to raise the profile of our most promising undergraduate students and to publicly acknowledge their excellent work. This program is jointly supported by University Relations and Office of Research and Engagement. Winners are exceptional undergraduates who have demonstrated leadership and impact in their chosen area of study. Administered by UMass.
Past theater winners include playwright Tatiana Rodriguez, theater-maker and Queer & Now founder Garrett Sager, set designer Sean Sanford, and performer Kit Newell.
21st CENTURY LEADER AWARD
Recognizes the strong academic record and exemplary achievement of undergraduate students who further distinguished their intellectual accomplishments, and enhanced the reputation of the University; awarded at the annual university-wide commencement ceremony. Administered by UMass.
Past theater recipients include Shakespeare Festival founder Midori Harris, writer and performer Nissa Perrot, and theater maker, actor, and activist Miguel Paredes.
Academic Works
Students should check out AcademicWorks, a resource which offers a streamlined scholarship search and application process for all UMass Amherst students.
By submitting both the general and HFA applications via AcademicWorks, you will be automatically considered for all University-wide, College of Humanities and Fine Arts, and departmental opportunities for which you are eligible. You will also be invited to apply to other scholarships for which you may be eligible.
Other scholarships and award opportunities available for members of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts are listed here.
Other scholarship and award opportunities available on a university-wide level are listed by the Alumni Association.